The Santa Ana winds, which contributed to the destructive fires in Southern California, are expected to return, complicating the efforts of firefighters striving to extinguish the blazes that have devastated over 10,000 homes, businesses, and other buildings.

According to the National Weather Service, “A severe Santa Ana Wind event is anticipated to start on Monday and persist through at least Tuesday.” They highlighted that humidity levels will significantly dip, creating a high likelihood of critical fire hazards and rapid spread of any new fires due to the exceedingly dry vegetation. “Winds are expected to gust between 35-50 mph across the mountains and foothills of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, with widespread damaging gusts ranging from 60 to 80 mph likely.” Some mountain regions may even experience isolated gusts of 80 to 100 mph.

Cal Fire issued an update regarding the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, which is currently 81% contained, indicating that “extremely dry conditions coupled with strong northeast winds are forecast to return.”

The Palisades Fire, another significant blaze, was reported as 52% contained on Sunday. The Eaton fire’s toll has reached at least 17 lives, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, while the Palisades Fire has claimed at least 10 lives.

Cal Fire mentioned in a Palisades Fire incident report on Sunday that “fire crews are engaged continuously in establishing containment lines, aiding in search and rescue operations, and providing protection and support to the public during the repopulation process.”

Residents Weigh Options: Rebuild or Relocate?

These devastating fires have left many residents grappling with the tough choice of whether to rebuild their homes. With rising costs and the looming threat of future fires, uncertainty clouds their decisions. Additionally, the ash covering burned properties poses another concern. The Los Angeles County Health Department is advising residents returning to these areas to wear masks equipped with filters.

“Consider ash as fine, hazardous dust that can be deeply inhaled, leading to severe health issues,” the department cautioned in a statement. “It’s more than just dirt.”

Mark Pestrella, director of Los Angeles County Public Works, has announced a free program designed to remove hazardous waste for homeowners, helping them prepare their properties for rebuilding. Both state and local officials are promising to streamline processes to expedite reconstruction.

Jewelry designer Charlotte Dewaele, 48, is one of the lucky ones; she rents a home in Altadena that survived the fires thanks to her husband’s efforts to defend it. However, many of her neighbors were not as fortunate. Now she faces the tough question:

“You find yourself surrounded by this wasteland,” she shared with Reuters. “Should I make my kid wear a mask outside for the next four years?”

Contributing: Reuters