LOS ANGELES (AP) — Firefighters made significant progress on Wednesday in containing the two large wildfires burning near Los Angeles, while also putting out smaller fires set by arsonists in recent days as strong winds continued to fan the flames in Southern California. Despite the winds picking up again, the region remained on high alert for new outbreaks and flare-ups from the fires that have resulted in at least 25 fatalities and the destruction of numerous homes.
Gusts reached up to 50 mph (80 kph) in the mountains, but the National Weather Service reported relatively lighter winds in many areas later in the morning. The forecasted improved conditions in the upcoming days are expected to aid fire crews in further advancing containment efforts and allowing residents to start rebuilding their communities.
However, new challenges arose for firefighters and law enforcement. Since the start of the wildfire crisis last week, several individuals have been arrested for setting additional small fires, all of which were quickly extinguished. One suspect confessed to starting a fire in a tree simply because they enjoyed the smell of burning leaves, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Another suspect claimed to derive pleasure from causing chaos and destruction.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the major fires, which are projected to be the most costly fire disaster in the nation’s history. Los Angeles officials, who had previously faced criticism for water shortages from dried-up hydrants, were now under further scrutiny. Internal records revealed that the fire department opted not to double the number of firefighters on duty when winds intensified, and only a small fraction of available engines were deployed. The decision to call in off-duty firefighters was made after the start of the Palisades Fire.
Despite these challenges, firefighters managed to increase containment on the largest fires due to more favorable weather conditions. Approximately 50% of the Eaton Fire and 20% of the Pacific Palisades fire have been surrounded. The fires that erupted on January 7 spread rapidly last week, propelled by high winds that carried burning embers over long distances.
Red-flag warnings were issued by the weather service, indicating warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds through Wednesday afternoon from the Central Coast to the Mexico border.
Residents, feeling weary and anxious, prepared for a potential evacuation as intense winds persisted. Javier Vega and his girlfriend devised a plan to quickly evacuate their pets, including two cats, eight fish, and a leopard gecko, if needed. The sound of helicopters flying overhead at night only added to their sense of urgency.
“One crazy,” Vega said. But figuring they were helping firefighters to keep the flames from threatening their neighborhood, he explained, “it was actually soothing for me to go to sleep.”
Long road of rebuilding ahead
Los Angeles authorities promised to do everything they could to help people recover and rebuild. But Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged there is no way to replace much of what has been lost.
“You’ve lost memories, family. All of the experiences that took place there are gone, and gone unexpectedly, gone rapidly,” Bass said.
Earlier this week, the mayor issued an executive order to eliminate red tape and allow people to live in tiny homes and trailers while they rebuild.
Different kind of disaster
Thomas Martin works with Calvary Disaster Relief, a group that responds to disasters all over the world. Most times, he shows up after floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes, helping people repair their roofs and rip out soggy carpet.
“This is different,” he said. “This is total devastation. There’s nothing much we can do other than pray for the folks.”
Wildfires on the rise across LA
With almost no rain in more than eight months, the brush-filled region has had more than a dozen wildfires this year, mostly in the greater Los Angeles area.
The four largest fires around the nation’s second-biggest city have scorched more than 63 square miles (163 square kilometers), roughly three times the size of Manhattan.
Searching for victims
Nearly 30 people remain missing, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Wednesday.
Deputies have searched more than 5,500 properties for victims from the Eaton Fire and hope to finish in that area by Thursday, he said.
One of the victims of the Eaton Fire, 95-year-old Dalyce Curry, loved wearing big hair and makeup, her family said. She hobnobbed with stars from old Hollywood, appearing as an extra with Diana Ross in “Lady Sings the Blues” and in 1956’s “The Ten Commandments.”
Entertainment community responds
The Grammy awards ceremony will happen Sunday in LA and focus on helping the city’s recovery.
“In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort, and unite like nothing else,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and Tammy Hurt, chair of the board of trustees, wrote in a letter sent to Recording Academy members that was obtained by The Associated Press.
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Watson reported from San Diego. Associated Press journalists Lindsey Bahr in Los Angeles, John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio, Mark Thiessen in Anchorage, Alaska, Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, Lisa Baumann and Hallie Golden in Seattle, and Julie Walker in New York contributed.
