Firefighters received a brief reprieve from the rapidly spreading fires that destroyed hundreds of houses and claimed the lives of at least 24 people in the Los Angeles area over the weekend. However, forecasts warned of additional wind, raising concerns.
Renewed winds could cause already-burnt valleys and homes to flare up again, sending embers miles downwind into unburned areas, potentially igniting new flames and complicating firefighting efforts.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s statement late Sunday increased the death toll to 24. Authorities also indicated that the number of missing persons—at least 16—was likely to rise.
Some individuals were able to return to previously evacuated areas on Sunday due to a period of relative calm.
The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings for dangerous fire conditions through Wednesday, predicting steady winds of 50 mph (80 kph) and mountain gusts of up to 70 mph (113 kph).
Dennis Burns, a fire behavior analyst, warned during a community meeting Sunday night, “It will kind of ebb and flow over the next couple of days. Tomorrow night, it will really ramp up.”
Burns explained that spotting—new flames caused by embers carried by the wind—could occur up to two miles (3.2 kilometers) downwind of previously burned areas.
In contrast to harsh criticism directed at authorities elsewhere, the crowd gathered at Pasadena City College largely remained respectful despite their losses, worries, and uncertainty. Applause followed each speech delivered by experts, police officers, firefighters, and community leaders.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone announced the arrival of 70 additional water vehicles to assist firefighters in combating the flames.
“We are ready for the impending wind event,” Marrone declared.
Officials noted that fire retardant dropped by aircraft would create a barrier along hillsides to slow the spread of the flames.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported that 16 individuals were missing—12 from the Eaton Fire zone and four from the Palisades Fire. Although no children have been reported missing, investigators are working to determine if some of the missing may be among the deceased.
The death toll rose to 24 over the weekend:
Cadaver dogs continue to conduct thorough searches of destroyed neighborhoods, and authorities have set up a center for reporting missing persons. An online database is also being developed to inform evacuees if their homes were damaged or destroyed.
“The public is in a very dangerous situation because there are still active fires burning in the Palisades area,” said Kristin Crowley, Los Angeles city fire chief.
“We have unstable structures, broken gas lines, no water, and no electricity.”
Officials have also warned that ash may contain harmful substances like asbestos, lead, and arsenic.
Approximately 150,000 Los Angeles County residents remain under evacuation orders, with more than 700 residents seeking shelter in nine designated facilities. Most evacuation orders in the Palisades region are unlikely to be lifted until the red flag warnings expire Wednesday evening.
The Eaton Fire is currently 27% contained, and the Palisades Fire is 11% contained. Combined, these two fires have burned 59 square miles (153 square kilometers).
Firefighting efforts include crews from California, nine other states, and Mexico. More than 14,000 personnel, 84 aircraft, and nearly 1,400 fire engines are actively engaged in combating the fires.
Looting continues to be a concern, with authorities reporting arrests of individuals posing as firefighters to enter homes.
“Looting will not be permitted in California,” Governor Gavin Newsom declared on X.
Preliminary estimates suggest that the fires could be the costliest in U.S. history, with damages potentially reaching $150 billion, according to AccuWeather.
To expedite rebuilding, Governor Newsom issued an executive order suspending certain environmental regulations and ensuring property tax assessments would not rise.
“People need to know that we’ve got their back,” Newsom stated.
“We want you to return and continue rebuilding with better building standards.”
More than 24,000 people have registered for federal assistance following President Joe Biden’s major disaster declaration
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass revealed that she had discussed a potential visit to the city with President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration.
Despite ongoing uncertainty, officials remain focused on recovery efforts and the challenging process of rebuilding the devastated region.
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