LOS ANGELES — A surge of firefighters and equipment has mobilized in the Los Angeles region as strong winds are forecasted to endanger containment efforts of ongoing wildfires. In recent days, these blazes have destroyed thousands of homes and claimed the lives of at least 24 individuals.
Airplanes designed for aerial firefighting and specialized teams are strategically located throughout the city and in the fire-prone hillsides surrounding it. Numerous water supply trucks are on standby to refill resources after last week’s water hydrants ran dry due to high demand.
LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone emphasized the increased preparedness compared to recent days when hurricane-like winds exacerbated fire spreads across an area that has not experienced rainfall in over eight months. However, he cautioned that the anticipated strong gusts could obstruct aerial firefighting efforts, echoing issues encountered the previous week.
Residents were urged to keep essential items such as pets and important documents packed and ready, as the possibility of evacuation remains. Over the past week alone, four major fires around the second-largest city in the U.S. have torched more than 62 square miles of land, an area threefold the size of Manhattan.
Crews from various states in the U.S. as well as responders from Canada and Mexico are part of the firefighting efforts. The National Weather Service has issued warnings predicting particularly hazardous fire conditions extending through Wednesday, with potential wind gusts reaching up to 65 mph. The most critical day is anticipated to be Tuesday, according to fire behavior expert Dennis Burns.
In response to the wildfire threats, a group of local artists, musicians, and residents took action over the weekend in Topanga Canyon, shutting off gas lines and propane tanks to prevent new fires from igniting near the Palisades Fire’s impact zone. “We helped hopefully save a couple houses and extinguished a few spot fires,” said Derek Mabra, reflecting on the devastation observed along the coast.
Significant damage has been recorded as a result of the Eaton Fire near Pasadena and the Palisades Fire along the Pacific Coast. Firefighters have made substantial progress on containment, with the Eaton Fire approximately one-third contained.
The death toll increased to 24 over the weekend, and authorities fear it may rise further as search efforts for missing individuals continue. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna advised the public to exercise patience as officials seek to locate the remains of those affected by the disasters.
Following a reprieve of lower winds on Sunday, some individuals were allowed to return to previously evacuated neighborhoods. Jim Orlandini, who lost his hardware store in Altadena, expressed relief that his 40-year family home remained intact despite the destruction surrounding him. “You tend to forget things that would be lost if the house burned down. So, we’re grateful it didn’t,” he stated.
LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has warned residents to stay clear of burned areas filled with hazardous broken gas lines, unstable structures, and a lack of power. She cautioned that the ash left behind may contain toxic materials such as lead, arsenic, and asbestos.
Approximately 100,000 people in Los Angeles County remain under evacuation orders, though this number has halved since last week. Many individuals in the Palisades area will be unable to return home until red flag warnings are lifted on Wednesday evening.
Firefighting efforts are being bolstered by crews from California, nine other states, and over 14,000 personnel, including new additions from Mexico. President Joe Biden has committed federal support, dispatching hundreds of personnel and resources for aerial and ground operations. “We will utilize every resource available to aid the urgent firefighting efforts,” Biden asserted.
Weekend battles against flames in areas like Mandeville Canyon, home to various celebrities, were fierce. The Palisades Fire expanded Friday evening, prompting additional evacuation orders, with firefighting crews on the ground throughout Monday ahead of expected windy conditions that could threaten landmark sites like the Getty Museum and UCLA.
In response to the disasters, numerous celebrities and entertainment organizations, including Beyoncé and Disney, have pledged millions of dollars in support for those affected. Many community members have also contributed by donating clothing and essential items at various drop-off locations throughout the city.
Unfortunately, the aftermath of the wildfires has seen a rise in criminal activities including looting and price gouging. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman reported that certain businesses are exploiting the situation, inflating prices on lodging and medical supplies. He reassured the public that such actions would not go unpunished, stating, “This is not an opportunity for criminals; you will be arrested.”
The destruction caused by the wildfires, which ignited on the Pacific coast north of downtown Los Angeles last Tuesday, has ravaged over 12,000 homes and other structures. As investigations into the causes of the blazes continue, early estimations suggest that the financial burden may surpass $250 billion, potentially marking these wildfires as the most expensive in U.S. history.
