update (12/22/20) - Red Flag Warning for Malibu 8AM Wed, 12/23 - 12PM Thurs, 12/24 due to Santa Ana winds & low humidity
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts a Santa Ana Wind event will impact the Malibu area Wednesday, December 23 through Saturday, December 26.
A Red Flag Warning will be in effect much of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, including Malibu, from 8:00 AM Wednesday, December 23 through 12:00 PM Thursday, December 24 due to moderate Santa Ana winds and very low humidity. Gusty Santa Ana winds are expected to increase rapidly across Los Angeles and Ventura counties early Wednesday morning, then peak in strength Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night when wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph are expected across wind favored areas. Very dry fuels in combination with gusty winds and very low humidity increases potential for extreme fire behavior, rapid growth and spread and long-range spotting with any fire start.
The first widespread rain event of the winter is also forecast Sunday afternoon through Monday.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department will have augmented staffing in place, ready for tactical deployment. On-duty resources have been pre-identified for strike team mobilization based upon the need.
IMPACTS:
Increased risk of fire ignitions due to strong winds downing trees and powerlines; Increased risk of power outages; If fire ignition occurs, conditions will be favorable for very rapid fire growth, extreme fire behavior, and long range spotting bringing a significant threat to life and property. Hazardous road conditions, potential traffic signal outages.
PREPARATIONS:
The LA County Fire Department reported that it has augmented staffing, ready for deployment and on-duty resources have been pre-identified for strike team mobility based upon the need. The City is coordinating with LA County Sheriff’s, Fire, Public Works Departments, Caltrans and other partner agencies, is monitoring fire conditions and will send out alerts as needed. City Public Works is out patrolling City streets and canyon roads in Malibu monitoring for downed power lines, tree branches, road hazards, and clearing debris from roadways.
Trancas Canyon Park and Charmlee Wilderness Park will be closed Wednesday, December 23 and Thursday, December 24 as a safety precaution.
BE PREPARED:
Residents should be prepared for potential wildfires and power outages associated with high winds, and potential evacuations if a fire occurs.