Dangerous Winds Bring Extreme Wildfire Risk

Dangerous Santa Ana winds have helped fuel a brush fire in the Palisades Highlands. Evacuation orders have been put in place for the entire Pacific Palisades area. PCH is closed to traffic from Topanga to Sunset Boulevard. This quick-burning fire has reached 1,200 acres from just a spark this morning.

While the threat is to communities west of us, this is a good time to make sure you are prepared if the winds shift. Sign up for these alerts so you know exactly what is happening in real time:

It took Palisades residents over an hour to leave the area! Time is of the essence during wildfires. So STAY INFORMED!!

Download the Watch Duty app so you get alerts immediately. This 501c3 organization provides real time, accurate information about fires with evacuation maps, shelters, and road closures.

And of course it goes without saying, stay away from the area! Approximately 100 vehicles were left stranded on Sunset, impeding the firefighters, who had to bring a bulldozer in to move some cars.

Important Information PLEASE READ

Please take a moment to review the information below from LA Emergency Management Department. We are experiencing a life-threatening windstorm starting Wednesday afternoon.. Wind gusts are expected to be 50-80 mph and reach 80-100 mph in certain areas. Red flag fire weather conditions will likely continue until Friday.

Power Outages

Scattered downed trees and power outages are likely to occur. When they do, Angelenos are urged to report power outages online and track crew status at www.ladwp.com/outages or by calling 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397). Report downed trees and other non-life threatening hazards to 311 (213-473-3231) or at https://myla311.lacity.org/.

Actions and Precautions

Avoid using outdoor power tools, grilling, outdoor campfires, and barbecues.
Ensure that cigarettes are fully extinguished.
Keep flammable materials, including dry brush, away from homes and structures.
Have emergency fire extinguishers on hand and know how to use them.
Remove any outdoor holiday decorations that can be blown away.
Secure any outdoor furniture and any objects.
Make sure gutters and shutters are secure.
Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
Prepare backup batteries for flashlights and other devices. Don’t light candles during power outages caused by wind.
Watch for flying debris, as street signs and tree limbs may become loose during strong winds.
Never go near downed power lines, since high voltage wires may still be active despite being downed.
Avoid anything that may be touching downed power lines, including tree branches and vehicles.
Park away from any tall trees.

Prepare for Wildfire Evacuations

Sign up for NotifyLA Alerts and encourage your neighbors to do so as well. www.notifyla.org
Leave your phone on to receive NotifyLA Alerts even if you are sleeping and don’t use “do not disturb” mode during high-risk weather.
Monitor LAFD Alerts to see updates on Red Flag Parking Restrictions and active fire incidents in the City of Los Angeles. lafd.org/alerts
Put your go-bag by the front door. Ensure that you have all essential items at the ready. https://readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/emergency-supply-kit/
Plan multiple evacuation routes in your neighborhood in the event of a fire.
Establish two meeting places outside your home: one you can walk to and another you can drive to. Inform all household members of these two meeting places.
Park off-street. Back your car into your driveway or garage, leaving streets clear for emergency vehicles.