Dangerous Winds Could Ground Dozens Of Aircrafts Battling L.A. Wildfires, Further Fuel The Flames

Firefighters in Los Angeles are bracing for a critical day as forecasters warn of dangerous winds that could further fan the flames raging across the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a red flag warning, with gusts expected to reach up to 70 mph.

The heightened risk is set to last from 4 a.m. Tuesday through noon Wednesday, impacting areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The warning signals a "particularly dangerous situation," the agency said, which is a designation reserved for extreme fire weather conditions. Winds between 45 mph and 70 mph, combined with dry air and 8-15% relative humidity, are forecast to fuel rapid fire spread and intense fire behavior, making the situation especially hazardous.

It is unclear whether the dozens of aircraft helping battle the blazes will have to be grounded due to the winds, authorities said.

Multiple blazes, including the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires, continue to burn across the region. These fires have already claimed the lives of at least 24 people, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and scorched over 60 square miles. The largest fires are still not under control.

Curfews are also in effect in the Palisades and Eaton fire zones from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. to help prevent further harm and aid firefighting efforts.

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Monday that he is expanding a special legislative session he had previously called to address the state's wildfire crisis. He said that accelerating emergency funding for wildfire response is a top priority. Newsom is calling for $1 billion in emergency response funding for the ongoing fires, with another $1.5 billion to help rebuild affected schools and fortify the state against future wildfires.

"California is organizing a Marshall Plan to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger," Newsom said, vowing that the state will provide billions in new funding to help those impacted by the fires. The exact timeline for considering these proposals is unclear.

In addition to state efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will open two disaster recovery centers in Los Angeles County starting Tuesday, as reported by the CBS News. The centers, located at UCLA Research Park West and the Pasadena City College Community Education Center, will provide residents with assistance for FEMA applications, financial aid, and disaster-related support, such as housing repairs, personal property losses, and medical expenses. FEMA will also provide information on how to appeal denied claims.

While the situation remains dire, authorities urge residents to stay indoors to avoid the dangers of dust and ash from the fires and to remain vigilant as the wildfire threat continues to grow.

As winds threaten to undo the progress made so far, firefighters urgently need additional support to contain the blaze. In addition to professional crews battling the wildfires, hundreds of low-paid prison inmates are also assisting in efforts to control the flames.

Nearly 950 inmates are removing timber and brush in an attempt to slow the spread of the wildfires in the Los Angeles area, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.