Los Angeles is facing high winds that could exacerbate the ongoing wildfires, with fires having burnt 40,000 acres, destroyed 12,300 structures, and resulted in 24 deaths. Evacuation orders are in place for over 92,000 residents as fires threaten additional areas.
After nearly a week of wildfires in Los Angeles, the region is preparing for worsening conditions due to high winds on Monday that may cause the flames to spread. The largest fire, the Palisades Fire, is 14% contained, while the second-largest, the Eaton Fire, is 33% contained. However, strong Santa Ana winds with gusts up to 75 miles per hour are expected, posing extremely dangerous fire weather conditions.
Authorities have issued a “particularly dangerous situation red flag warning” for parts of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties. The high winds have the potential to cause power outages, hinder firefighting efforts, and increase the risk of new fires starting.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has warned that the fires could become the worst natural disaster in US history, with the death toll expected to rise. Around 92,000 people near the Palisades and Eaton fires are under evacuation orders.
The Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades area has burned over 23,700 acres and was 14% contained as of Monday morning. It poses a threat to Brentwood, Encino, and Westwood, with eight deaths reported so far. The Eaton Fire has burned more than 14,100 acres and is 33% contained, with 16 deaths reported.
Several other fires have also ignited in the region, burning over 1,400 acres collectively. The Kenneth Fire, Sunset Fire, large structure fires in Studio City, Lidia Fire, and Woodley Fire have also impacted the area.
Authorities have reported instances of looting, burglary, and other crimes in wildfire-affected areas. Law enforcement officials have made multiple arrests related to such criminal activities.
The devastating fires in California are expected to worsen the state’s ongoing insurance crisis, affecting homebuyers’ ability to obtain loans and insurance coverage. Private firms are being employed by insurance companies to protect policyholders’ homes from fire damage.
Celebrities and residents alike have suffered losses from the wildfires, with Hollywood stars like Paris Hilton and Milo Ventimiglia losing their homes. Meanwhile, LAX remains open, with some tourist attractions in the area closed temporarily.
This is a developing story, stay tuned for updates.