Southern California is on high alert yet again this week with high, dry winds since Tuesday Jan. 7 bringing fire danger with them. The winds bring fire weather conditions with a high “potential for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior.”
Los Angeles is being hit with a High Wind Warning and a Red Flag Fire Warning this week, which lead to the LA Fires.
❗ Disclaimer: We are a small editorial team doing our best to keep this content updated, but things are changing quickly. Please consult each organization’s website and social media for the latest information.
Table Of Contents
- How To Stay Safe During Wildfires
- Active Wildfire Tracking
- SoCal Emergency Links
- Highways, Roads, and Streets Closed Due to Wildfires
- How To Prepare For An Evacuation
- How to Pack a Go-Bag for Emergencies
- Evacuation Centers
- How Wildfires Can Impact Air Quality
- Where to Get Psychological Support
- How You Can Help Those In Need
- Past Wildfire Warnings
How To Stay Safe During Wildfires
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with local news, weather reports, and emergency notifications. You can sign up for alerts from Listos California here.
- Prepare Your Home: If possible, you can take precautions by creating a defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation and debris. Use fire-resistant materials for roofing and siding.
- Create an Evacuation Plan: Note multiple evacuation routes and establish a communication plan with family members and/or housemates. Prepare an emergency kit with essentials.
- Follow Evacuation Orders: If authorities issue evacuation orders, leave immediately. Do not wait for further instructions. You can stay up to date with such notifications and orders for L.A. County here. You can find San Bernardino County fire resources here. For Ventura County wildfire resources, you can find them here.
Active Wildfire Tracking
In order to stay appraised of the most current wildfire situations, you can find active wildfires on CAL FIRE here.
SoCal Emergency Links
Here are all of the emergency website links for L.A. County and surrounding counties.
- L.A. County Emergencies
- Sign up here for L.A. County Emergency Notifications
- Ventura County Emergencies
- San Bernardino County Emergencies
- Santa Barbara County Emergencies
Highways, Roads, and Streets Closed Due to Wildfires
Caltrans announced several freeway and highway closures across Southern California due to wildfires and strong winds as of 1:30 a.m. Wednesday:
- Pacific Coast Highway: Southbound closed at Cross Creek Road; northbound at McClure Tunnel.
- 10 Freeway: Westbound traffic diverted at Lincoln Boulevard.
- Topanga Canyon Boulevard: Closed both ways between Pacific Coast Highway and Mulholland Drive.
- San Gabriel Canyon Road (Azusa): Closed north of the city; residents only.
- 210 Freeway: Westbound closed at Roxford Street; eastbound closed at the 5 Freeway.
- 5 Freeway: Northbound/eastbound connectors to the 210 Freeway closed; northbound truck lanes closed to the 210 Freeway and State Route 14.
How To Prepare For An Evacuation
Many L.A. residents are reporting that they’ve had limited time to prepare for an evacuation. So it’s important to stay safe and be prepared before the time comes. Read our full guide here on how to prepare for an emergency evacuation.
How to Pack a Go-Bag for Emergencies
A go-bag is essentially a backpack or bag containing essential items you’ll need in case of an evacuation, especially during emergencies like the LA fires. To prepare one, focus on including only the most basic survival necessities:
- Food and water: Pack a three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person.
- Personal belongings: Include three days’ worth of clothing, sturdy shoes, a small toiletry kit, sanitary pads or tampons, and a blanket or sleeping bag.
- Important documents: Keep copies of IDs, passports, and other critical documents, along with some cash.
- Emergency supplies: Add items like flashlights, extra batteries, and a whistle.
For a detailed checklist on how to prepare your go-bag, click here.
Evacuation Centers
In response to the fire situation, Ventura County officials have set up several evacuation centers to ensure the safety of residents and their animals. You can find the full list of vacation orders for Ventura County here.
Emergency Animal Evacuation:
Those in need of immediate evacuation assistance for their large animals should call Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) at 805-388-4341. Visit vcemergency.com for up-to-date information on this ongoing emergency.
Please make sure to follow any specific instructions provided by the evacuation centers and stay safe.
How Wildfires Can Impact Air Quality
Wildfires impact air quality — and spread these pollutants over the region, impacting even communities far from the fire itself. Vulnerable populations — such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions, are especially at risk when this happens. To protect yourself and those around you, it is recommended to monitor air quality reports, stay indoors with windows closed, and use air purifiers if available.
For more detailed information and updates, always refer to official sources like the L.A. County Emergency Serviceshere and CAL FIRE here.
By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can enhance your safety during a wildfire.
Where to Get Psychological Support
In the midst of the catastrophe we are experiencing, alongside the survival of ourselves and our loved ones, we must not overlook the importance of mental health. If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone to cope with the current circumstances, there are several organizations and hundreds of independent professionals offering both free and pro bono help. You can check all the available psychological support around LA through this link.
How You Can Help Those In Need
You can support those directly affected by these wildfires by donating to the verified GoFundMe fundraisers here.
Past Wildfire Warnings
Last month, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to dangerously dry conditions and high winds expected to create critical fire weather. And the famous Franklin Fire forced many Malibu residents to evacuate their homes. Plus, this came after the major wildfires earlier in November in the Moorpark and Camarillo areas of Ventura County. Those wildfires caused injuries and scorched about 20,000 acres of land.
Even if you’re not in the direct path of fires, the smoke and pollutants can severely affect air quality throughout the region. To help you stay safe and informed, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide with essential information. This guide also includes details on evacuation centers for both people and animals, as well as resources to keep you connected and up-to-date during this challenging time.
Edited by Sofía Delpueche.