Firefighters in Los Angeles are preparing for strong winds overnight into Tuesday, which could exacerbate two massive wildfires that have already decimated entire neighborhoods, claimed at least 24 lives, and charred an area comparable to Washington, D.C.
Santa Ana winds, clocking gusts of 30 to 50 mph (48 to 80 kph), intensified on Monday, while a red flag warning was set to be in effect starting at 10 p.m. PST (0600 GMT). Peak wind speeds could reach up to 75 mph (120 kph) as early as 4 a.m. Tuesday (1200 GMT), according to meteorologist David Roth from the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center.
Over 8,500 firefighters are actively battling the blazes from both air and ground, with efforts to contain the flames on the edges of Los Angeles showing promise overnight. Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley warned city residents, stating, “This setup is about as bad as it gets. We are not in the clear.”
In response to the escalating threat, state officials have strategically placed firefighting crews in at-risk regions throughout not only Los Angeles but other Southern California counties facing heightened fire danger as well.
The primary wildfires ignited last week amid hurricane-force winds drawing in dry air from inland deserts. Since then, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has reported the tragic deaths of at least 24 individuals. Over 12,000 structures have either been destroyed or damaged, leaving swathes of the area in ruins, with numerous neighborhoods reduced to ashes and rubble.
As of Monday, evacuation orders impacted more than 92,000 people in Los Angeles County, a decrease from a previous peak of over 150,000, while an additional 89,000 residents faced evacuation warnings.
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Among the fires, the Palisades Fire has devastated upscale neighborhoods on Los Angeles’ western edge, burning 23,713 acres (96 square kilometers) with only 14% containment. The Eaton Fire, located in the San Gabriel Mountains to the east, has consumed an additional 14,117 acres (57 square kilometers) and is currently 33% contained. A third fire, spanning 799 acres (3.2 square kilometers) north of the city, is reported to be 95% contained.
In one of the affected areas, Lorraine Bryan, 63, voiced her concerns about obtaining essential insulin for her diabetes, impacted by the damage to her Altadena home. “I’m worried about insurance, rebuilding, and getting back on my feet,” she expressed, standing in the doorway of her charred residence.
As the search continues in burned-out areas, authorities, including Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, are grimly discovering human remains daily, anticipating that the confirmed death toll may increase in the coming days. Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged that this firestorm could be deemed the most catastrophic natural disaster in U.S. history, marking it as the costliest wildfire regarding insured losses.
In related developments, local authorities have reported the arrest of ten individuals linked to the fire incidents—nine for residential burglaries in fire-damaged areas, and one for suspected arson related to an attempt to ignite a tree in Azusa, situated approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast of downtown Los Angeles. U.S. Senator Adam Schiff emphasized during a press conference that looters would face severe consequences.
Amid these chaotic circumstances, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power faces a lawsuit for allegedly failing to manage critical water supplies essential for the firefighting efforts during the Palisades Fire, with claims that a nearby reservoir was dry when the fire erupted.
On the federal front, President Joe Biden expressed condolences for the lives lost and pledged additional disaster assistance to California to aid in debris removal and emergency protective measures. However, Republican leaders in Congress are considering placing conditions on disaster aid, criticizing the Democratic leadership in the state for mismanagement of water resources and forest maintenance.
With many homeowners now facing the daunting task of rebuilding, major banks like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America are stepping up to ease mortgage repayment conditions for those affected. The insurance industry is bracing for unprecedented losses as a result of these devastating fires.
