Howling, dangerous winds tapered off a bit Friday morning after keeping thousands of residents awake overnight throughout Southern California, but forecasters warned wild winds will return Friday night and Saturday morning.
Heavy winds made fighting a home and garage blaze in Exposition Park tough going for more than 90 firefighters early Friday morning, threatening nearby structures.
The blaze was pretty much put out within about 38 minutes and there were no injuries.
Nevertheless, the fear of downed trees, power lines and flying debris continued to be a worry throughout the Los Angeles area and nearby mountains and valleys.
Winds with gusts up to 60 mph were blamed for felling several trees and branches that took down power lines Thursday, according to broadcast reports.
A tree branch fell onto power lines in Van Nuys and sparks could be seen flying from wires in East Los Angeles.
In downtown Los Angeles, gusts took down a traffic light pole, snapping it at its base, at the southwest corner of Main and First streets. In Inglewood, a fallen tree damaged two cars but missed power lines.
“Secure all loose outdoor furniture in advance of the onset of strong winds,” the National Weather Service urged residents. “Monitor the latest forecast on NOAA weather radio or your favorite media source.”
Motorists face difficult conditions, according to the NWS.
“When driving, use extra caution. Be prepared for sudden gusty cross winds.”
The Exposition Park wind-driven fire broke out at 2:09 a.m. at 1635 W. 39th Place and threatened as many as three nearby buildings as it spread to nearby debris and palm trees, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey. It took 91 firefighters 38 minutes to extinguish the blaze, he said.
The garage was heavily damaged, Humphrey said, and at least one home next to it “sustained significant damage in this wind-driven fire,” he said.
“Though the family may later be displaced by fire damage, they are presently away from home and not in need of immediate Red Cross assistance,” Humphrey said.
The cause of the fire was not immediately determined.
— Staff and wire services