Santa Monica, California – The Los Angeles area faced a resurgence of powerful Santa Ana winds on Tuesday, jeopardizing the progress made in combating deadly wildfires that have ravaged communities and displaced tens of thousands. Wind speeds of 45 to 70 mph were expected to persist through midweek, with peak gusts predicted between Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, prompting critical red flag warnings from the National Weather Service in much of southwestern California. With a dangerous mix of high winds, low humidity, and severe drought, the weather service in Los Angeles warned of an exceptionally perilous situation for northern Los Angeles County and Ventura County, describing the conditions as extremely unfavorable. Firefighters from various regions, including Canada, Mexico, and neighboring U.S. states, mobilized both aerial and ground efforts to tackle the fires. Concerns mounted that the high winds could intensify the Palisades and Eaton fires, while also fueling the emergence and spread of new blazes. The fires have resulted in at least 24 fatalities, with over 12,000 homes, businesses, and structures destroyed or damaged, prompting the evacuation of more than 92,000 residents. Stay informed about weather and fire updates via text: Sign up for current wildfire notifications by location. Key updates include: ∎ The Palisades Fire has scorched 23,713 acres with 17% containment. ∎ The Eaton Fire has burned 14,117 acres and was 35% contained. ∎ The Hurst Fire near Sylmar covers 799 acres with 97% containment. ∎ The Auto Fire in Ventura County has consumed 56 acres with 0% containment, though forward progress has been halted. The firefighting aircraft involved in a recent drone collision is scheduled to resume operations on Tuesday after repairs. The incident occurred during operations on the Palisades Fire last week. Firefighting aircraft, including “Super Scooper” planes, skim water from bays and lakes to douse wildfires and will return to reinforce containment lines as winds escalate. Notable wind speeds recorded across southwestern California on Tuesday morning include: San Gabriel Mountains – 49 mph, Fremont Canyon – 46 mph, Chino Hills – 37 mph, Santa Monica Mountains – 36 mph, Cheeseboro Canyon – 30 mph. Firefighters are diligently working to fortify containment lines as the region braces for the impact of increased wind speeds.
There is a possibility of fire breaking through the perimeter. In addition, ongoing urban search and rescue operations and damage evaluations are taking place in areas affected by the fires. These operations are unprecedented in size and scale, and are crucial for reducing existing hazards, confirming reports of missing persons, and determining the accurate count of structures lost, according to Cal Fire.
As for rain in the forecast for Southern California, the Los Angeles region may experience light showers next week, though the rainfall is not anticipated to be significant, as stated by AccuWeather’s senior meteorologist Heather Zehr. The Climate Prediction Center’s Monday forecast suggests that all of Southern California is expected to be drier than normal over the next two weeks.
While substantial rainfall would benefit firefighters combating the blazes across Southern California, there are concerns that heavy downpours could trigger mudslides in areas affected by the fires, city officials warned. The wildfires have been devastating the LA area for a week now, and many are wondering if there is an end in sight.
The FBI has initiated an investigation into a drone crash that caused a firefighting aircraft to be grounded during the Palisades Fire. The collision involving an unauthorized drone occurred last week, and the FBI is seeking information to identify the drone operator. The incident, which took place while the aircraft was operating over the Palisades Fire, resulted in no injuries, but the firefighting aircraft was out of service for five days.
Firefighters from Mexico have helped cut a containment line in the Tarzana area during the Palisades Fire. Additionally, nine individuals have been arrested for looting, with stolen items including an Emmy Award and over $200,000 worth of other belongings recovered from homes left behind during wildfire evacuations in the Los Angeles region.
Moreover, at least three lawsuits filed against Southern California Edison claim that the utility’s electrical equipment sparked the Eaton Fire, which has scorched over 14,000 acres of land and destroyed approximately 2,000 structures.
Last week, lawsuits were filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of individuals whose properties were destroyed by the blaze. The lawsuits allege that the utility company failed to shut down its power equipment despite warnings, leading to the Eaton wildfire. They also reference eyewitnesses and images showing a fire at the base of a transmission tower owned by the utility. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by fire officials. A spokesperson for Southern California Edison stated they could not comment directly on the lawsuits as they had not been served yet but affirmed the company’s commitment to safety practices.
In a separate incident, a brush fire named the Auto Fire broke out in Ventura, California, and was swiftly contained by firefighters. The fire burned 56 acres with 0% containment as of early Tuesday.
The Brier Fire in San Bernardino County was quickly controlled by firefighters after spreading to several acres. By Saturday night, the blaze had torched nine acres and posed no further threat.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that at least 24 people have died in the fires, with approximately two dozen individuals still missing. Crews are conducting grid searches with cadaver dogs to locate victims. Authorities continue search, rescue, and recovery operations in affected areas.
The ongoing devastation has resulted in the destruction of at least 5,000 structures in the Palisades Fire. Evacuees may not be able to return home until Thursday due to red flag wind warnings. A curfew remains in effect for much of the area to ensure safety. Residents like Beverley Auerbach, who lost their home in the fire, are among those impacted by the destructive wildfires.
Authorities are meticulously combing through neighborhoods, inspecting homes down to their very foundations, from the sturdy concrete steps to the resilient brick chimneys. Auerbach shared that despite their unwavering vigilance, they have not yet had the opportunity to witness firsthand the current state of the area. However, a neighboring individual managed to gain access to the evacuation zone and captured footage, which was promptly shared on the local neighborhood WhatsApp group chat.
Expressing a sentiment shared by many in the community, Auerbach, a travel marketing consultant, conveyed his hopes that their own residence would be spared from the erratic and destructive forces of the encroaching winds. He highlighted the architectural features that set their home apart, such as the clay tile roof and stucco walls with minimal wooden embellishments, in contrast to neighboring properties adorned with more susceptible wood and composite shingles. Auerbach reflected on the harsh reality that in the face of a raging inferno, even the most meticulously safeguarded homes standing in close proximity to one another are vulnerable to devastation. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the persistent glimmer of hope that lingers until irrefutable evidence in the form of photographs or videos emerges, laying to rest any doubts or uncertainties.
Journalist Trevor Hughes, with contributions from USA TODAY and Reuters, reported on the unfolding situation in the article. The precarious battle against the relentless onslaught of wildfires in the Los Angeles area continues to pose a formidable challenge to the efforts of firefighters, with progress constantly under threat of being erased by the capricious winds.
This informative piece originally featured on USA TODAY provides live updates on the escalating crisis, shedding light on the resilience of individuals facing the wrath of nature and the tireless dedication of those working tirelessly to contain the raging infernos.
