LOS ANGELES — As fierce winds were expected to return, the Los Angeles area prepared for mounting risks with an influx of water tankers and additional firefighters on Monday. These efforts come in response to two large wildfires that have ravaged thousands of homes and claimed at least 24 lives to date.
Firefighters utilized planes to drop bright pink fire retardant on both residential areas and hillsides. Additionally, work crews and fire engines were strategically positioned in particularly at-risk areas filled with dry brush. A fleet of water trucks has entered the region to replenish supplies, which had run low last week when the fierce fires escalated.
Feeling the anxiety associated with constant threats, Tabitha Trosen and her boyfriend expressed concern about their community’s vulnerability. Trosen mentioned their preparedness, stating, “Our cats are ready to go, we have their carriers by the door prepped with their little stuffed animals and things like that.” She continued to share her pre-packed items, indicating a deep sense of how crucial personal belongings are to her sense of identity and connection to family.
In a press briefing, officials including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass shared their renewed confidence in the region’s firefighting capabilities. They highlighted the arrival of additional resources from various locations across the U.S., along with support from Canada and Mexico. LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone acknowledged that the area is better equipped than it was a week ago, particularly after hurricane-force winds ignited several fires in a region that hasn’t received rain in over eight months.
While the winds are set to strengthen late Monday into early Tuesday, they are not expected to reach the same hurricane-like levels experienced previously. However, Marrone warned that gusts could hinder air support for firefighters, stating that winds exceeding 70 mph would complicate containment efforts.
Fire officials urged residents situated in high-risk areas to evacuate without waiting for formal orders if they felt threatened. One such resident, Tim Kang, made the decision to leave his home due to health concerns caused by smoke and fear of the advancing fires. He shared how dire the situation felt, describing it as though “the world’s ending” as he temporarily relocated to Pasadena with his brother.
Over the past week, four significant fire incidents have consumed more than 62 square miles around the city of Los Angeles. The National Weather Service has cautioned that conditions may become “particularly dangerous” on Tuesday, with wind gusts potentially reaching 65 mph. Many regions, including high-density areas like Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley, are under an extreme fire danger warning extending through Wednesday.
The Eaton Fire near Pasadena is about one-third contained, but the larger blaze at Pacific Palisades remains less controlled. As the death toll is projected to rise, Sheriff Robert Luna indicated that numerous residents remain unaccounted for. He requested understanding from those eager to assess their homes, emphasizing the focus on locating missing individuals.
Weekend weather provided a respite, allowing some people to return to previously evacuated neighborhoods. Jim Orlandini, who experienced the loss of his hardware store, noted a sense of relief upon finding his home intact after 40 years.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley reiterated the dangers of returning to fire-damaged neighborhoods, highlighting the presence of broken gas lines and unstable structures. Just under 100,000 residents in Los Angeles County remained under evacuation orders, a significant decrease from the prior week.
Efforts of firefighters intensified over the weekend, particularly around Mandeville Canyon, where new evacuation orders were issued due to the spreading Palisades Fire, posing a potential threat to both the J. Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles.
In a show of solidarity, celebrities and organizations, including Beyoncé and Disney, have pledged substantial financial support to assist displaced individuals affected by the fires. Donations of clothing and other essentials have also been left for those in need across the city.
Investigative reports revealed a troubling surge in looting following the wildfires, with many arrests made. Additionally, instances of price manipulation and scams have emerged, particularly relating to housing and medical supplies, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney.
The wildfires that ignited earlier this week have resulted in over 12,000 damaged homes and structures. While the official cause of the fires is still under investigation, Southern California Edison has acknowledged that authorities are looking into whether its equipment contributed to a smaller fire’s start. A lawsuit has been filed, claiming the utility’s tools ignited the more significant Eaton Blaze.
Preliminary estimates suggest that these fires could lead to unprecedented financial losses, potentially exceeding $250 billion. Reconstruction costs for properties in active fire regions could reach $14.8 billion, as per real estate tracking sources.
