How California fire officials are preparing for upcoming Santa Ana winds

Strong Santa Ana winds capable of toppling trees or causing widespread power shutoffs are expected to arrive to Southern California Tuesday.

In preparation for the wind event and heightened wildfire risks, CAL Fire is increasing staffing and putting resources in fire-prone areas ahead of time.

CAL Fire has deployed 45 additional fire engines and six hand crews from Northern California to bolster resources in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties. Local units are staffing extra engines, hand crews, bulldozers and water tenders around the clock, officials said.

“As we experienced in Ventura County in November with the Mountain Fire and again in December with the Franklin Fire in Malibu, wildfire is a year-round threat,” said CAL Fire Director Joe Tyler. “Please be vigilant and don’t be the cause of the next wildfire in your community.”

Wind gusts of 50 to 70 mph, with localized peaks up to 100 mph, are expected from Tuesday through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

With every major wind incident comes the added risk of fires as a single spark can ignite a blaze capable of destroying communities.

The public is urged to take precautions as nearly 95% of wildfires are human-caused.

Preventative actions include avoiding mowing or trimming dry grass, ensuring chains aren’t dragging while towing, and fully extinguishing campfires.

Residents in fire-prone areas are encouraged to have evacuation plans, emergency go-bags and a strategy in place for pets.

For additional fire safety resources, visit ReadyForWildfire.org. Real-time updates on active fires and conditions can be found here.