LOS ANGELES – With heavy police and National Guard patrols and checkpoints enforcing curfew and evacuation orders, worried residents are preparing for more high winds on Monday and throughout the week. These conditions are complicating efforts to control the deadly blazes that have erupted across Southern California in recent days.
The winds pose a threat to the small progress firefighters made over the weekend in containing the Pacific Palisades Fire, which has become the most destructive fire in the history of Los Angeles. The fire, currently only 13% contained, has burned 36 square miles and left the community in ashes.
Although the winds that exacerbated the flames last week have calmed somewhat on Sunday, red flag warnings remain in place for Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Accuweather has cautioned that gusts of 60 to 80 mph are possible in Ventura and Santa Clarita.
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles has warned that critical fire weather conditions will persist through Wednesday, with the forecast predicting moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds that, combined with dry air and vegetation, could put areas at risk of fires.
The Pacific Palisades area, which has been severely affected by the fires, is eerily quiet, and power outages have extended to the nearby Brentwood neighborhood, despite the flames not reaching the homes there. Aircraft have been dropping water and fire retardant on steep hills over the weekend as crews race to stay ahead of the strengthening winds and prevent the Palisades Fire from spreading towards Brentwood.
Evacuation zones have also expanded closer to the UCLA campus in Los Angeles’ Westwood neighborhood, with warnings and orders in place near the school. Apart from the ongoing Palisades Fire, two other fires are still active: the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, which is 27% contained, and the Hurst Fire, which is 89% contained.
Cal Fire reported that 40,300 acres have burned in California since the fires started, with over 12,000 homes, businesses, and structures destroyed. More than 153,000 residents are under evacuation orders, and another 166,000 have been warned that they may need to leave their homes. Active duty military personnel are on standby to support the firefighting efforts, according to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.
In response to the devastation caused by the fires, World Central Kitchen has joined efforts to provide meals to firefighters and residents who have lost their homes.
“Weak and powerless or otherwise struggling amidst the tragedy.” In a recent social media post, the disaster relief organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) announced they would be providing free meals in California for first responders and community members affected by the Southern California wildfires. The post included a list of distribution sites and urged anyone in need of assistance to share the information. WCK stated that teams have been mobilized across the region to offer immediate relief in the form of sandwiches and water, with additional support ready from members of the WCK Chef Corps. Founded in 2010 by renowned chef José Andrés, WCK remains under his leadership.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner has confirmed at least 24 fatalities related to the Eaton and Palisades fires. Specifically, the Palisades Fire has resulted in eight deaths, while the Eaton Fire has claimed 16 lives. Governor Gavin Newsom of California expressed concerns on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” suggesting that the number of fatalities is likely to increase as the wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area.
Amid the ongoing search and rescue operations in the fire-ravaged regions, at least 16 individuals have been reported missing in the Los Angeles fires. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna disclosed that 12 individuals are unaccounted for in the Eaton Fire, while four remain missing in the Palisades Fire.
The devastating impact of the wildfires extends across all segments of Los Angeles society, affecting individuals from unhoused populations to affluent beachfront homeowners. The resilience of the community is being tested as they face the challenges posed by the Santa Ana winds, which are expected to complicate firefighting efforts in the region.
This article provides live updates on the wildfires in Los Angeles and highlights the critical work being done by organizations like WCK to support those in need during these challenging times.
