Soaring temperatures across Southern California have triggered a Heat Advisory this week as the latest summer heat wave peaks. The heat, coupled with lower humidity, has firefighters on high alert for brush fires.
Firefighters have already battled multiple brush fires this week.
Wednesday morning, a fire near the 5 Freeway in Sylmar nearly shut down traffic, reducing lanes until firefighters could contain it.
In Riverside County Tuesday, the Volcano Fire forced evacuations before it was stopped at 200 acres.
The Volcano Fire is pictured in Riverside County on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (OnScene.TV)
Firefighters were also kept busy by another blaze near the Sepulveda Basin Tuesday afternoon.
Due to the extreme fire risk, Los Angeles County deployed extra staffing.
“Both of the strike teams are pre-deployed in Santa Clarita,” said L.A. County Fire Capt. Aaron Katon. “This time of year, Santa Clarita is one of our highest fire danger areas, so positioning the rigs there makes all the sense in the world.”
As the winds shift and demand increases, it’s possible more crews could be called in.
“After the Altadena and Pasadena fires, I think we’re all heightened a little bit lately, but I still think it’s good for us to get outside and enjoy the weather for a little bit,” said Justin Payne, a Pasadena father who took advantage of one of the 23 splash pads throughout L.A. County.
“I love it, I love that Pasadena has this offer for families,” he continued. “It’s good to get out of the house. It’s summer break right now. [My son is] getting a little antsy inside, so it’s good to get some sun.”
With the Heat Advisory in full swing, people are encouraged to limit outdoor activities during peak daylight hours and to look out for the most vulnerable, like pets, the elderly and young children.
If you need to shake out energy, many cities like Pasadena have nighttime activities for families, like Parks After Dark, which kicks off Thursday night.
The National Weather Service has extended the Heat Advisory for portions of Los Angeles County, detailed below.
Heat Advisory
Santa Clarita Valley: Tuesday, July 7 through Tuesday, July 14
West San Fernando Valley: Tuesday, July 7 through Tuesday, July 14
East San Fernando Valley: Tuesday, July 7 through Tuesday, July 14
Santa Susana Mountains: Tuesday, July 7 through Tuesday, July 14
Western San Gabriel Mountains/Hwy 14 Corridor: Tuesday, July 7 through Tuesday, July 14
East San Gabriel Mountains: Tuesday, July 7 through Tuesday, July 14
San Gabriel Valley: Tuesday, July 7 through Tuesday, July 14
Northwest LA County Mountains: Tuesday, July 7 through Tuesday, July 14
Los Angeles Inland Coast: Wednesday, July 8 through Tuesday, July 14
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