Some residents were slowly returning to their homes in the Pacific Palisades, as containment of the deadly Palisades Fire has grown to 56% ahead of another dangerous Santa Ana wind event expected to bring isolated gusts as high as 100 mph Monday.
Firefighters have continued to benefit from a break in the weather, thanks to low clouds and good humidity levels. But this week’s expected winds will create a renewed high risk for critical fire weather conditions and the rapid spread of any new fires.
Forecasters took the rare step of issuing a “particularly dangerous situation warning” for a large portion of Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to damaging Santa Ana winds and very low humidity.
That warning will be in effect from noon Monday until 10 a.m. Tuesday for the Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley including Calabasas and Agoura Hills, Malibu coast, western Santa Monica Mountains recreation area, the Interstate 5 corridor, San Gabriel Valley and north of the 210 Freeway including Altadena and Glendora.
Additionally, Los Angeles County will be under a red flag warning for extreme fire danger from 8 a.m. Monday morning through 2 p.m. Tuesday. Forecasters say a “moderate to strong” Santa Ana wind event is expected, with isolated gusts of 80 to 100 mph expected in most wind-prone mountain locations, such as the San Gabriel, western Santa Monica and Santa Susana Mountains, according to the National Weather Service.
Officials are urging residents to review their evacuation plans and make sure emergency kits are stocked with needed items should they have to evacuate.
The city of Los Angeles declared that red-flag parking restrictions would go into effect at 8 a.m. Monday and remain in effect until further notice.
The Palisades Fire has scorched 23,713 acres and killed at least 10 people since erupting Jan. 7. Authorities said they anticipate the number of fatalities to rise as crews continue sifting through the ash and rubble.
More evacuation orders were being lifted this weekend. Escorts were required for one repopulation area Sunday, and residents were asked to gather at 1150 Pacific Coast Highway (Parking Lot 3 North) in Santa Monica from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A curfew continues to be in effect nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the mandatory evacuation areas in the Palisades and Eaton fire zones. Only firefighters, utility workers and law enforcement personnel are allowed in those areas.
Two individuals from Oregon were arrested Saturday for impersonating firefighters and entering an evacuation zone, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Authorities said the pair claimed to be from the Roaring River Fire Department in Oregon, which deputies found was not a legitimate agency. Dustin Nehl, 31, and 44-year-old Jennifer Nehl were found wearing Cal Fire T-shirts under turnout gear, helmet and radios in a fire truck purchased at an auction, sheriff’s officials said. The relationship of the two was not disclosed.
Authorities with the LASD and other law enforcement agencies have reported dozens of arrests for alleged looting, burglaries and curfew violations since the fires in Palisades and Altadena broke out on Jan. 7.
Updated at 7:45 a.m., Monday, Jan. 20, 2025
