LA Fires LIVE: High Winds Challenge Firefighters Battling Auto Fire in Oxnard

The Auto Fire, which ignited Monday in Ventura County, has scorched 56 acres but is no longer advancing, thanks to efforts by firefighters on the ground. However, the fire remains 0% contained, underscoring the challenges emergency responders face. Firefighters are bracing for powerful winds forecast over the next 24 hours, which could intensify existing blazes or turn new sparks into raging infernos.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Eaton and Palisades Fires are likely the second and fourth most destructive in California history. Together with the Hurst Fire, these blazes have consumed about 60 square miles—an area larger than Paris.

What to Know:

• The new blaze, located in the river bottom area of Oxnard, currently threatens no structures. Its cause remains under investigation.
• Crews from Ventura County Fire Department, Ventura City Fire Department, Oxnard Fire Department, and a nearby naval base are actively addressing hotspots and working to prevent further spread.
• Cal Fire has issued evacuation orders for the affected areas. Residents are urged to remain vigilant.
• Earlier in the week, the Storm Prediction Center designated an "extremely critical fire" warning for over 2 million people across Southern California, including cities like Oxnard, Santa Clarita, Thousand Oaks, and Simi Valley.
• Experts attribute the increase in wildfire severity to climate change, which creates conditions conducive to larger and more intense fires.
• With winds expected to pick up again, officials are urging residents to finalize evacuation plans and prepare for heightened fire risk.

Stay with Newsweek as we provide live updates on the LA fires and their impact.

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