Winds Pick Up: LA Fire Crews Brace for Intense Wildfires

Fire crews in Los Angeles are feeling the heat, both literally and figuratively. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a red flag warning for Southern California, with dangerous wind conditions expected to hit overnight. Chief Anthony Marrone of the LA County Fire Department says his team is "on edge, " ready for what could be a tough 12 hours. Winds might reach speeds of up to 70 mph in the mountains and 50 mph along the coast. Last week, LA County faced multiple wildfires that destroyed homes and caused significant damage. The Palisades and Eaton fires, in Pacific Palisades and Malibu, and Pasadena and Altadena respectively, have been the most severe. Air quality is also a major concern due to the ongoing fires. While speaking to CNN, Marrone expressed his worries about the upcoming wind conditions. He mentioned that although LA County has many resources, firefighting is always risky and challenging. The NWS also warned residents on social media that the danger isn't over yet. As of Tuesday, the Palisades fire had spread across more than 23, 000 acres, and the Eaton fire had burned over 14, 000 acres. Investigations into the causes of these fires are ongoing. Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to prevent unfair property deals in affected areas. Firefighting teams are working hard to control the blazes. The extreme red flag warning is set to expire by 3 p. m. on Wednesday as winds are expected to calm down.