LA Wildfires: Winds Threaten Further Devastation as the Death Toll Reaches 24
Posted on Jan 13, 2025 at 07:01 PM
California weather forecasts warn that the strong winds that ignited the infernos near Los Angeles will increase this week as ground-based firefighters strive to contain three wildfires.
After a relatively tranquil weekend, officials cautioned that the infamously dry Santa Ana winds will build up pace again from Sunday night until Wednesday, reaching as high as 60 mph (96 km/h).
LA Wildfires Current State
Los Angeles County fires, causing fatalities in Palisades and Eaton, have halted their spread ahead of the wind's rise. Crews from eight states, Canada, and Mexico are helping local firefighters.
Notably, the death toll has been revised to 24, but at least 16 more people remain unaccounted for. Eight were found in Palisades and sixteen in Eaton. Three fires are still burning in the Los Angeles area.
Moreover, the Palisades fire, the largest, has burned through over 23,000 acres and is 13% contained. The second largest Eaton fire has also burned through 14,000 acres and is 27% contained. The Hurst fire has grown to 799 acres and is almost fully contained.
US wildfires seem to be among the costliest in history, with estimated financial losses between $250bn-$275bn. Authorities warn of potential disastrous wind conditions, putting LA County under fire threat.
Additionally, Fire Department Battalion Chief Christian Litz reports good flame activity in the Palisades fire, but still heat along the edges. Crews are working to limit fire progression and deploy airborne resources.
LA fire chief Kristin Crowley reassures Los Angeles residents about upcoming winds, urging them to stay informed, evacuate, and stay prepared with trusted news and official updates.
US History's Worst Natural Disaster
The National Weather Service has issued a 'particularly dangerous situation' alert for Tuesday, warning of extreme fire behaviour. LA fire chief Kristin Crowley urges residents near evacuation zones to flee and stay off roads.
Besides, at least 29 people have been arrested for looting in evacuation zones, with two pretending as firefighters. Sheriff Robert Luna requested more National Guard troops to bolster the 400 already in the area, while California Governor Gavin Newsom announced 1,000 additional National Guard members.
In addition, Sheriff Luna reported 14,000 firefighters in southern California, assisted by 84 aircrafts and 1,354 engines. Evacuation numbers have decreased, with 105,000 residents under mandatory orders and 87,000 under warnings.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell restricts evacuation access to residents, preventing return, and orders drone operators to avoid fire zones after a drone crash into a vital plane.
Further, the FBI has shared photos of a drone that collided with a "Super Scooper" firefighting plane, causing it to briefly ground and causing a hole in the plane.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared the recent fires as the worst natural disaster in US history, citing high costs and scale. He has signed an executive order to expedite disaster relief for over 200,000 people affected by 12,300 destroyed homes and businesses.
Reportedly, California Governor Newsom and President-elect Donald Trump are in an ongoing dispute over the recent US fires, with Trump accusing politicians of incompetence and Newsom accusing Trump of sharing misinformation.
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