LAFD asks firefighters to report availability

The Los Angeles Fire Department asked its firefighters to call their communications department.

LAFD firefighter Margaret Stewart asked all members to call (213) 576-8962 and report their availability. She said this is the first time in 19 years that the department has carried out this protocol. 

The Palisades Fire forced roughly 30,000 evacuations and threatened more than 10,000 homes. When LAFD issued this alert, the fire burned nearly 3,000 acres. 

Santa Ana winds are expected to strengthen later in the evening, peaking from 10 p.m. Tuesday through 5 a.m. Wednesday, potentially complicating firefighting efforts and carrying flames even further.

The strong winds forced firefighters to ground all aircraft, including water-dropping helicopters and flame-retardant planes.