A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Saturday across much of Southern California as powerful Santa Ana winds, low humidity, and high temperatures create extreme fire risks. Fire agencies have pre-positioned resources across the region, while some utilities have implemented Public Safety Power Shutoffs to prevent equipment-related blazes.
Red Flag Conditions Across Southern California
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for large portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties starting Thursday morning. The alert, which covers areas including the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, and the Malibu coast, warns that critical fire weather conditions are expected to persist through at least Friday night, with elevated risks lingering into Saturday.
Meteorologists describe the event as a moderate to locally strong type event,
with sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts potentially reaching 55 mph in some areas. In the mountains, isolated gusts could reach 70 mph. This area of high pressure is bringing in these winds, this dry air, and funneling it straight to our coastline,
said a meteorologist.
🚩 RED FLAG WARNINGS EXTENDED, AREAS UPDATED 🚩Red Flag Warnings have been extended in parts of California, and affected areas have been updated as critical fire weather conditions continue.Warnings cover portions of the Sierra Nevada, Kern County Mountains, and Los Angeles… pic.twitter.com/s7S2p0toIv
Kevin McGowan, director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, emphasized the necessity of planning: Preparedness and collaboration are essential to keeping our communities safe.
McGowan added that the January 2025 wildfires underscored the critical need for early coordination, clear public information, and planning tailored for individuals requiring additional assistance.
Regional forecasters and emergency specialists note that relative humidity levels are projected to drop as low as 5% to 20%, rapidly drying out vegetation throughout the region. High temperatures are anticipated to climb into the upper 80s and low 90s, with inland areas reaching roughly 10 degrees above normal while coastal zones push 15 to 18 degrees above normal.
Emergency Response and Pre-positioned Resources
In anticipation of the fire danger, the Los Angeles County Fire Department has pre-positioned additional personnel, along with ground and aerial resources, throughout the county. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confirmed that the city’s fire department requested state resources to bolster coverage in high-risk areas like the Palisades. At the municipal level, the Los Angeles City Fire Department also deployed fire engines, aircraft, brush patrols, bulldozer strike teams, water tenders, and wildfire-camera monitoring to the San Fernando Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains, the Hollywood Hills, and West Los Angeles.
State leadership has similarly elevated readiness levels. Governor Gavin Newsom directed Cal Fire and the state Office of Emergency Services to pre-position resources across Southern California, while also placing the State Operations Center into an enhanced readiness posture.
Power Shutoffs and Park Closures
Southern California Edison is considering Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to mitigate wildfire risks, impacting central and west Malibu. Utilities across the state prepared to potentially cut power to more than 345,000 homes and businesses between Thursday and Saturday as dangerous conditions enveloped the area. The utility warned that circuits and timing may change frequently. Residents are encouraged to monitor the utility’s outage status page for real-time updates.
State and local agencies have also restricted access to public lands to reduce the number of people who might need to evacuate should a fire ignite. Several state parks in the Santa Monica Mountains, including Leo Carrillo, Malibu Creek, and Point Mugu, are closed to the public. Local parks such as Trancas Canyon Park and Charmlee Wilderness Park in Malibu were also slated for closure. In Pasadena, the fire department has enforced Red Flag parking restrictions on narrow or winding hillside streets—including designated segments of La Loma Road, Patrician Way, San Rafael Road, Linda Vista Avenue, California Boulevard, Forest Avenue, Washington Boulevard, and Lida Street—to ensure emergency vehicle access, a measure ordered by Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin through 7 a.m. Saturday.
Regional Impacts in San Diego County
While the threat is acute in Los Angeles, San Diego County is also under a high wind warning for inland, mountain, and foothill areas. The National Weather Service expects the peak of the wind event to occur through Friday, with conditions potentially lingering in inland areas into Saturday night.