Los Angeles Faces Elevated Fire Risk As 96 MPH Wind Gust Recorded

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County faces its most severe wind conditions of the fire season with gusts reaching 96 miles per hour in the foothills around Santa Clarita Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Winds between 55 and 75 miles per hour buffeted foothills around Los Angeles creating dangerous fire conditions. Wind and fire advisories will remain in effect through Tuesday. The gusty Santa Ana winds moved in overnight Sunday. By Monday morning, a wind driven brush fire in Orange County had chased 60,000 residents from their homes.

A wind advisory was scheduled to be in effect from 11 p.m. Sunday through noon Tuesday, and a red flag warning was in effect through Tuesday as well, with the high winds and low humidity combining for elevated fire danger despite relatively cool temperatures.

The county's Office of Emergency Management said it will be on high alert Sunday night.

"Our emergency response officials are world-class and will stand ready to defend lives and property," Director Kevin McGowan said. "We need collaboration from all residents who live in L.A. County to stay safe as a region. We must all do our part by staying informed and being ready to evacuate at a moment's notice, especially if you live in canyon, mountain or foothill communities."

And the Los Angeles County Fire Department said it has boosted staffing in response to the fed flag warning, with Fire Chief Daryl Osby ordering pre-deployment of resources throughout Los Angeles County.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.