Los Angeles (Reuters) – Severe winds are forecasted to return to Los Angeles on Monday, posing a threat to efforts to put out two massive wildfires that have destroyed entire neighborhoods, thousands of buildings, and claimed the lives of at least two dozen people.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for dangerously dry Santa Ana winds reaching speeds of 50 to 70 miles per hour (80 to 112 kph) from Monday through Wednesday. Fire crews managed to prevent the fires from spreading overnight but are bracing for the challenging days ahead as winds are expected to intensify.
Officials emphasized the need for continued vigilance as the fires remain active. Firefighting personnel are being strategically stationed in vulnerable areas, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, which are the largest blazes on either side of Los Angeles. More than 8,500 firefighters are assigned to battle these fires.
Despite preparations, uncertainties remain as the winds pose a significant challenge. The blazes have resulted in 24 fatalities and forced over 150,000 residents to evacuate their homes. The search for missing individuals continues as deputies discover human remains daily in the fire-ravaged regions.
The devastating impact of the wildfires has left behind a scene of destruction, prompting California Governor Gavin Newsom to describe it as potentially the most catastrophic natural disaster in U.S. history. The estimated economic losses are staggering, ranging from $135 billion to $150 billion.
As crews work tirelessly to contain the fires, the return of high winds threatens to undermine progress made over the weekend. The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire have consumed vast swathes of land, with containment levels fluctuating as firefighters battle the flames. The scale of the destruction is immense, with the fires collectively scorching an area nearly equivalent to Washington, D.C.
Despite the challenges, firefighting efforts are ongoing, with additional resources and personnel deployed to combat the blazes and protect lives and property.
All wildfires in the county have been reported as 100% contained by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). However, it is important to note that areas within the containment lines may still be experiencing ongoing burning. As a precaution, Angelenos, including those not in close proximity to the fires, have been advised to wear N95 masks when outdoors due to the smoke lingering in the air.
City law enforcement, including police and county sheriff’s deputies, have been taking swift actions to maintain order and safety in the region. Dozens of individuals have been apprehended in recent days for various offenses, such as violating curfews and evacuation orders, engaging in burglary and shoplifting, operating unauthorized drones, and even impersonating a firefighter. These incidents have prompted officials to emphasize the importance of compliance with emergency measures.
With the anticipation of high winds resurfacing on Monday, authorities have issued a warning to the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County to prepare for potential evacuation. At the beginning of the week, over 92,000 individuals in the county were under mandatory evacuation orders, a decrease from the previous figure of more than 150,000, while an additional 89,000 were under evacuation warnings. The situation remains dynamic, urging the populace to stay vigilant and responsive to official directives.
The firefighting operation has received bolstered support from active duty military personnel, poised to assist in combatting the fires. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell emphasized on MSNBC the availability of federal aid for residents out of immediate danger, encouraging them to apply for assistance. Agency personnel are actively present at local shelters to facilitate the distribution of aid to those in need.
Firefighters from seven states, as well as contingents from Canada and Mexico, have converged in the Los Angeles area to reinforce the firefighting efforts of local departments. In a display of resilience, individuals like Tristin Perez in Altadena have demonstrated extraordinary courage by choosing to remain at their properties despite evacuation orders. Perez recounted his harrowing experience of battling the encroaching flames to protect his home and assist neighbors in safeguarding their residences, underscoring the community spirit and determination amidst the crisis.
Contributors Nathan Frandino and Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles, along with additional reporting by Brendan O’Brien and Jonathan Allen, have provided critical insights into the evolving situation. The comprehensive coverage by Daniel Trotta and Joseph Ax, supported by meticulous editing from Frank McGurty and Nick Zieminski, ensures the dissemination of accurate and pertinent information to the public.
