BHFD Advises Residents on Wind Warning

The Santa Ana winds blew through Beverly Hills Wednesday night and Thursday morning and are expected to continue into Friday.

Battalion Chief Ralph Mundell said the department received 27 emergency calls related to the high winds between noon Wednesday and 8 a.m. Thursday. He advised residents to immediately report any downed trees or power lines. 

“Call 911, especially with downed power lines,” Mundell said. “We have to assume they are live because we don’t want people walking over, picking up a wire and getting electrocuted.” 

In non-emergency situations, such as if a tree is showing signs of weakness, Mundell suggested calling BHFD dispatch at 310-550-4900 so that the city’s emergency lines don’t get tied up. 

“We’ll get someone out to evaluate the situation,” he said. 

Mundell said there have been no reported injuries or widespread power outages in Beverly Hills since the were issued. A red flag alert means weather conditions have made an area vulnerable to brush or vegetation fire.

Fire Station 2 on Coldwater Canyon Drive has been staffed with an extra fire engine due to the red flag alert, Mundell said.

“Because of winds and an anticipated lowering of humidity ... the north end of the city has the highest [risk of fire] in these conditions,” he said. 

The BHFD will continue to monitor weather conditions throughout the high-wind and red-alert warning period, which is expected to last until late Friday evening, according to the National Weather Service.

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