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FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell issued a stark warning on Sunday, cautioning that intensifying winds could worsen ongoing wildfires, creating more hazardous and unpredictable conditions.
Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Criswell emphasized the need for residents to adhere strictly to safety advisories and avoid entering affected areas.
“What I’m hearing right now is that the winds are potentially getting dangerous and strong again. I believe the red flag warnings have been put back in place, and so I think the biggest thing that people need to know is that this is still dangerous, and they still need to make sure they’re listening to their local officials so they can keep themselves safe,” Criswell stated.
The FEMA chief highlighted the volatility of wildfires, noting that strong winds often make fire behavior unpredictable. This increases the risk for both residents and firefighters. “I know that so many people probably want to get back into the area and check on their homes, but with the winds picking back up, it’s just, you never know which way they’re going to go,” she said.
Criswell urged residents to remain vigilant, prioritize safety, and allow firefighting teams to focus on containment efforts without additional risks.
The worsening weather is a significant concern for emergency responders who are battling blazes under challenging circumstances. “It all depends on the weather,” Criswell said, when asked about the outlook for the coming days. She praised firefighters’ relentless efforts, stating, “They’re working day in and day out.”
However, she noted that shifting conditions could significantly alter the situation, creating new hazards for both responders and the public.
“There are resources that are out there, but if the weather changes, it creates different conditions. It’s going to change the environment with which they’re operating under. Again, the most important piece is keeping them safe as they try to protect all the homes that are in the path of the fire,” she added.
The death toll from the devastating southern California wildfires reached 16 as of Saturday night, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office. The Palisades Fire has been linked to five deaths, while the Eaton Fire caused 11 fatalities. These fires have left communities grappling with loss and uncertainty as containment efforts continue.
As of Sunday morning, the Palisades Fire had burned through 23,654 acres and was only 11 percent contained. Similarly, the Eaton Fire had scorched 14,117 acres, with containment reported at just 15 percent. These figures underscore the challenges faced by firefighting teams as they combat the flames amidst adverse conditions.
Residents are urged to heed warnings and remain in safe locations while firefighters work tirelessly to contain the fires. With the possibility of worsening weather, Criswell’s message serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing dangers and the need for collective caution to prevent further tragedy.
