Due to the high risk of forest firesSouthern California Edison (SCE) suspended power, affecting thousands of customers in Southern California.
Power outages were made due to the forecast of the first round of strong Santa Ana windswhose intensity can knock down power lines that could start a fire on land with dry vegetation.
For this week, the National Weather Service (NWS) predicted an unusual increase in temperature, which combined with the Santa Ana winds and the low humidity of the land, met the conditions for vegetation fires.
Keep reading: Get ready: the heat and winds of Santa Ana are coming to Southern California!
The NWS issued a red flag alert by Fire risk for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties valid until 6:00 pm this Wednesday.
“Any new fire is likely to exhibit extreme behavior and rapid spread“said the specialists of the National Weather Service.
According to forecasts, the Santa Ana winds They can bring gusts of up to 45 miles per hour in the Santa Susana mountains.
Keep reading: Wind alert extends to Friday in Southern California
The authorities issued Heat advisories for Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange countiesas well as for the Inland Empire, valid until 7:00 pm this Wednesday.
Maximum temperatures in certain parts are expected of San Bernardino and Riverside counties reach 95°F.
Amid red flag conditions, Southern California Edison officials keep a watch on developing weather and implemented certain power outages for public safety to reduce the risk of fires caused by company equipment.
Keep reading: Alert extended for strong winds in Southern California
“Given the possibility of debris falling due to the wind, the power supply is cut off to avoid sparks. “If debris hits a power line, it can create a very dangerous situation that could cause a fire,” said SCE spokesman Jeff Monford.
Cuts in electricity supply They take place from 6:30 am this Wednesdayaffecting hundreds of customers in four counties in Southern California:
- Los Angeles County: 62 clients
- Riverside County: 9 clients
- San Bernardino County: 586 clients
- Ventura County: 1,494 clients
According to the website of Southern California Edison, of the 5 million customers, Another 22,362 power outages were being considered.
Keep reading: Second day of strong winds in Southern California
Meteorologists hope that The intensity of the winds will decrease on Wednesday nightwith the forecast of a drop in temperatures for this Thursday and Friday.
Deployment of resources to prevent fires
The California government deployed firefighting resources in southern california given the weather conditions that occur this week.
Governor Gavin Newsom gave instructions to state emergency services so that early and proactive measures are taken to protect communities from any incident.
Keep reading: Changes in SCE rates will impact customer bills
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) authorized the pre-deployment of 129 personnel and resources to Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The deployment by from the California government includes:
- 10 fire trucks
- 3 water tanks
- 3 helicopters
- 3 hand crews
- 3 operators with 107 support personnel
“These efforts Ensure resources are ready to respond quicklymitigating the potential impact of new fires and other critical incidents,” Governor Newsom’s office said in a statement.
Keep reading: SCE sued for negligence in California wildfires
“This proactive approach has proven to be a critical component of California’s emergency response strategy, reducing response times. and ensuring that resources are available when they are needed most“he added.
Newsom said that Cal Fire maintains its staff at maximum in all units in the region under alert and added that they have all the state air resources and exclusive use aircraft to respond to any fire that arises.
Keep reading:
· Eaton Fire Victims to Receive Compensation from SoCal Edison
· SoCal Edison fined $2.2 million for 2022 Riverside fire
· Eaton Fire: Pasadena School District Sues SoCal Edison