The fatality count from the extensive wildfires devastating Los Angeles has increased to 24, as officials alert residents to the arrival of perilous winds that may further intensify the flames.
The fires have continued to wreak havoc across the United States’ second-largest city for the sixth consecutive day, obliterating entire neighborhoods and displacing thousands of residents.
Vigorous firefighting efforts have managed to halt the spread of the Palisades Fire, which was threatening the affluent Brentwood area and the densely populated San Fernando Valley.
However, conditions are expected to deteriorate drastically, with warnings of “extreme fire behaviour and life-threatening conditions” anticipated in the coming days.
The vigorous firefighting efforts have managed to control the advance of the Palisades Fire.
According to firefighters, these powerful gusts could escalate the flames and propel embers from current burn areas into unburned regions.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone stated that the department has acquired additional resources, including numerous new water trucks and firefighters from distant locations, and is ready to confront the renewed threat.
When asked if hydrants might run dry again, as they did during the initial outbreak of fires last week, Mayor Karen Bass assured, “I believe the city is prepared.”
Evacuees expressed frustration upon learning they would be unable to return home until at least Thursday when the winds are expected to subside.
Some have waited in long lines, hoping to return to their homes to collect essential items like medication or a change of clothes.
The fires have been raging through the United States’ second-largest city for six days now.
Watch: The scale of destruction as LA remains a ‘city on fire’
Search for bodies
Sheriff Robert Luna indicated that escorts into affected areas are being halted due to the dangerous winds and debris, as well as the necessity to locate victims’ remains.
Teams accompanied by cadaver dogs are conducting thorough searches with the bleak anticipation that the confirmed death toll will increase.
Several looters have been arrested, including one individual who disguised himself as a firefighter to steal from evacuated homes.
Nighttime curfews in evacuation zones have been extended, and additional National Guard support has been requested.
Frustrated resident Bobby Salman, 42, unable to access an evacuation zone, expressed, “I have to be there to protect my family, my wife, my kids, my mom, and I cannot even go and see them.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom surveying damage in Pacific Palisades.
The Palisades Fire has now burned approximately 23,700 acres and is only 11% contained.
Footage has captured “fire tornadoes” – intense red-hot spirals that emerge when a fire creates its own weather system.
The devastating blaze has also resulted in molten metal streaming from charred vehicles.
However, the containment of the 14,000-acre Eaton Fire in Altadena has improved, with figures indicating that 27% of its perimeter is under control.
Read more: Firefighters make progress in the battle to contain LA fires
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has released a list of fatalities without disclosing any identities. Eight of the deceased were identified in the Palisades Fire area, while 16 were found in the Eaton Fire region, according to the document.
The number of residents under evacuation orders has decreased to around 100,000, down from a peak of nearly 180,000.
The sudden influx of displaced individuals has created a mounting challenge for the city, with reports of illegal price gouging by unscrupulous landlords.
“I’m back on the market with tens of thousands of people,” said a man identified as Brian, whose rent-controlled apartment was destroyed. “That doesn’t bode well.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom pledged that the city would be rebuilt, introducing the concept of a “Marshall Plan” – referring to U.S. support that revitalized Europe post-World War II.
Burned vehicles lined streets as the Palisades Fire continues to expand in Los Angeles.
“We already have a team exploring the vision for LA 2.0,” he noted.
‘Worst catastrophes’
President-elect Donald Trump has criticized California officials for incompetence.
“This is one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our country. They just can’t put out the fires. What’s wrong with them?” Mr. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
A remarkable firefighting initiative has been underway 24/7 since the initial flames ignited, enhanced by teams arriving from Mexico.
These crews join individuals from across California and the wider western United States who have come to assist.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine even offered to send 150 personnel from his war-torn nation to aid California.
“The situation there is extremely challenging, and Ukrainians can help Americans save lives,” he shared on social media.
A significant investigation by federal and local authorities is ongoing to ascertain the causes of the blazes.
While the ignition of wildfires can sometimes be intentional, they are often naturally occurring and play a crucial role in an ecosystem’s life cycle.
Nevertheless, urban expansion frequently places individuals in danger, and the changing climate – aggravated by humanity’s unabated reliance on fossil fuels – is intensifying conditions conducive to destructive wildfires.
