Wildfire preparedness in Los Angeles is under renewed scrutiny as a Red Flag Warning takes effect across much of the region, with the Pacific Palisades still relying on an alternative water supply while the Santa Ynez Reservoir remains out of service.
The National Weather Service has warned of a high risk of extreme fire behaviour from Thursday through Saturday, as Santa Ana winds, very low humidity and dry vegetation create dangerous conditions across Southern California. Winds of 20 to 40mph, with gusts reaching up to 60mph in exposed areas, are expected in parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. ([forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=TXT&glossary=0&issuedby=LOX&product=FWL&site=LOT&version=2&utm_source=openai))
The alert comes after a brush fire in nearby Brentwood and follows a broken water pipe that prompted residents to conserve supplies earlier in the week. In the fire-scarred Palisades, officials are continuing to use a roughly six-mile hose line while repairs are carried out at the reservoir.
Traci Park, the Los Angeles councilwoman who represents the area, acknowledged that the state of the infrastructure remained a concern.
“The systems are not all online and working the way we want them to. So, yeah — it feels unsettled,” she said.
Ms Park said the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and other city departments had worked to maintain emergency supplies and services, but added that she remained worried until the reservoir was full and operational.
“Until this work is finished, until the Santa Ynez Reservoir is full and back online, and until we have enhanced the capacity that we need for this community and others like it across Los Angeles, I continue to worry,” she said.
The reservoir is being fitted with a replacement floating cover. LADWP documents say the work is intended to protect drinking-water quality and that the facility is expected to return to service between October and December 2026. During the shutdown, the Pacific Palisades is being supplied through the Westgate Main Water Pipeline. ([ladwp.com](https://www.ladwp.com/sites/default/files/2026-02/Construction%20Notice_SYR%20Cover%20Project_2.19.2026_Final.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Some residents said they remained unclear about the level of protection available should another major fire break out.
“It’s hard for me to say, really. I don’t really know what the status of the reservoir is,” Palisades resident Emily Culbertson said when asked whether she believed the city was better prepared.
The issue has also featured in the Los Angeles mayoral contest. During a debate on Tuesday night, Mayor Karen Bass said she believed the city was ready for another catastrophic wildfire.
“I do think we’d be prepared today for the next catastrophic wildfire,” Ms Bass said.
Her challenger, councilmember Nithya Raman, struck a more cautious tone, saying: “I hope we’re ready. We’re going to be ready in the district the best we can. We’re going to work with all our fire stations.”
Ms Bass said on Wednesday that she was in regular contact with Los Angeles Fire Department chief Jaime Moore as officials prepared for the worsening fire weather.
California governor Gavin Newsom has ordered additional firefighters, aircraft and equipment to be positioned in Southern California. Cal OES resources are due to begin deploying on Thursday and remain in place through Sunday, with Los Angeles among the counties receiving extra support. ([gov.ca.gov](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/10/14/governor-newsom-directs-early-proactive-steps-to-protect-california-communities-and-strengthen-local-fire-response-ahead-of-dangerous-santa-ana-winds-and-red-flag-warnings/?utm_source=openai))
The National Weather Service said the Red Flag Warning would run from 6am on Thursday until 8pm on Saturday. It urged residents to avoid activities that could create sparks, prepare evacuation plans and be ready for possible power outages if conditions deteriorate. ([forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&os=dio…&wwa=Red+Flag+Warning&utm_source=openai))
