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Winds Challenge Firefighters as Residents Urged to Stay Alert Amid Eaton Fire Efforts

Residents should already be in ‘set’ position for any evacuations

Published on Monday, January 20, 2025 | 5:16 pm
 
‘Thank you’ banners hang from a bridge adjoining the Rose Bowl.

Nearly two weeks after the Eaton Fire erupted in the Angeles National Forest and destroyed much of Altadena, a high wind alert and a rare January red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service have prompted renewed vigilance.

While firefighters have brought it largely under control, as of Monday, the blaze has consumed 14,022 acres and is 87% contained.

However, the incident command station at the Rose Bowl is still busy as officials work to keep the fire within its current perimeter. While containment lines on the southern end of the blaze are secure, three small pockets in the rugged northern terrain still lack complete containment.

“The burning is pretty much in the interior of the fire’s perimeter,” said Daron Wyatt, public information officer for the California Incident Management Team, on Monday.

“There’s no expectation that it will increase in size or move outside its current footprint, even with the new wind event,” he added.

The National Weather Service’s red flag warning emphasizes the potential for “particularly dangerous situations” as winds sweep through Southern California. In response, firefighting units from across the Western United States have been strategically pre-positioned throughout the region.

“Pre-positioning during fire season is common, but it’s unusual to see this kind of coordination in January,” said Wyatt. “It’s a proactive measure to respond quickly if any new fires ignite.”

As firefighters focus on maintaining containment and managing risks, residents are being urged to remain prepared and connected to local emergency alerts. Los Angeles County residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert LA, a system that provides text, email, and phone notifications.

“Some alerts go directly to cell phones, but systems like ‘Alert LA’ require residents to opt in,” Wyatt explained, directing the public to resources like fire.lacounty.gov, ready.lacounty.gov, and alert.lacounty.gov.

Special attention is being given to senior citizens and mobility-impaired residents, said Wyatt, who recommended that residents make evacuation plans well in advance, utilizing programs like ad.la.county.gov.

With high winds posing a threat this week, Wyatt emphasized the importance of the “Ready, Set, Go” evacuation strategy. Residents should have their belongings packed and be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

“We need people to be in that starting block position, ready to go now,” Wyatt said. “Don’t wait until the morning to start packing. Be prepared. And when you’re told to evacuate, go.”

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