Santa Ana Winds Return, Threaten Fire-Ravaged Los Angeles Area

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — After a brief respite on Saturday, gusty Santa Ana winds are expected to return to the Los Angeles area as early as Sunday, potentially sparking new wildfires and complicating efforts to contain existing blazes. The region, already grappling with multiple major wildfires, faces a renewed threat as low humidity, dry vegetation, and shifting winds create dangerous conditions.

Firefighters are battling the 20,000-acre Palisades fire, which remains only 8% contained, and the Eaton fire near Altadena and Pasadena, which has burned nearly 14,000 acres and is just 3% contained. At least 10 people have died in the fires, and officials warn the death toll may rise. “It’s more favorable for us and for crews to get into some of those areas with steep, rugged terrain that may be a little dangerous when that wind is up,” said Will Powers, a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman.

Kristan Lund, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, described the upcoming winds as a “moderate to strong event,” peaking on Tuesday and likely prompting new red flag warnings. While Ventura County is expected to bear the brunt of the winds, Los Angeles County remains at risk, with firefighters already stretched thin.

AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter warned of “potential extreme fire risk” early next week, with winds of 40-60 mph and gusts up to 85 mph. “Gusty winds in the forecast next week are not expected to be as intense as the windstorm that led to these destructive fires, but we are concerned about another potential extreme fire risk on Monday and Tuesday,” Porter said.

Unhealthy air quality continues to plague the region, with wildfire smoke carrying hazardous particulates miles from the fire zones. Porter urged residents to limit outdoor exposure and use N95 respirator masks. “This unhealthy air quality can trigger asthma and other respiratory issues. Extended exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to serious health problems,” he said.

The economic toll of the wildfires has risen sharply, with preliminary estimates now placing total damage and economic loss at $150 billion. “This is a tragic disaster that will be remembered as the most destructive wildfire in California’s modern history,” Porter said. The fires have destroyed over 12,000 structures and forced 179,000 people to evacuate.

As firefighters brace for the return of the Santa Ana winds, residents remain on edge, with the region facing a prolonged and unprecedented wildfire crisis.