Fast-Moving California Wildfires Fueled by Strong Winds

More than 100,000 residents in neighborhoods of Los Angeles are in mandatory evacuation areas due to three wildfires that all started on Tuesday. The fires are zero percent contained and have been fueled by winds gusts from the Santa Ana Winds of up to 100 mph, according to The Weather Channel. Winds gusts up to 60 mph are expected to continue through Thursday, potentially affecting further fire activity and suppression efforts, according to Cal Fire. 

As of Thursday morning, the Palisades Fire has already burned through more than 17,000 acres, followed by the Eaton Fire with 10,600 acres and the Hurst with 855 acres, according to Cal Fire. An estimated 1,000 structures have been destroyed due to the Palisades Fire alone. Additionally, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone reported a high number of “significant injuries to residents who did not evacuate,” in addition to injuries among first responders on the fire line.

Also on Thursday morning, five deaths were reported along with several significant injuries due to the Eaton Fire. 

On Thursday morning, Los Angeles air was considered “unhealthy,” according to AirNow, a government-run site on air quality data. On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Department of Public Health also released a smoke advisory, stating smoke impact from the Palisades Wildfire had caused unhealthy air quality in Los Angeles County, particularly its northwest coastal area.

As part of a statewide response to multiple wildfires burning in the Los Angeles area, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás Aragón also urged Californians in areas affected by wildfire smoke to take steps to protect their health, including staying indoors and reducing outdoor activity if necessary to avoid the inhalation of smoke and ash.

“Wildfires, and the resulting smoke and ash, can be particularly unhealthy for vulnerable people, including children, older adults, those with respiratory illness or asthma, and pregnant people,” Dr. Aragón said. “Californians should be aware of the risks of wildfire smoke and ash inhalation. Vulnerable people, especially children, older adults, and those who are pregnant should reduce outdoor activity and stay indoors, if possible.”