Southland braces for fire weather; Red flag warning in effect for LA County

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County officials are on high alert in anticipation of strong Santa Ana winds and elevated fire danger, which is expected to continue through Tuesday.  

On Monday morning, the National Weather Service reported wind gusts up to 96 mph south of Santa Clarita. 

Gusty Santa Ana winds were expected to develop Sunday night and Monday and continue to remain fairly strong across inland areas on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS tweeted on Sunday, "Red Flag Warnings for LA/Ventura counties late tonight-Tue. A particularly dangerous situation for LA county mtns Mon afternoon/evening due to unusual combination of very strong winds, single-digit humidities, and extremely dry vegetation."

Gusts are expected to reach as high as 65 mph in the mountains and valleys, with the strongest winds expected along the Grapevine.  

A wind advisory is scheduled to be in effect from 11 p.m. Sunday through noon Tuesday, and a red flag warning was in effect through Tuesday as well, with the high winds and low humidity combining for elevated fire danger despite relatively cool temperatures, officials said.

The county's Office of Emergency Management said it will be on high alert Sunday night.  

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"Our emergency response officials are world-class and will stand ready to defend lives and property," Director Kevin McGowan said.

"We need collaboration from all residents who live in L.A. County to stay safe as a region."

"We must all do our part by staying informed and being ready to evacuate at a moment's notice, especially if you live in the canyon, mountain, or foothill communities, McGowan said.

And the Los Angeles County Fire Department said it has boosted staffing in response to the fed flag warning, with Fire Chief Daryl Osby ordering pre-deployment of resources throughout Los Angeles County.  

Despite the fire danger, freezing overnight temperatures are expected across the Antelope Valley Monday and Tuesday.

"We need collaboration from all residents who live in L.A. County to stay safe as a region," McGowan said.

"We must all do our part by staying informed and being ready to evacuate at a moment's notice, especially if you live in the canyon, mountain, or foothill communities."

At this time, officials want to remind residents living in areas prone to wildfires to take appropriate precautions:

• See something, say something. Report any sign of smoke or fire immediately to your local fire department by dialing 9-1-1. If you dial 9-1-1 from your cellphone, be sure to know your location.

• Have your Ready! Set! Go! Wildfire Action Plan in place. It’s critical for residents to be familiar with the Ready! Set! Go! program that provides important pre-planning and evacuation information.

To download the Ready! Set! Go! Wildfire Action Plan and view informational how-to videos, visit fire.lacounty.gov/rsg.