LOS ANGELES (AP) – A dangerous heat wave has gripped much of California and the U.S. Southwest, with forecasts predicting triple-digit temperatures along with an increased risk of wildfires. As temperatures soar, officials have taken actions to protect residents and prepare for potential fire outbreaks.
Cooled by a scorching climate, Los Angeles has opened cooling centers for community members this week. Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered the mobilization of state firefighting resources in areas prone to ignition as the mercury rises. Residents are being advised to limit their outdoor activities and stay hydrated to cope with the extreme weather.
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for Southern California, effective from Wednesday through the weekend. They recommend that if outdoor activities cannot be avoided, they should be scheduled for the early morning hours to minimize exposure to heat. Hydration is emphasized as crucial during this heat wave, with downtown Los Angeles projected to reach 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius) and area valleys potentially hitting highs of 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius). In the desert regions, temperatures could soar significantly higher.
Candice Catlett, who uses a wheelchair, expressed her challenges in coping with the oppressive heat in downtown LA. "It’s sizzling hot out here," Catlett remarked. "I have sunblock. Hopefully, I can find some cold water. I’m trying to stay out of the direct sun."
Further inland, Death Valley, known for its extreme heat, may experience soaring temperatures of around 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius), according to the weather service. Arizona is also bracing for the heat wave, with peak temperatures expected on Thursday and Friday, possibly reaching 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) in its southern and western regions. Las Vegas is likely to experience similarly high temperatures.
The fire risk is also heightened due to the ongoing heat wave. Red flag warnings have been issued for Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, indicating elevated wildfire danger through Saturday. The National Weather Service encourages residents in high fire danger areas, particularly in mountainous or hilly regions, to review their evacuation plans and remain vigilant with local emergency updates.
In anticipation of fire incidents, the state has dispatched ten fire engines and multiple firefighting teams to Los Angeles County to support local agencies in the event of wildfires. "By pre-positioning firefighting crews, equipment, and other resources in high-risk areas, we can respond faster and more effectively when needed," stated Nancy Ward, director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
In the Sierra Nevada region, the combination of higher-than-normal temperatures, low humidity, and potential lightning storms contributes to the fire risk. Currently, California's largest wildfire this year, the Gifford Fire, has reached 95% containment after burning nearly 206 square miles (over 534 square kilometers) across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties since it erupted on August 1. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
