Scattered small fires are burning amid strong winds in Southern California, which is expected to peak on Tuesday.
A “particularly hazardous” warning for extreme wind gusts that began Monday is expected to last until 10 a.m. Tuesday for swaths of Los Angeles County and much of Ventura County — the National Weather Service’s unprecedented fifth warning this season. Fire situation.
This article is provided free of charge to help our communities stay safe and supported during these devastating fires.
Peak gusts could reach 50 mph to 70 mph in coastal and valley areas, while sustained winds are expected to be between 25 mph and 40 mph. Isolated gusts of up to 100 mph are possible in mountainous and foothill areas, while sustained winds are expected to be between 30 mph and 50 mph.
The southern region has not received heavy rains for several months, and the land remains prone to fires.
Los Angeles police arrested a man Monday after a small brush fire broke out in Griffith Park beneath the Observatory. Police sources said witnesses saw the man setting fires in the area. No other details are available.
The fire, which was reported around 1 p.m., had burned a quarter of an acre, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Crews immediately rushed to the area south of the Griffith Observatory as black smoke billowed from Hollywood and surrounding areas.
Helicopters sprayed water from the sky and quickly extinguished the fire. No buildings were damaged.
Multiple fires were reported in San Diego County Tuesday morning.
A fire in Poway burned three acres before being stopped. Another fire near Pará was also put out.
Near Bonsell, the Lilac Fire has burned more than 80 acres and forced evacuations.
The fire started near Old Highway 395 and Lilac Road.
Meanwhile, crews who have been fighting two of California’s deadliest and most destructive fires in years continue to make progress.
The Palisades Fire remained at 23,713 acres over the weekend, and containment increased to 63% Monday night from 39% on Friday.
The Eaton Fire is just over 14,000 acres, and containment jumped to 87% as of Monday night from 65% on Friday.
