Southern California towns are on high alert as the first Santa Ana winds of the season are set to arrive.
The red flag warning put out by the National Weather Service (NWS) Wednesday evening follows a relatively quiet wildfire season so far in California. Only 300,000 acres have burned since Jan. 1, compared to the over one million acres that fires have usually burned by mid-October.
Why are Santa Ana winds so dangerous?
Santa Ana winds blow in from the desert, typically between the months of September and May. The winds bring warmer temperatures and drier air to Southern California. They also greatly increase the risk of wildfires—warm winds coupled with summer drought can often make for a dangerous combination. The January 2025 fires that tore through the Pacific Palisades and Altadena were fueled by Santa Ana wind gusts that reached 100 m.p.h.
This week’s winds will not be as strong, according to NWS predictions. But that doesn’t mean the area is in the clear. The NWS has warned that, if any fires ignite, “conditions are favorable for extreme fire behavior.”
What areas of Southern California are under fire warnings?
The NWS has issued a red flag warning for the Los Angeles County San Gabriel Valley forecast zone that will stay in effect until Saturday evening. The most extreme conditions are expected in the Ventura and Los Angeles County valleys and mountains, particularly Santa Clarita, Thousand Oaks, and Simi Valley.
Southern California Edison is considering shutting off power to some 250,000 customers. Areas in Northern and Central California, including parts of Alameda county, Fresno County, and Napa County could also face power outages. Shutting down power helps stop downed power lines or aging infrastructure from sparking fires.
Recent rain means that San Diego and Orange County will face less of a fire risk, though the areas should still expect to see strong winds.
If you live in an impacted area, sign up for local emergency alerts, plan for power outages, and avoid any outdoor activities that might ignite sparks like BBQs, campfires, or improperly discarding cigarette butts.
One Southern California town is even encouraging residents to secure hallowed decorations—the giant skeleton and inflatable pumpkins haunting front lawns. High winds can turn Halloween decorations into hazards,” the city of Pasadena said in a Facebook post. “Secure them before winds pick up.”