February 12, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

High Alert: L.A. County Braces for Extreme Fire Weather and Powerful Winds

Residents Urged To Prepare as Red Flag Warning Goes into Effect 

The Los Angeles County Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, and Office of Emergency Management are on high alert as forecasts warn of dangerous fire conditions and extreme winds expected to impact the region from late Tuesday through Thursday afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning for much of Los Angeles County, predicting very dry weather and extreme winds, with gusts reaching up to 100 miles per hour in some areas. These conditions pose a high risk of rapid fire spread should a blaze ignite, and power outages are also likely.

High winds this strong also represent a risk to drivers on the road, so the National Weather Service reminded residents to take care when driving in windy conditions. Extreme crosswinds will occur for east-to-west roads like the 101, 210, and 118. 

“With widespread critical fire weather conditions impacting Southern California, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department has implemented its augmented staffing plan by ordering additional staffing and pre-deployment of ground and aerial resources throughout Los Angeles County,” Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone said. “It takes cooperation, communication, and community action to ensure the safety and survival of residents in wildfire-prone areas. I urge residents to take appropriate precautions and familiarize themselves with the Ready! Set! Go! program and Know Your Zone platform.”

Sheriff Robert G. Luna echoed these warnings, urging residents to prepare for potential evacuations. “We are fully equipped and ready to respond to any emergency incidents that may arise in our communities,” he said. “We encourage residents in high-risk areas to be prepared for the unexpected and be ready to evacuate with essential items, such as important medications, documents, and personal belongings.”

The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management wanted to make sure that residents are ready for anything. “Our emergency response officials are world-class and will stand ready to defend lives and property,” said Kevin McGowan, the department’s director. “We need all residents in L.A. County to be individually prepared by staying informed and ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice, especially if you live in canyon, mountain, or foothill communities.”

Officials are urging residents to follow these safety measures:

  • Stay Informed: Sign up for emergency notifications at alert.lacounty.gov, monitor local news, and keep a battery-operated radio on hand for updates in case of power outages.
  • Plan Ahead: Charge mobile devices, keep flashlights accessible, and ensure vehicles are parked in driveways and facing the street for quick evacuation.
  • Be Evacuation Ready: Prepare in advance by gathering essential items and reviewing evacuation plans with family members.

The Beverly Hills Fire Department has officially issued a Red Flag warning for Wednesday, November 6 from 4 am through 6 pm on Thursday, November 7 due to high winds, low humidity, and dry conditions. This combination creates an extreme fire risk, making it easier for fires to ignite and spread quickly. 

Red flag parking restrictions will also be in effect – beginning Tuesday, November 5 at 8 pm – along predetermined streets and evacuation routes north of SUNSET BLVD. Please see a map of areas impacted at beverlyhills.org/redflagwarning. For more information, call our askBH team at (310) 285-1000.

The Culver City Government has issued these advisories:

Prepare ahead for high winds:

  • Secure outdoor patio furniture to avoid damage
  • Report power outages to SCE.com/outage
  • Report fallen palm fronds and tree branches to Culver City Public Works at (310) 253-6420

Visit: Stay Informed | Culver City Fire Department to subscribe to emergency alerts and view additional ways to receive verified information from the City of Culver City.

The Los Angeles Fire Department has also issued a Red Flag Parking Restriction warning in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ), effective Wednesday, November 6, at 8:00 a.m. for a minimum of 24 hours. These restrictions will ensure fire engines have unimpeded access in the event of a blaze and allow residents to evacuate if necessary. Illegally parked vehicles in designated Red Flag areas will be towed. The restrictions will remain in place until conditions are reassessed.

For more information on Red Flag restrictions, visit www.LAFD.org/redflag, and for preparedness tips, visit Ready.lacounty.gov. You can also check the map of red flag restrictions here

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has prepared its crews to swiftly respond to potential power outages expected during this week’s forecast of high winds and hazardous fire conditions across Los Angeles. LADWP announced plans to restore power to affected areas quickly and safely, and is advising residents to take precautions and report any outages.

In preparation for possible power disruptions, LADWP encourages customers to sign up for outage alerts via text or email, available in English and Spanish, to stay informed on service status. Residents can also report outages and check real-time updates on LADWP’s website at www.LADWP.com/Outages.

LADWP reminds the public that high winds can topple trees or cause branches and palm fronds to strike power lines, which may lead to outages. Crews responding to such incidents will first secure affected areas to prevent public safety hazards posed by downed lines. Only after the area is safe will teams begin clearing entangled trees and working on repairs to restore power.

In the event of downed or dangling wires, LADWP urges residents to exercise extreme caution. “Always assume a downed wire is live,” LADWP officials advised. “Do not touch or approach any downed wire, and immediately report it by calling 9-1-1.”

LADWP shared these additional tips for residents in case of a power outage:

  • Report power outages online or call 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397).
  • Register for outage alerts at www.ladwp.com/outagealert.
  • Turn off all lights except one, so you can tell when power is restored.
  • Keep refrigerators closed to preserve food.
  • Check on vulnerable neighbors to ensure their safety.
in News
Related Posts

ART& 2025: NeueHouse Unveils Inspiring Lineup Celebrating Feminine Leadership

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Four-Day Event in Venice Beach Explores Creativity, Activism, and Cultural Impact NeueHouse has unveiled the schedule for ART& 2025, a...

Brentwood Community Council Meeting For February, First Meeting After Palisades Fire

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Local Leaders, Crime Updates, and Community Discussions on the Agenda The Brentwood Community Council will host its next meeting on...

Canned Tuna Pulled from Shelves Over Botulism Contamination Risk

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

El Segundo Seafood Company Issues Voluntary Recall Through FDA Tri-Union Seafoods has issued a voluntary recall of certain canned tuna...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

Retailers Impose Egg Purchase Restrictions as Supply Chain Disruptions Cause Concern

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Egg Limits Are Back – What’s Causing the Shortage? Retailers across the United States, including Costco and Trader Joe’s, have...

Esteemed Brentwood Entertainment Reporter Sam Rubin Honored at Major Awards Ceremonies

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Industry Pays Tribute to a Broadcasting Legend With Special Recognition The late Sam Rubin, a longtime and beloved entertainment reporter...

New Bill Targets Crime in Disaster Zones – Here’s What You Need to Know

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Lawmakers Push for Tougher Penalties To Protect Vulnerable Communities California lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at cracking down...

What about are you protected from future wildfires?

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the recent wildfires and Santa Ana windstorms in Southern California. We...

Tree Trimmer Shocked by Power Lines in Westwood and Suspended 25 Feet in the Air

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

LAFD to the Rescue and LADWP Worked to De-Energize Power Lines The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to reports...

Shore Hotel Remains Sustainability Leader

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

By Susan Payne On track to open its new coastal-inspired restaurant, Shore Hotel has excited new offerings and initiatives this...

Brentwood’s Newest Architectural Marvel Lists as a Modernist Masterpiece

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Brand New Estate Blends Contemporary Elegance With Cutting-Edge Luxury A newly completed estate in Brentwood, designed by AD100-recognized architects Ramin...

Multiple Injuries, Deaths in Multi-Vehicle Crash on 405 Freeway in Westwood

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Emergency Crews Extricated One Trapped Victim; Two in Critical Condition Emergency crews responded to the scene of a multi-vehicle crash...

Actor Will Arnett Lists Stunning Beverly Hills-Area Home for $22.5 Million

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Comedy Star’s Modern Farmhouse Features Custom Podcast Studio Actor and comedian Will Arnett is selling his modern farmhouse-style home near...

Rescheduled 2024 Homeless Count Needs More Volunteers on the Westside

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Not Enough Volunteers to Successfully Count Unhoused Angelenos This Year With the rescheduled dates for the 2025 Greater Los Angeles...

Brentwood Library Announces Fantastic February Events for Children and Families

February 7, 2025

February 7, 2025

Storytime, Brick-Building, Readings, and Live Music are Highlights This Month Althea Martinez, the Donald Kaufman Brentwood Library’s new children’s librarian,...