Palisades Fire: Winds Escalate Blaze, Experts Warn ‘Worst is Yet to Come’

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The Palisades fire in Southern California has intensified, driven by fierce winds and low humidity, forcing thousands to evacuate and grounding firefighting aircraft. Here’s an in-depth look at the evolving situation and its implications.


Aircraft Grounded Amid Extreme Winds

On Tuesday evening, strong winds led officials to ground all firefighting aircraft battling the Palisades fire. This decision, made shortly before 8 p.m., was a response to the challenging weather conditions that rendered aerial efforts ineffective. According to Los Angeles fire officials, the situation is being monitored closely, and flights will resume once conditions improve.

Governor Gavin Newsom emphasised the limitations of aerial firefighting during extreme winds: “We can be up there all day, making people feel good, but we’re not doing any good.” High winds disperse water and fire retardant, reducing their effectiveness.


Fire’s Rapid Growth and Evacuations

The fire ignited at Piedra Morada Drive around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. By early evening, it had consumed 2,921 acres, driven by intense wind gusts. Over 30,000 residents were forced to evacuate as the blaze encroached on residential areas and key landmarks.

Significant efforts were made to protect:

  • The Getty Villa

  • Palisades Charter High School

  • Local businesses, including the iconic seafood restaurant Reel Inn, which appears to have succumbed to the flames.


Weather Conditions and Expert Warnings

UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain warned that the situation is expected to worsen before improving. The peak of the extreme wind event, forecasted between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 5 a.m. Wednesday, coincides with the driest conditions, creating a “dangerous recipe” for the fire’s spread.

Key Points from Experts:

  • Strongest winds and lowest humidity are yet to come.

  • Vegetation will become progressively drier, exacerbating fire risks throughout the week.

  • Climate change is intensifying overlaps between dry conditions and extreme wind events.

Alex Hall, director of the UCLA Center for Climate Science, attributed the heightened risk to Southern California’s hot summer, a near-absent wet season, and residual vegetation from previous rainy years.


New Fires Add to Challenges

As predicted, new fires ignited in nearby areas:

  • Pasadena: A fire in the foothills grew to 20 acres by Tuesday evening, driven by high winds.

  • Altadena (Eaton Fire): This fire burned approximately 400 acres by 8:14 p.m., prompting evacuations near Eaton Canyon Golf Course. Aircraft support was suspended due to the winds.


Statewide Preparedness and Resource Allocation

Governor Newsom highlighted California’s strategic resource deployment in high-risk areas, anticipating the emergence of new fires. “We are anticipating — hopefully we’re wrong — but we’re anticipating other fires happening,” he stated.


Impact of Year-Round Fire Threat

The concept of a “fire season” is becoming obsolete. Newsom remarked, “November, December, now January — there’s no fire season. It’s fire year.” Recent incidents, including the Franklin and Mountain fires, underscore the year-round threat.

The National Weather Service issued a “particularly dangerous situation” warning for extreme fire danger across Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties. While this warning expires Thursday, fire risk remains high as vegetation continues to dry.


Looking Ahead

The Palisades fire highlights the growing challenges posed by climate change, extreme weather, and inadequate precipitation patterns. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, heed evacuation orders, and prepare for prolonged periods of high fire danger.

References:

  • Los Angeles Fire Department updates

  • Statements from Governor Gavin Newsom

  • UCLA Climate Science briefings

  • National Weather Service alerts

 

 

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