Strong winds in LA ease, giving weary firefighters respite

A red flag warning has been lifted by the National Weather Service (NWS) but could return within days.

BBC Weatherman Paul Goddard says parts of southern California remain at high risk, with fire warnings remaining critical, despite weakening winds and rising humidity.

No rain forecast for California next week.

Authorities are also watching Santa Ana winds, which are blamed for fanning the flames. Winds are forecast to return early next week, raising the risk of further red flag warnings.

Winds could bring gusts of 30-50mph (48-80km/h).

According to Cal Fire incident manager Jim Hudson, the Palisades fire, which is the largest, has not seen any fire growth as firefighters work to contain the flames.

24 thousand hectares of land burned. As of Thursday morning, more than 20% were detained.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Thursday, “I hope that as the winds die down, we can see light at the end of the tunnel and individuals can get back on the road to rebuilding and rebuilding their lives.”

But while firefighters are making progress, there is still considerable risk to the area.

“There are still extreme hazards and extreme heat around the perimeter and interior of this fire,” Mr. Hudson said during a news conference in Malibu on Wednesday.

Mr Hudson added that 5,100 personnel had been deployed to tackle the blaze.