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The latest on Santa Ana winds and an outlook on fire risks for the week
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AirTalk Tile 2024
Jan 15, 2025
Listen 1:39:27
The latest on Santa Ana winds and an outlook on fire risks for the week

Today on AirTalk, we're looking at the new Red Flag Warnings issued for L.A. and Ventura Counties. Is it possible to build a fireproof home? We'll have an expert on to answer questions about building materials as many people begin the process of rebuilding their homes and businesses. We'll have an open conversation about dealing the grief and loss of the wildfires. Pasadena Humane Society has been working nonstop to care for the animals, both wild and domesticated, that have been displaced by the fires. We'll end the show talking about how children are affected by natural disasters and a free day camp that was created to help them process situations like this.

A kids playground engulfed in flames.
A playground burns in a residential neighborhood during the Eaton fire in Pasadena, California on January 7, 2025.
(
Josh Edelson
/
AFP via Getty Images
)

The latest on Santa Ana winds and an outlook on fire risks for the week

Listen 6:16
The latest on Santa Ana winds and an outlook on fire risks for the week

The National Weather Service has announced red flag warnings for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties as strong Santa Ana winds continue through Wednesday evening, bringing with it serious risks of extreme fire weather conditions. The red flag warning is currently in effect until Wednesday at 6 p.m. Joining us today on AirTalk to update us on the latest weather conditions is Ariel Cohen, Meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard.

With files from LAist

Is there such a thing as a fireproof home or building?

Listen 28:09
Is there such a thing as a fireproof home or building?

The wildfires that have devastated Los Angeles have razed homes, businesses, and community centers throughout the region. As the city continues to process the extent of the damage, many have begun questioning how to prevent such large-scale destruction to homes and property in the future, asking, “is there such a thing as a fireproof home?” From concrete to steel, homeowners have sought to find an alternative fireproof answer to building with wood, particularly in a region like Southern California that is swept in seismic activity. But, how safe and reliable are these alternative materials in fire scenarios? And to what extent can you classify something as “fireproof?”Today on AirTalk we’re joined by Jacob Margolis, science reporter for LAist, Erica Fischer, associate professor at Oregon State University School of Civil and Construction Engineering, and Geoffrey von Oeyen, principal architect of Geoffrey von Oeyen Design and associate professor of practice at USC’s School of Architecture.

How are you grieving the pain caused by the Los Angeles fires?

Listen 15:19
How are you grieving the pain caused by the Los Angeles fires?

Following the initial aftermath of the fires, we’ve heard from many listeners dealing with overwhelming emotions. There are a host of problems, from the pain it’s caused to urban communities and natural ecosystems, which creates a complicated grieving process for everyone impacted. Alongside this, the variety of timelines for Angelenos’ respective grieving processes is a reminder that one size won’t fit everyone. Someone can go through most of their emotional pain through these early weeks, or it could arise months down the line. So we want to hear from those of you who are willing to share: how you are grieving the damage the fires have caused directly to you and your community? Today on AirTalk, we’ll hear from listeners and hear from licensed therapist and grief expert Claire Bidwell Smith.

Here’s how Pasadena Humane Society is helping animals and what you can do

Listen 28:30
Here’s how Pasadena Humane Society is helping animals and what you can do

In the days since the Eaton Fire first began, Pasadena Humane has taken in nearly 600 animals, including the kinds this nonprofit usually cares for — like dogs, cats, and bunnies — but also a number of unusual kinds. Organization leaders said the initial surge of evacuees’ pets needing immediate, short-term shelter gave way in the following days to animals brought in by animal search and rescue teams. Some of the animals have the same kinds of injuries humans have when a wildfire tears through. There have been a lot of questions about how to help rescue animals during this emergency. Joining to discuss is Dia DuVernet, president and CEO of the Pasadena Humane Society. If you have questions or comments, call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.

With files from LAist. Read more here 

The Pasadena Humane Society has set up an Eaton Fire Animal Rescue Hotline for people to report found animals (including pets, livestock, exotics and wildlife). That’s 626-577-3752.

Providing an outlet for children during natural disasters

Listen 21:10
Providing an outlet for children during natural disasters

The recent fires have devastated and displaced thousands, many of them families with young children. Children affected by the fires have lost homes, schools, and some even family members. Beyond the physical loss is the emotional and mental toll natural disasters cause, especially to young children who can experience anxiety, depression, and trauma during these events. And while it is important for children to process these emotions, it is also important for them to remain children. Today on AirTalk, we’re joined by licensed clinical social worker, Jenni Silverstein, to talk about the trauma children often face during natural disasters like the LA fires. We’re also joined by Ozzie Baron, deputy director and co-founder of Project:Camp, an organization that offers free day-camps to children in disaster zones, providing them with a place to process their emotions through play.

For additional resources on how to help your child through natural disasters like the LA fires you can go to The National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

Credits
Host, AirTalk
Host, Morning Edition, AirTalk Friday, The L.A. Report Morning Edition
Senior Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Associate Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
Associate Producer, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, FilmWeek