LOS ANGELES — Firefighters received a brief respite after a strenuous weekend combating rapidly spreading wildfires that ravaged neighborhoods, destroyed thousands of residences, and claimed the lives of at least 24 individuals in the Los Angeles area. Although weather conditions improved slightly, the forecast indicated the potential for increased winds, heightening concerns for additional flare-ups among already charred areas and unscathed regions located miles downstream.
The death toll escalated late Sunday, prompted by an update from the Los Angeles County medical examiner, revealing that at least 16 individuals remained unaccounted for, a figure that could further increase. With the weather calming down on Sunday, some evacuees were allowed to return to their homes. However, the National Weather Service issued red flag warnings anticipating severe fire conditions lasting through Wednesday, forecasting sustained winds of 50 mph (80 kph) and gusts reaching 70 mph (113 kph) in mountainous regions. Fire behavior expert Dennis Burns noted that Tuesday is expected to be particularly hazardous, stating, “It will kind of ebb and flow over the next couple of days. Tomorrow night, it will really ramp up.”
According to Burns, new fires ignited by flying embers could arise as far as 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) downwind from previously scorched areas. Despite experiencing devastating losses and considerable stress, the crowd present at a Pasadena City College gym exhibited respect and civility, applauding the various authorities, firefighters, and community leaders who addressed them. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone reported that 70 additional water trucks had arrived to support efforts in managing the flames fueled by the anticipated winds, assuring, “We are prepared for the upcoming wind event.”
Aerial missions have been deployed to drop fire retardant as a protective barrier across vulnerable hillsides. The destructive Santa Ana winds have been primarily blamed for escalating the wildfires triggered last week into colossal blazes that have obliterated entire communities in a region suffering from a lack of significant rainfall for over eight months. Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed that within the Eaton Fire zone, twelve persons were missing, while four remained unlocated from the Palisades Fire. Investigators were reviewing whether any of the missing individuals could be among the deceased, though, thus far, no children have been reported as missing.
The weekend saw the death toll swell to 24, comprised of eight fatalities linked to the Palisades Fire and 16 attributed to the Eaton Fire, according to the coroner’s office. The toll is likely to further increase as search operations continue in devastated neighborhoods using cadaver dogs. A dedicated hotline has been established for families to report missing persons, while officials are developing an online resource for evacuees to check the status of their homes. Meanwhile, Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has urged people to avoid entering burned areas, highlighting the ongoing hazards, including dangerous fires and structural instabilities.
Concerns over hazardous materials in the ash remain, as it may contain toxic substances such as lead and asbestos. Approximately 150,000 residents in Los Angeles County are still under evacuation orders, with more than 700 individuals currently housed in nine shelters. Authorities indicated that most evacuation orders from the Palisades region would likely remain in effect until the red flag warnings are lifted on Wednesday evening. Fire Chief Marrone assured residents that discussions regarding repopulation would commence immediately on Thursday.
The four uncontrollable blazes have devastated over 62 square miles (160 square kilometers), an area greater than that of San Francisco. The Palisades Fire was reported to be only 11% contained, while the Eaton Fire reached 27% containment. Collectively, the two fires have already scorched an impressive 59 square miles (nearly 153 square kilometers). Response efforts involve approximately 1,400 fire engines and 84 aircraft, supported by over 14,000 personnel including newly deployed firefighters from Mexico.
Firefighting strategies included aerial support to combat advancing flames into populated areas such as Pacific Palisades, which houses celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger. The fires precariously threatened to leap across major highways and into densely populated districts like the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley.
Amidst the devastation, concerns regarding looting have emerged, with authorities reporting several arrests, including instances of individuals impersonating firefighters to gain access to residences, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Gov. Gavin Newsom, addressing these concerns, stated, “California will NOT allow for looting,” with the National Guard deployed to secure properties.
As the fires, which ignited just north of downtown Los Angeles, have obliterated over 12,000 structures, preliminary assessments suggest they could become the most expensive wildfires in U.S. history, possibly exceeding $150 billion according to estimates. Additionally, hundreds of inmate firefighters from California’s prison system have joined forces with other emergency responders to combat the wildfires, performing hazardous work for minimal compensation.
To expedite recovery, Newsom implemented an executive order aimed at easing regulations for rebuilding efforts and preventing hikes in property tax assessments. “We’ve got to let people know that we have their back,” he stated, urging victims to rebuild with improved standards. Over 24,000 individuals have reportedly registered for federal aid following a disaster declaration by President Joe Biden.
As Mayor Karen Bass faces intense scrutiny regarding leadership amid escalating crises, allegations of governmental inadequacies have surfaced. Newsom has tasked state officials to investigate the circumstances surrounding a 117-million-gallon (440 million-liter) reservoir’s failure and dry hydrants contributing to the rampant fires. This complex situation continues to evolve as communities assess the aftermath of this severe disaster.
