EXCLUSIVE: Dallas Raines, a seasoned meteorologist with ABC 7 News, has become synonymous with Southern California’s weather dynamics, even though he hails from Georgia. His insights have been invaluable during the recent onslaught of hurricane-force winds and wildfires that have ravaged the region.
“This is one of the most stunning places in the world, but these winds and fires are things that we are going to have to deal with forever,” Raines remarked on monday, as he prepared for another broadcast. His 40-year tenure in Los Angeles has equipped him with a unique perspective on the region’s weather extremes.
last week,the winds began to gust with alarming intensity,leading to wildfires that consumed tens of thousands of acres,destroyed thousands of homes,and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate.Tragically, over two dozen lives have been lost. While the Runyon Canyon fire in Hollywood was swiftly extinguished,and the Kenneth Fire has been contained,the Palisades,Eaton,and Hurst fires continue to blaze,keeping residents under mandatory evacuation orders.
With another red-flag warning in effect, the situation remains precarious. “Notably Hazardous Situation” warnings have been issued by the national Weather Service, forecasting winds up to 70 mph from 4 a.m. on January 14 until noon on Wednesday. These conditions could hinder the efforts of the LAFD and other first responders, making aerial firefighting operations nearly impossible.
Raines shared his thoughts on the past week’s events, offering a perspective on what may lie ahead, where to gather reliable facts, and strategies to mitigate Southern California’s relentless cycle of wildfires.
DEADLINE: The past week has been gut wrenching for our town, like all the worst parts of the Bible at once. But in all that, local TV and you guys on ABC 7 have been essential in keeping people informed from the wind movement, the fires, the devastations and the efforts to combat the destruction. So, my question is, what has the past week been like for you?
DALLAS RAINES: Just doing my job, Dominic.
DEADLINE: More than ever sir …
RAINES: well, thank you, but you know, anything that we can do on this end, from a meteorological perspective, we just wont to try every day to give our viewers and all of Southern California an possibility to kind of…
DEADLINE: With that, were you surprised about what happened starting on January 7th, with the Palisades fire starting?
RAINES: To be honest, I really wasn’t surprised about what happened.
DEADLINE: why?
RAINES: As I knew that if a fire was ignited, that the winds would be blowing so hard that helicopters can’t fly. And when you look at the whole event, firefighters are working very hard to try to control things as best as they can. But the reality is, in an excessive Santa Ana wind, if a fire starts out of one of these canyons where all of these homes are downwind, southwest of the wind event, it’s almost impossible to stop it. It really is.
And that’s the real key – is to try. Can we forecast well enough in advance without scaring people?
DEADLINE: How do you mean?
RAINES: I remember when we were working on this about eight days before the event itself, and I was talking to some friends of mine at the National Weather Service. I was saying, you know what, this looks really bad as far as damage. Now, we all just hope and pray that a fire is not ignited during these types of winds and wind events, but at least, I think we did a really solid job of getting the information that, more than likely, was going to happen. That it was going to be an excessive Santa Ana wind event. These curve out once every 10 years, or so. Give or take a few years, and even though Southern Californians are used to Santa Ana wind events, one of this magnitude can still be shocking.
DEADLINE: but the ferocity of it, Dallas, old timers, seasoned Angelenos say they’ve never seen anything like this …
RAINES: well, I didn’t grow up here, but I was looking back, and you guys can look this up too, at the great firestorm of Malibu in 1978.
It kind of goes back aways, but it was so close to what we had this time. I was looking at some of the pictures of some of the old fire trucks that had burned, and I was looking at some of those hillsides, and also what I saw was that the population was half of what it is indeed now, in terms of homes.
DEADLINE: Density certainly has proven an issue this year. Another issue we’ve seen this year, like we did late last year with the Franklin fires, is misinformation and disinformation. Now,I’m not going to go over that chapter and verse …
RAINES: I know what you mean …
DEADLINE: But I did want to get your take on the proliferation of bad intel,and how you think people can get the right information that they can act on?
in today’s world,you see all kind of things flying around and,a lot of them,they’re just not real,credible sources. So, I think that’s a concern.
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DEADLINE: “you know, a concern I see, and I would never want to understate the tragic losses this past week, how we all know someone, several people who have lost everything, some who have died, and the amazing work of the LAFD and other First Responders, but it is also true that these fires are not new to southern California.With varying degrees,they happen several times a year and have for decades…”
The recent Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County has once again brought the region’s wildfire challenges into sharp focus. The flames,which erupted earlier this month,have left behind a trail of devastation—homes reduced to ashes,lives tragically lost,and communities grappling with the aftermath. yet,amidst the heartbreak,the unwavering efforts of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and other first responders have shone brightly,offering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Wildfires are no stranger to Southern California. They have been a recurring threat for decades, manifesting with varying intensity each year.The Eaton fire is a stark reminder of this persistent danger, underscoring the need for continuous preparedness and robust emergency response systems. The region’s arid climate, coupled with dense vegetation, creates a perfect storm for such disasters, especially during the dry season.
This fire, though devastating, is part of a larger pattern. Over the years, Southern California has witnessed numerous wildfires, each leaving its mark on the landscape and the lives of its inhabitants. While the LAFD and allied agencies have honed their skills in combating these blazes, the frequency and intensity of such events call for deeper, long-term strategies. Enhanced fire prevention measures, community education, and infrastructural adaptations are crucial to mitigating future risks.
As the flames of the Eaton Fire are gradually subdued, the focus shifts to recovery. Rebuilding homes,restoring livelihoods,and healing the emotional scars will be a long journey. But it is one that Southern Californians are determined to undertake, bolstered by the lessons of the past and the hope for a safer future. The bravery of the first responders and the resilience of the affected communities stand as a testament to the human spirit’s unwavering strength in the face of nature’s fury.
RAINES: ”One, during red-flag warnings, the major canyon passes are shut down and only people who live there are allowed in. It’s inconvenient, yes, but it’s a slight inconvenience compared to the potential dangers.”
“Imagine our city—our beautiful city—and the positive impact of closing down these main canyons during red-flags. These warnings typically last a couple of days,48 hours at the most. You can’t close down everything, but you can shut down the main roads.”
“I live near Angeles Crest, and the situation is alarming. By Sunday, there were motorcycles going up Angeles Crest—dangerous activity during such conditions. Closing down the major canyons is a necessary step. Then,we can get individuals working with their communities.”
DEADLINE: “How so?”
RAINES: “you can frequently enough find retired folks who are willing to dedicate their time to the community, to their neighborhood. Have them do a community watch. This is just my opinion, but if you see someone unfamiliar in your neighborhood at 10 o’clock in the morning—and you may not know all your neighbors—notify the fire department or the Sheriff. They can just come up and say, hey, it’s red-flag warning; you can’t be up here.Look,nobody loves hiking more than I do. I go to the canyons all the time, but I’m willing to sacrifice for our community to, you know, walk on the beach or do something else other than hiking the canyons during red-flags.It’s that simple.”
DEADLINE: “So, where do we go from here, once we get past these next few days?”
RAINES: “yes. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world, but these winds and fires are things that we are going to have to deal with forever. When I first arrived in Southern California, I was really shocked at two things. That every year the Santa ana winds come, a fire is ignited. It burns up people’s homes, and we start over again. And there are two things that I have always felt, and I’ve shared that with many, many people, close friends and people in the news business. There are two things that I think… now this is arduous, so it’s not something we just say, oh, we’ll just do this, and it ends it. It doesn’t. But I think if they could do two things,they could mitigate this,or ameliorate it to the point where you could really drop it down.”
Navigating the Future: Insights on Population growth and Urban Rebuilding
As we look ahead, one thing is certain: the global population will continue to grow. This unavoidable trend is reshaping our world, influencing everything from urban advancement to environmental challenges.A recent conversation highlighted the potential for significant changes in iconic areas like Pacific palisades,shedding light on both opportunities and challenges.
“Well, the population will continue to increase, for one. I predict too that they will completely rebuild Pacific Palisades,” remarked an expert in urban development. This statement underscores the growing demand for living spaces in some of the most coveted regions globally.
When questioned about the feasibility of a complete rebuild, the response was clear: “Why not? It’s the most beautiful area in the world, and people want to live and enjoy that.” Though, this vision comes with its own set of warnings. “But we have to know these winds are going to happen for as long as in our short lifetimes and beyond. So,these two things I think would happen would really help.”
The discussion also touched on the broader implications of such developments, particularly in environmental terms. “You’d be surprised. I think you’d see a major drop in these types of outbreaks. It wouldn’t completely eliminate them, but I think you’d see a tremendous drop in these fires. I really do.” This optimistic outlook suggests that strategic urban planning could mitigate some of the natural risks associated with regions like Pacific Palisades.
The conversation concluded on a hopeful note: “Well, that would be good,” followed by a simple yet affirmative, “Yes.” These snippets from the dialog paint a picture of a future where growth and rebuilding are not only possible but also beneficial, when approached with foresight and care.
As we navigate these predictions and possibilities,the key takeaway is clear: proactive planning combined with respect for natural forces can pave the way for enduring and thriving communities. This balance is essential not just for places like Pacific Palisades but for any region facing the pressures of population growth and environmental dynamics.
How can communities in Southern California better prepare for and mitigate the risks associated with wildfires, particularly during red-flag warnings?
The text you provided appears to be a narrative or news article discussing the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County, its impact on the community, and the measures taken by first responders and authorities to manage the crisis. It also includes a dialog between two individuals, DEADLINE and RAINES, discussing strategies for managing wildfires in Southern California, particularly during red-flag warnings.
Here’s a summarized breakdown of the content:
- Introduction to the Eaton Fire:
– The Eaton Fire has caused significant devastation in Los Angeles County, destroying homes and tragically claiming lives.
– The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and other first responders have played a crucial role in offering hope and resilience amidst the disaster.
- Context of Wildfires in Southern California:
– Wildfires are a recurring threat in Southern California, occurring several times a year for decades.
- The region’s arid climate and dense vegetation create conditions conducive to wildfires, especially during dry seasons.
- Need for Long-term Strategies:
– While the LAFD has honed its skills in combating fires, the frequency and intensity of such events call for deeper strategies.
– Enhanced fire prevention measures, community education, and infrastructural adaptations are crucial for mitigating future risks.
- Recovery and Resilience:
- As the flames of the Eaton Fire are subdued, the focus shifts to recovery.
– The bravery of first responders and the resilience of affected communities highlight the strength of the human spirit in the face of nature’s fury.
- Dialogue Between DEADLINE and RAINES:
– RAINES suggests shutting down major canyon passes during red-flag warnings to prevent dangerous activities, such as motorcycles accessing Angeles Crest.
– He proposes community watches involving retired individuals to monitor neighborhoods during red-flag warnings.
– RAINES emphasizes the importance of sacrificing personal activities (e.g.,hiking) for the safety of the community during such conditions.
- Future Outlook:
– RAINES acknowledges that Southern California is one of the most beautiful places in the world but that wildfires and Santa Ana winds are recurring challenges.
– He reflects on the annual cycle of fires burning homes and the need to adapt to this reality while maintaining a sense of resilience and community effort.
The text highlights the ongoing struggle with wildfires in Southern California, the importance of preparedness, and the role of community and authorities in managing these disasters. It also touches on the emotional and infrastructural impact of such events on the affected communities.
