World · North America · 4 hrs ago
California winds and heat raise wildfire risk as power shutoffs begin
Strong, dry winds and high temperatures are raising wildfire danger across California through Saturday.
The winds, known as Santa Anas, are expected to bring gusts of up to 70 mph in some mountain areas of Southern California.
Utilities are cutting power to reduce the chance that falling lines will start fires, and thousands of people have already lost electricity.
Pacific Gas and Electric said nearly 62,000 customers were without power on Thursday; it had warned 88,000 customers that shutoffs might be needed.
Fire crews are positioning staff and equipment ahead of the dangerous weather, while officials are asking residents to clear streets, make a plan and stay informed.
The warnings come as Los Angeles neighborhoods continue rebuilding after deadly fires in January 2025, when Santa Ana winds helped drive one blaze and another burned in Altadena.
A wet winter is considered highly likely in Southern California, and experts say any new fires could increase the danger from later storms, including debris flows and landslides on burned slopes.
Hot, dry winds and high temperatures are raising wildfire risk across California, with hazardous conditions expected to last through Saturday.
Utilities have begun power shutoffs or warned customers that service may be cut to reduce the risk of power lines sparking fires.
Forecast winds could reach 20 to 40 mph, with gusts of 50 to 70 mph in parts of Southern California.
Fire weather warnings cover parts of central, Northern and Southern California.
Fire crews are positioning personnel and equipment ahead of the dangerous weather.
- Who
- California residents, utilities and emergency services are affected.
- What
- Hot, windy weather is raising wildfire risk, and utilities are shutting off or considering shutting off power to reduce the chance of fires.
- When
- Conditions began in parts of Northern California on Wednesday night and are expected to last through Saturday.
- Where
- Across California, including parts of central, Northern and Southern California.
- Why
- Winds could topple power lines and spark fires, while dry, hot conditions could help fires spread rapidly.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Strong winds, high temperatures and low humidity began affecting some Northern California communities.
PG&E began proactive power shutoffs for some customers.
Fire weather warnings and hazardous conditions were expected across parts of California.
Hot, windy conditions and elevated wildfire risk were forecast to continue.
- Forecast wind speed
- 20 to 40 mph
- Forecast gusts
- 50 to 70 mph in the San Gabriel and Santa Susana mountains
- PG&E customers notified
- 88,000 in 29 counties
- PG&E customers without electricity
- Nearly 62,000 in 26 counties, according to the Guardian
- Potential Southern California Edison shutoffs
- Could affect 245,000 customers in five counties, according to its online dashboard on Wednesday
3 sources
What people are saying
It’s a pretty widespread event of elevated fire weather, so the whole SoCal region should really be on alert.
We are asking residents to do their part, too. Clear the streets, have a plan and stay informed.
People should continue to prepare not just for one hazard, but all hazards
If there is any significant fire activity this week, it would be somewhat poorly timed in the context of El Niño