Small fires spread amid strong winds expected to peak in Southern California on Tuesday.
An “extremely hazardous situation” warning for strong winds that began Monday for much of Los Angeles County and Ventura County will last until 10 a.m. Tuesday — an unprecedented fifth time the National Weather Service has issued the warning this season. Severe fire conditions.
This article is provided free of charge to keep our community safe and supported during these devastating fires.
Wind gusts of 50 mph to 70 mph are expected along the coast and valleys, while gusts of 25 mph and 40 mph are expected. Isolated gusts of 100 mph are possible in the mountains and foothills, while gusts of 30 mph to 50 mph are expected.
Without significant rain in the Southland for months, the landscape is prime for fire.
On Monday, Los Angeles police arrested a man after a small brush fire started in Griffith Park under surveillance. Police sources said witnesses saw the man setting fire to the area. No other details were available.
The fire broke out around 1 p.m. and has burned a quarter acre, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. As plumes of black smoke were seen billowing from Hollywood and the surrounding area, crews rushed to the area south of Griffith Observatory.
The fire was quickly extinguished after helicopters bombarded it with water from the sky. No structures were damaged.
In San Diego County, several fires were reported Tuesday morning.
One in Poway burned three acres before being stopped. Another fire was also stopped near Bala.
Near Ponselle, the Lilac Fire burned more than 80 acres and forced evacuations.
The fire started near Old Highway 395 and Lilac Road.
Meanwhile, crews battling two of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires California has seen in years continue to make progress.
The footprint of the Palisades Fire was 23,713 acres over the weekend, while its containment had increased from 39% to 63% Monday night.
The Eaton fire was more than 14,000 acres, and its containment rose from 65% on Friday to 87% by Monday night.
