SoCal Edison implements power shutoffs for 11K customers, 193K more under consideration amid fire danger

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Monday, December 7, 2020
161K SCE customers face power shutoffs amid continued fire danger
Fire danger in Southern California and across the state will ramp up on Monday as forecasted strong winds has utility companies considering turning off electricity for numerous customers.

Southern California Edison cut power Monday to over 11,000 customers and is considering turning off electricity to more than 193,000 customers across the region as fire danger ramped up amid forecasted strong winds.

In Los Angeles, winds began late Sunday night and are expected to continue through Tuesday evening. The winds should be their strongest Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, with gusts up to 55 mph for the coastal and valley areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Southern California Edison said on its website it cut power to 11,879 customers in Los Angeles, Riverside, Ventura and Kern counties.

The utility is considering shutting off power for 193,137 customers on Monday and Tuesday in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Ventura, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Tulare and Kern counties.

FULL FORECAST: Strong winds, fire danger return Monday

Meanwhile, parts of the Southland are under another red-flag warning for extreme wildfire danger this week. The warning is in effect from 4 a.m. Monday through 10 p.m. Tuesday for much of Los Angeles County and Ventura County, according to the National Weather Service.

A red-flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are likely to occur due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures. The public is urged to use extreme caution with potential fire ignition sources. Officials advise that it's also a good time to assemble an emergency supply kit and know your evacuation route.

RELATED: Bond Fire: Evacuation orders lifted for OC blaze - but red-flag conditions return

Evacuation orders for the Bond Fire area in Orange County have been lifted as firefighters get a handle on the flames - but windy conditions have returned to the area.

Temperatures are expected to remain in the 70s this week, but a Santa Ana wind event is expected to begin late Sunday and continue through Tuesday evening. Winds are expected to peak in strength Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning with gusts of 40 to 55 mph for the coastal and valley areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, while gusts of 55 to 70 mph will be possible for the mountains.

Firefighters in Orange County had contained about half of a 7,375-acre wildfire on Sunday that has destroyed 28 structures while threatening thousands of homes. Fire officials on Sunday said evacuation orders for the Bond Fire in eastern Orange County were being reduced to warnings, allowing all residents to return to their homes.

But they warned that strong winds were forecast for the coming days and urged residents not to wait for authorities to tell them to evacuate if they feel they should leave.

BOND FIRE MAP: See areas under mandatory, voluntary evacuation orders

The Associated Press and City News Service contributed to this report.