Calm Conditions in Southern California Not Expected to Last Long

Fire crews have made progress in containing the raging wildfires in California over the last few days thanks to light winds. However, another round of potentially damaging Santa Ana winds is expected to whip up early next week, possibly thwarting this progress. The fears of more winds are coming as residents grow frustrated about not being able to return to what is left of their charred homes. Here is the latest on this continually evolving situation in Southern California.

Latest on Southern California Wildfires

The death toll attributed to the wildfires burning in the Los Angeles area now stands at 25. Local officials confirmed that there are still 31 people on the missing persons list as cadaver dogs finish the task of coming through the rubble to find human remains.

As of Friday morning, the Palisades Fire has burned over 23,700 acres and is 31% contained. The Eaton Fire is now 66% contained after having burned over 14,000 acres. The good news is that the Hurst and Auto fires are now almost completely contained.

Red flag warnings expired across the region on Thursday as the winds died down and humidity levels began to rise. Unfortunately, there is no expectation of meaningful moisture in the days ahead. This is generally the time of the year when the moisture machine starts to pick up across the Golden State.

On the Logistical Side

On the logistical side of the situation, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Thursday in an effort to address the housing needs of those left without a home. The new order suspends the rules that normally ban mobile homes, RVs, and manufactured homes on private property while a rebuild is in progress.

Residents of Los Angeles County are growing frustrated that they cannot access their homes to assess the damage and to retrieve what may remain of their belongings. Local officials detail that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is starting the process of going through what is left of the damaged and destroyed structures to ensure that there are no hazardous materials.

Agencies on the scene continue to caution that there is still a good amount of dangerous debris and hazardous chemicals strewn across the burn areas. Crews are also working to put out hot spots and clear out the debris before residents are able to return to the evacuation zones.

Plastic particles, heavy metals such as lead, and other types of toxins are released into the air, water supplies, and soil when structures and vehicles burn. Because these particles are so minuscule, they are able to easily penetrate the bloodstream. This presents a significant danger when inhaled, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with preexisting health conditions.