‘Critical fire conditions’ continue to hamper firefighting as blazes across California grow
LOS ANGELES — Crews battling wildfires across California on Tuesday, including the Post fire in Los Angeles County, face another day of gusty winds and low humidity that will push flames into tinder-dry fuel, weather forecasters warned.
“Dangerous fire-weather conditions are expected to continue through Tuesday,” the National Weather Service wrote in a red flag warning for the Interstate 5 Corridor, the San Gabriel Mountains and Ventura County mountains. Northern winds there were expected at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph, and relative humidity is expected to be at 5% to 10%, forecasters warned.
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“Use extreme caution with anything that can spark a wildfire,” the weather service alert said. “Residents near wildland interfaces should be prepared to evacuate if a wildfire breaks out.”
Crews continued Tuesday to work to contain the Post fire, which started Saturday afternoon in Gorman and has burned 15,611 acres, according to a Tuesday morning update from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. It is 24% contained.
“Steep rugged terrain and expected weather conditions will challenge firefighters throughout the day,” the morning update said. Strong winds continue to push the fire south and plumes of unhealthy smoke along with it, with heavy smoke expected Tuesday to affect communities in and around Santa Clarita.
The area’s red flag warning, an alert for critical fire weather conditions, is in effect through Tuesday evening, when the Post fire burn area should begin to see weakening winds, after days of treacherous conditions. But until then, fire officials warned that it’s possible that red-hot firebrands may ignite spot fires more than half a mile ahead of the main fire front.
Post is only one of the more than 20 fires that have ignited since Saturday across California.
