Strong winds, dry conditions lingering across SoCal but looming rain raises landslides fears

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Last updated: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 5:29AM GMT
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LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- At least 28 people have died as multiple wildfires, fueled by severe drought conditions and strong winds, rage across Southern California.

Thousands of firefighters have been battling wildfires across 45 square miles of densely populated Los Angeles County. The two largest fires, the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, remain active.

Gusty conditions will return Wednesday, said Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service's office for Los Angeles.

Red flag warnings for critical fire risk were extended through Thursday at 8 p.m. across L.A. and Ventura counties.

There's a chance of some rain for Southern California this weekend, raising fears of debris flows on scorched hillsides.

ABC News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Jan 21, 2025, 12:17 AM GMT

Firefighters make quick work of Griffith Park fire

An arson suspect was taken into custody after a quarter-acre brush fire was set below Griffith Observatory on Monday, officials said.

Firefighters contained a small brush fire in Griffith Park on Monday that is suspected to be arson.

Los Angeles police said the suspect was taken into custody in the 1700 block of Kenmore Avenue. Officers initially responded to the 2900 block of Glendower Avenue and after investigating, tracked down the suspect 1.4 miles away.

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Jan 21, 2025, 12:17 AM GMT

Heightened fire risk: How officials are preparing for strong winds

Officials are urging residents to review their evacuation plans and make sure emergency kits are stocked with needed items should they have to evacuate.

The city of Los Angeles declared that red-flag parking restrictions would go into effect at 8 a.m. Monday and remain in effect until further notice. The city of Pasadena issued similar restrictions.

Windy weather and single-digit humidity are expected to linger through Thursday.
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Jan 21, 2025, 12:17 AM GMT

Timeline of Santa Ana winds

Around noon on Monday, the winds will start to ramp up as the "particularly dangerous situation" warning goes into effect. The strongest wind gusts are expected to come overnight Monday into early Tuesday with gusts anywhere between 40 to 50 mph - creating dangerous fire conditions.

The winds will likely start to calm down by Tuesday night, but it's still going to be a little breezy on Wednesday and Thursday.

The dry and warm conditions will also stick around so elevated fire conditions will remain.

A "particularly dangerous situation" warning goes into effect Monday as strong Santa Ana winds return along with a heightened risk of wildfires.