Woolsey Fire has claimed two lives and injured three firefighters
By Terry Miller with Reports from CalFire
While the recent rash of devastating fires has not directly hit the San Gabriel Valley, the effects are nevertheless felt deeply by all of us – especially the staggering loss of life and property as well as untold loss of wildlife.
The men and women who protect us locally have also been called into action due to Mutual Aid agreements and the overwhelming level of severity. The Arcadia Police Department has been assisting with the Woolsey Fire in Malibu while Engine 105 of the Arcadia Fire Department was deployed to help in Ventura County.
Approximately 8,000 firefighters covering 1,027 fire engines, 138 dozers, 145 hand crews, 101 water tenders, 48 helicopters and numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state are battling three large wildfires in California. Out of state resources continue to arrive. These wind-driven fires have burned more than 209,103 acres and destroyed thousands of structures. More than 224,000 individuals have been impacted by these fires.
There is a high risk of significant fires due to gusty north northeast offshore winds and low humidity through early Monday from the western Cascade-Sierra Slopes to the coast. High pressure will continue to produce warm, dry conditions through at least Friday. Wind speeds will decrease by midday Monday. Afternoon humidity will be low through Monday with poor overnight recovery.
Another round of strong Santa Ana winds in the south will go through till Wednesday morning. The strongest winds shift southward to San Diego County Monday. Low relative humidity will occur over most of Southern California the next three days. Onshore flow will bring shifting winds and slightly cooler weather back during the second half of the week. Winds of 20-30 miles per hour (mph) with gusts to 45 mph will occur in the Inland Empire and Orange County through Tuesday night. In addition, northeast winds of 20- 25 mph with gusts to 50 mph will be possible in favored Sierra Foothill valleys into Monday. All offshore winds should cease Wednesday morning.
With these current extreme fire conditions throughout the state, don’t wait to evacuate. You should already be prepared to go early. If you see fire approaching, don’t wait to be told to leave.
The Woolsey Fire in Los Angeles County has burned 91,572 acres and is 35 percent contained. Evacuations and road closures remain in effect.
