Santa Ana winds, low humidity could force power outages in fire-prone areas this Thanksgiving

Southern California will be getting a side of fire weather with their Thanksgiving meal this holiday as the region is met with gusty Santa Ana winds and low humidity starting Thursday.

The fire danger is real with those Santa Ana winds coming in. So Cal Edison is warning they may shut off power in Cabazon, banning and other areas in Riverside County Thursday and Friday. 

The timing could have a big impact on some Thanksgiving meals. 

News Channel 3’s Dani Romero has more on how you can stay prepared. 

“I don’t know what I am going to do I am going to have until tomorrow.  hopefully it won’t go out I am praying," said Linda Likins, Cabazon.

Cabazon resident, Linda Likins is nervous about the possible power shutoff Thanksgiving Day. 

“How I am going to cook for the day so you know what I mean," said Likins "What am I suppose to do I don’t have any friends here that live close by.” 

So Cal Edison has put out alerts saying they may shut off the power Thursday and Friday to minimize the risk of wind bringing down lines and sparking a fire. 

“Remember to check emergency supplies make sure that you have battery operated radios and flashlights and fresh batteries and I also know people are getting together for the holiday but instead of people using candles we recommend using flashlights instead," said So Cal Edison spokesperson.

Likins understands the precaution but she’s worried how she’ll be able to have her Thanksgiving dinner outside. 

“Its going to be windy as hell, how are we suppose to eat when everything is flying around everywhere, dirt on all your stuff cause there’s mad dirt everywhere here in Cabazon," said Likins.

Firefighters across Southern California are also bracing for Thursday’s weather. Santa Ana winds and low humidity are a recipe for danger. 

Cal Fire Captain Fernando Herrera said the department is increasing staffing for the holiday weekend. 

“Staffed 24 hours, meaning those dozer operators, their dozers are loaded on their tractor trailer,"said Captain Herrera. "And those guys are staying at a fire station. they're sleeping there and they're ready to go.” 

Another concern for firefighters is all this dry brush and not alot of rain so far this fall. 

“Avoid using a turkey fryer in an open area, avoid doing any type of open type of barbecuing or anything like in the open," said Captain Herrera. " I mean in the open, meaning out in the wilderness, out in an open area, not necessarily in your backyard.”