Deadly Santa Ana winds return to fire-scarred LA but have officials learned anything?

In arid Southern California, the Santa Ana winds always whisper a warning.If a fire’s ignited, the gusts can spread it far and wide — fast. A familiar wind event has gripped the region this week; Red Flag Warnings, which signify extreme fire risk, are in effect through Saturday.  The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Which raises a question for fire-scarred Los Angeles: Have public officials learned from last year’s Palisades and Eaton fires?If not: Why not?California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!In January 2025, LA Mayor Karen Bass infamously left town for Ghana, despite dire fire warnings.Then, the Santa Ana winds whipped through Los Angeles as anticipated, and carried flames with them — killing 31 people, destroying more than 16,000 structures and leaving tens of thousands of residents displaced. The city was badly underprepared.

For instance:The Santa Ynez Reservoir — part of the Palisades water system, built in part to help fight fires — sat empty.LA Fire Department resources were not pre-deployed to handle critical fire weather, and were under-deployed even after the fire broke out. The Palisades area lacked proper water pressure for firefighting. And coordination among emergency agencies, including police, fire, city emergency management and the city’s water agency, faltered.Today, what has changed?Are officials ready for another round of wind-whipped flames — a round that’s here now?Questions swirl.For example:Why is the Santa Ynez reservoir still empty?Why has so little br...