# California wildfire threat grows with power shutoffs

> Hot winds and power cuts prepare California for wildfire surge.
- Title: California wildfire threat grows with power shutoffs
- Summary: Hot winds and power cuts prepare California for wildfire surge. California faces heightened wildfire risk as Santa Ana winds and planned power shutoffs begin.
- Keywords: california, wildfire, santa ana winds, power shutoffs, los angeles, national weather service, red flag warning, news, local, threat, grows, power
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/hot-weather-and-gusty-winds-raise-california-wildfire-threat-as-power-shutoffs-are-planned
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: california, wildfire, santa ana winds, power shutoffs, los angeles, national weather service, red flag warning, news, local
## Fire weather warning
Large swaths of California face fire weather starting Thursday as winds threaten power shutoffs.
## Los Angeles response
Mayor Karen Bass directs fire department to deploy personnel ahead of winds.
## Santa Ana wind forecast
Santa Ana winds reach 20 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph in mountainous areas.
## Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning for northern and central california starts Thursday for rapid fire spread.
## Power shutoffs begin
Pacific Gas and Electric plans power shutoffs for 88,000 customers across 29 counties.
## Historic fires
2025 Palisades Fire killed 12 people and destroyed homes in los angeles.
## Next steps
Power shutoffs could last through saturday as winds threaten wildfire risk.
## Key takeaway

California faces heightened wildfire risk as Santa Ana winds and planned power shutoffs begin.