Winds to Continue; Firefighters on Alert

Friday’s high winds were caused by a strong high-pressure system over Utah and a low-pressure system moving across northern Mexico that forced accelerated air across Southern California, said Chad Pettera, a meteorologist with WeatherData Inc., which provides forecast information to The Times.

Today, forecasters expect wind gusts of up to 70 mph in the mountains and 60 mph in some Valley areas, including Santa Susana Pass, the Santa Clara River Valley, Soledad Canyon and much of the rest of the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and San Gabriel valleys.

The high-wind activity prompted Los Angeles city firefighters on Friday to remind property owners to clear grass and brush within 200 feet of structures and 10 feet from any roads.

“This is the time of year when winds come off the desert and further dry out the already dry vegetation,” said Fire Capt. Jack Reiss, who heads the city’s brush fire unit.

“The Santa Ana winds preheat the brush,” he added. When the fuel temperature is increased, a fire moving through burns more quickly than normal, he said.

Reiss said he is confident in the department’s ability to battle blazes during brush fire season, which runs through January, because of the high levels of moisture in ground vegetation, high compliance to brush clearance requirements and technologically advanced firefighting equipment.

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Those factors will take on even greater significance as high winds continue to buffet Southern California through Sunday afternoon, forecasters said.

By Monday, forecasters said sunny skies, mild temperatures and slightly breezy conditions are expected to prevail and continue through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.