LA wildfires death toll rises to 24, fire chief says ready for whipping winds – Firstpost
The death toll from the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles climbed to 24 on Sunday, with high winds forecasted to worsen conditions in the coming days. Weather experts warned that the infamous Santa Ana winds, known for their dry and powerful gusts, will pick up speed between Sunday night and Wednesday, reaching up to 60 mph. These winds are expected to fan the flames, making containment efforts more challenging.
Fire crews have been racing against time to control three major wildfires ravaging the area. Support has poured in from eight states, Canada, and Mexico to bolster local firefighters. Despite their efforts, the Palisades and Eaton fires, which are located on opposite sides of Los Angeles, continue to wreak havoc.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner confirmed that 16 victims were found in the Eaton fire zone, while eight were recovered from the Palisades area. Additionally, 16 individuals remain unaccounted for, leaving families and communities in anguish.
The Palisades fire, the largest of the three, has consumed over 23,000 acres and is only 11% contained. The Eaton fire, covering more than 14,000 acres, is slightly more under control at 27%. Meanwhile, the Hurst fire, though smaller at 799 acres, is almost fully contained. However, officials caution that these gains could be lost if the expected wind conditions materialize.
The financial toll of these wildfires is staggering. Accuweather has updated its preliminary estimates, placing potential losses between $250 billion and $275 billion. This makes the fires among the most expensive natural disasters in U.S. history.
Authorities are urging residents near evacuation zones to remain vigilant and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Kristin Crowley, Los Angeles’ fire chief, emphasized the importance of staying off roads to allow emergency crews to work efficiently. Pasadena fire chief Chad Augustin echoed the concern, calling the upcoming days “potentially disastrous.”
Residents like Alice Husum, 67, who lives in the Topanga Canyon area, expressed their fears about the escalating winds. Although a new fire near her home was quickly contained overnight, she described the community’s anxiety about Tuesday, when wind speeds are expected to peak.
New fires continued to break out on Sunday, threatening areas in the San Fernando Valley and near NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Firefighters managed to contain several smaller blazes in the Angeles National Forest, safeguarding critical facilities at the heart of the U.S. space program.
Despite some progress, officials stress that the battle against these fires is far from over. The coming days will test the resilience of firefighters and residents alike, as Los Angeles braces for the return of fierce winds.
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