Los Angeles County public safety agencies urged residents Friday, Nov. 6 to prepare for strong Santa Ana winds, a Red Flag Warning and elevated wildfire danger Saturday.
The National Weather Service warning will be in effect from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Low humidity and strong winds could create conditions for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior if a blaze starts, according to county officials.
Wind gusts of 30 to 45 mph are forecast in mountain areas, with widespread gusty winds expected across valleys and mountain communities.
The Los Angeles Fire Department will implement its Red Flag Parking Restriction Program at 6 a.m. Saturday for at least 24 hours. The restrictions prohibit parking on streets in very high fire-hazard severity zones and require residents to keep roadways clear of obstacles that could impede fire apparatus or people evacuating during a fire.
The LAFD has also increased staffing and pre-positioned ground and air resources, while the Office of Emergency Management’s 24-hour Watch Center monitors conditions and coordinates with response agencies, county officials said.
“With strong winds capable of driving rapid wildfire growth, we urge residents to be prepared,” Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone said. “Review your Ready! Set! Go! Wildfire Action Plan, practice your evacuation routes, check-in with neighbors who may need assistance during an evacuation, and call 9-1-1 immediately if you see signs of smoke or fire.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the city will also pre-position LAFD personnel and equipment at fire stations beginning at 6 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Sunday.
“I am in constant communication with Chief (Jaime) Moore, and LAFD resources are being prepositioned strategically to keep Angelenos and our communities safe,” Bass said. “We will continue to share updates. All Angelenos should sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyLA.org and LAFD notifications at lafd.org/alerts.”
County officials also cautioned residents to prepare for utility-initiated public safety power shutoffs and unplanned outages caused by wind damage. Outages can disrupt communications, traffic signals and electrically powered medical equipment, officials said.
Residents were urged to identify their evacuation zone and more than one route out of their neighborhood, make arrangements for pets and service animals, and keep vehicles fueled or charged.
Officials said people who need additional time or help evacuating should leave when an evacuation warning is issued. An evacuation order means there is an immediate threat and people should leave at once.
“We urge residents to remain vigilant, stay informed, have an emergency plan, and follow the guidance of public safety officials,” Sheriff Robert Luna said. “Preparedness and collaboration are essential to keeping our communities safe.”
Residents were also encouraged to sign up for Alert LA County and local emergency-notification systems, keep phones and backup batteries charged and have a battery-powered radio available.
County officials urged residents to avoid activities that could create sparks near dry vegetation and to secure loose outdoor items. They also asked people not to park on narrow roads, sharp curves, hairpin turns or key intersections, where vehicles could block emergency responders.
Preparedness information is available at ready.lacounty.gov. Residents can call 211 for preparedness resources and referrals, and 911 for an immediate threat to life or safety.