The City of Burbank is urging everyone to be on the alert as strong wind conditions return starting tomorrow. A Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 20, through 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21. Weather watchers predict Santa Ana winds will increase tomorrow, bringing the threat of damaging winds gusting from 60 to 80 mph across mountain regions surrounding Los Angeles. And gusty winds ranging from 40 to 60 mph from Ventura to San Diego Counties.
Los Angeles areas already battered by this month’s extreme winds are likely to see more strong winds this week as well. On the west side, the Palisades Fire is 52% contained and nearly 24,000 acres destroyed. Starting on January 7, the fast-moving wildfire damaged or destroyed thousands of structures and homes. At least 10 people were killed. The other major blaze, the Eaton Fire, decimated the town of Altadena, 13 miles north of Los Angeles. It also started on January 7 and has charred over 14,000 acres, leaving 17 people dead. Nearly two dozen fire victims are listed as still missing at this time.
Even though these fires are still burning, plans to rebuild are being discussed. But it will be a long road. Not only were homes turned to ash and rumble, but so were restaurants, businesses, churches, and schools. So far, estimates have put the structures lost at more than 12,000. The cost of rebuilding Southland neighborhoods is expected to cost billions of dollars.
Fight against price gouging and looting
Meanwhile, officials are fighting to keep looters out of the damaged areas and are trying to put the skids on rental price gouging. Despite a law against jacking up rents during a disaster, there is evidence it is happening in many places. Meanwhile, last Monday, January 13, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman charged nine individuals in connection with residential burglaries in the cities of Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
