LOS ANGELES (AP) — Firefighters rushed on Saturday to contain spreading wildfires ahead of potentially strong winds that could push the flames toward the iconic J. Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles. New evacuation warnings left more homeowners anxious as a fierce battle against the flames unfolded in Mandeville Canyon, a neighborhood known for its celebrity residents such as Arnold Schwarzenegger. Helicopters swooped in to dump water while firefighters on the ground used hoses to combat the leaping flames and thick smoke that covered the hillside.
At a briefing, CalFire Operations Chief Christian Litz emphasized the importance of being aggressive in fighting the Palisades Fire burning near the UCLA campus. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath described another night of terror and heartbreak in the LA area, with more evacuations due to the fire expanding northeast.
Although only light breezes were currently aiding the firefighting efforts, the National Weather Service cautioned that strong Santa Ana winds, known to exacerbate wildfires, could return soon. These winds, coupled with the prolonged drought in the area, posed a significant threat to densely populated regions like the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley.
Amid the fire’s spread, search and rescue teams continued the somber task of sifting through the devastation, with cadaver dogs assisting in systematic grid searches. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna urged residents to adhere to curfews and stay away from affected areas to allow emergency responders to work efficiently.
The fires have ravaged approximately 56 square miles, surpassing the area of San Francisco. Tens of thousands of people remained under evacuation orders, with new evacuations issued following a flare-up near Interstate 405. The total damage and economic losses from the wildfires could make them the costliest in the nation’s history, with estimates ranging between $135 billion and $150 billion.
As survivors returned to the ruins of their homes, the reality of the destruction hit hard, prompting the region’s residents to confront the daunting task of rebuilding and recovering from the disaster.
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Two days later, Berg returned with her family to their home that was destroyed in the fire, hoping to find some of their cherished belongings amidst the rubble. Her children searched through the debris on the sidewalk, while her husband found a piece of petrified wood that belonged to his grandmother near the fireplace. Despite the devastation, Berg tried to remain positive, acknowledging that everyone in the community had suffered the loss of their homes.
The city leadership was criticized for not allocating enough funds for firefighting, with investigations underway to determine the cause of failures in firefighting efforts. Governor Gavin Newsom ordered officials to look into why a reservoir was out of service and hydrants had run dry. The Los Angeles Fire Chief expressed disappointment in the lack of water supply for the firefighters.
Tragically, at least 11 people have lost their lives in the fires, with more casualties expected as search and rescue efforts continue. The damage is extensive, affecting a wide range of establishments and landmarks, including schools, churches, and historic buildings. The cost of the destruction is estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars, with private donations being made to aid in relief efforts.
Progress was made in containing the Eaton Fire, with evacuation orders being lifted in some areas. Mayor Karen Bass faced a challenging test of leadership as the city grappled with the crisis. Prince Harry and Meghan also visited the affected area to offer support to evacuees and raise awareness for organizations assisting fire victims.
Overall, the devastation caused by the wildfires in Los Angeles is profound, with efforts being made to rebuild and support those affected by the tragedy.
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