The Santa Ana winds, known for worsening the fires that have ravaged Southern California, are expected to return this week, compounding the challenges firefighters face in battling blazes that have already devastated over 10,000 homes, businesses, and structures.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning, predicting that a significant Santa Ana wind event will start on Monday and continue at least through Tuesday. They cautioned that humidity levels would drop dramatically. “This will lead to a high risk of critical fire conditions and fast fire spread,” they stated.

Wind speeds along the coasts and in valleys could reach between 50 to 70 mph, while gusts could soar to 60 to 80 mph across the mountainous areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Concerns are heightened particularly in Ventura County and regions north of Los Angeles, which have been placed under a “particularly dangerous situation” red flag warning.

Cal Fire reported that “extremely dry conditions with low humidity and strong northeast winds are expected to return” amidst updates on the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, which is currently 81% contained.

The Palisades Fire, another major incident, was reported to be 56% contained by Sunday evening. The Eaton Fire has tragically resulted in at least 17 fatalities, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, while the Palisades Fire has claimed at least 10 lives.

“Firefighters are progressing steadily, and officials are reassessing evacuation orders to facilitate safe returns,” Cal Fire stated in a report concerning the Palisades Fire. “Crews are collaborating with utility companies to secure services and deal with hazards like downed trees and power lines.”

The department cautioned that while “clear and cool temperatures” with moderate humidity levels are anticipated overnight, the red flag warning for much of Southern California will remain in effect from Monday through Tuesday.

Trump plans visit to California on Friday

President-elect Donald Trump announced he would be traveling to Southern California on Friday to assess the damage caused by the wildfires. This visit will likely be his first official trip as the newly inaugurated president following his ceremony on Monday.

“I want to extend our heartfelt support to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in California,” Trump remarked to supporters during a rally in Washington at Capital One Arena. “We will be there soon. I’m heading out on Friday to see the affected areas and begin recovery efforts.”

His comments come about a week after California Governor Gavin Newsom invited Trump to the state to meet with wildfire victims.

Residents face tough choices: rebuild or move on?

The wildfires have left many residents grappling with the difficult choice of whether to rebuild their homes. Costs for reconstruction are on the rise, with uncertainty about the possibility of future fires. Additionally, ash has settled over burned properties, prompting the Los Angeles County Health Department to advise returning residents to wear masks equipped with filters.

“Consider ash as fine, hazardous dust that can be inhaled deeply, which can lead to significant health issues wherever it lands,” the department warned in a statement. “It’s more than just dirt.”

Mark Pestrella, director of Los Angeles County Public Works, announced the establishment of a free initiative aimed at helping residents remove hazardous waste, making land ready for rebuilding. Officials at both state and local levels are working to decrease bureaucratic hurdles to expedite reconstruction efforts.

Charlotte Dewaele, a 48-year-old jewelry designer, lives in Altadena in a home that narrowly escaped the flames because her husband stayed behind to defend it. Many of their neighbors were not as lucky. What should they do now?

“You find yourself in a desolate area,” she told Reuters. “Am I supposed to have my child wear a mask outside for the next four years?”

Contributing: Reuters

(This story has been updated with new information.)