Los Angeles is bracing for another wave of fierce Santa Ana winds, threatening to reignite and spread wildfires that have already devastated vast areas around the city. Forecasters predict the winds, which have fueled multiple blazes over the past week, will intensify from Sunday night through Wednesday, with speeds reaching up to 60 mph (96 km/h).
After a brief respite with calmer winds over the weekend, fire crews made progress in containing three major wildfires. However, officials warn the incoming wind event could lead to “potentially disastrous conditions,” endangering lives and property. Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin described the situation as far from resolved, emphasizing that the next few days will be critical.
The largest blaze, the Palisades Fire, has already scorched more than 23,000 acres and is only 11% contained. The Eaton Fire, burning on the opposite side of Los Angeles, has consumed over 14,000 acres and is 27% contained. The smaller Hurst Fire, covering 799 acres, is nearly fully contained, offering a rare glimmer of hope.
Despite containment efforts, the overall situation remains dire. The death toll has risen to 24, with 16 fatalities linked to the Eaton Fire and eight to the Palisades Fire. Another 16 individuals remain missing. Thousands of firefighters are battling the blazes, supported by crews from eight states, Canada, and Mexico. In total, 14,000 personnel are on the ground, utilizing 84 aircraft and 1,354 fire engines to combat the infernos.
New fires continue to erupt, including one near NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and several in the San Fernando Valley. Quick action by firefighters helped contain these fresh outbreaks, but the shifting winds could rapidly change the landscape.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for approximately 105,000 residents, with an additional 87,000 under evacuation warnings. LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley urged those in threatened areas to stay prepared for immediate evacuation and avoid roadways to allow emergency crews unimpeded access.
Meanwhile, the economic impact of the wildfires is staggering. Accuweather has revised its estimate of financial losses to between $250 billion and $275 billion, potentially making this disaster one of the costliest in U.S. history.
The chaos extends beyond the flames. At least 29 people have been arrested for looting in mandatory evacuation zones, including two individuals impersonating firefighters to burglarize homes. California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed 1,000 additional National Guard troops to support the 400 already stationed in the area.
Efforts to combat the fires were briefly hindered last week when a drone collided with a “Super Scooper” firefighting plane, one of the world’s most effective aircraft for battling wildfires. The collision left a gaping hole in the plane, grounding it temporarily. The FBI is investigating and has released photos of the damaged drone, warning civilians to keep drones out of fire zones.
Amid the chaos, political tensions have surfaced between Governor Newsom and President-elect Donald Trump. The two leaders have exchanged barbs over the disaster, with Newsom accusing Trump of spreading misinformation and Trump blaming state officials for poor management.
Residents like Alice Husum, 67, who lives in Topanga Canyon, are anxiously awaiting the peak of the winds on Tuesday. Despite a recent fire near her home being quickly contained, Husum and her neighbors are on edge. “We’re dreading Tuesday,” she said.
As the region faces an uncertain and dangerous week, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant. The firefighting effort continues around the clock, with crews racing to prevent further devastation as Southern California braces for the impact of the Santa Ana winds.
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