Red Flag Warning for LA and Ventura counties as Santa Ana winds bring extreme fire weather conditions
The National Weather Service has announced red flag warnings for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties as strong Santa Ana winds are expected to arrive Tuesday morning and stay into Wednesday evening, bringing with it a “particularly dangerous situation” (PDS) of extreme fire weather conditions. The red flag warning is currently in effect until Wednesday at 6PM. Joining us today on “AirTalk” to talk about the latest weather conditions is Ariel Cohen, Meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard and Lindsey Horvath, Los Angeles County supervisor representing its 3rd district.
With files from LAist.
What to know about the fire investigation process during the Los Angeles fires
Although many have speculated about the origins of the fires that have impacted Los Angeles, there’s been very little information confirmed on their origins. What we do know from the Eaton fire, for example, has been based on those who reported the fire, but there’s yet to be a confirmed cause of its ignition. So today on AirTalk, we’ll talk to experts about how fire investigations are conducted, and what goes into confirming whether a blaze was caused by power lines, or was a result of arson. Joining us to help answer those questions is Tom Pierce, forensic fire investigator and owner of Pierce Fire Investigations, and Scott Kuhlman, president for the California Association of Arson Investigators.
There is confusion about air quality right now. We speak to experts to help clarify.
It can be hard to understand what the dangers are in the aftermath of a wildfire as they relate to air quality. If you can smell smoke, that’s a pretty good indicator that there’s smoke in the air and you should stay inside. But about a week after the major fires broke out, the air seems clean and clear. Even AQI readings show a healthy to moderate level. But is it that simple? What indicators do we have that the air might be unhealthy? Can we trust the apps? And what are the actual impacts on our lungs in both the long term and short term? Joining us today on AirTalk is environmental health scientist and assistant professor at UC San Diego, Carlos Gould and pulmonologist at Dignity Health St. Mary’s Hospital, Dr. Shyam Rao.
Looting, wildfires: checking in with LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman
As the wildfires encroached upon communities throughout Los Angeles last week, many Angelenos had to evacuate their homes quickly, taking with them only the necessities. In the days after, reports of looting and burglary in affected evacuated zones began circulating, with dozens of individuals having since been arrested and, as of Monday, nine people being charged. In one case, a man dressed as a firefighter was caught burglarizing homes — in another, a group of men falsely claimed to be associated with a local fire station. Despite a curfew and National Guard deployment to deter looting in affected areas, many evacuated residents remain concerned about what they left behind. Joining us today to talk about the recent looting and burglaries amid the wildfires is Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney.
Small acts of kindness during the LA fires
As the fires rage on in LA, it is hard not to be disheartened by the endless stories of loss and recurring images of destruction. But amongst the devastation is also an outpour of community support. Whether it is neighbors helping to evacuate, strangers offering free places to stay, or businesses giving out food and water, there are an equal number of stories that prove that LA is still full of kind individuals willing to assist their fellow Angelenos. Today, we want to hear about the acts of kindness you have experienced in the last few days. How have friends or strangers helped you during the fires? What small acts of humanity have you witnessed that have given you hope during this time? Give us a call at 866-893-5722. Or email us at atcomments@laist.com.
