LOS ANGELES — Over a week into what might become the most expensive wildfires ever recorded in the United States, anxious residents in the Los Angeles area are holding onto hope for a change in the winds expected on Thursday that might quell their ongoing fears of further devastation to their lives.
The wildfires that ignited on January 7 have led to the destruction of thousands of homes and have resulted in at least 25 fatalities, with nearly 30 people still unaccounted for. Fanned by the dry Santa Ana winds, these blazes have ravaged over 63 square miles (163 square kilometers) of land, displacing thousands and straining firefighting resources. The wildfires have also knocked out power for tens of thousands and rendered drinking water unsafe in various areas. Investigators are still working to ascertain the causes of the fires.
Javier Vega shared his concerns, feeling like he has been “sleeping with one eye open,” as he listens to helicopters buzz over his Sherman Oaks neighborhood late into the night. Kaylin Johnson echoed similar sentiments, stating that her family has had sleepless nights guarding against potential looters while trying to protect their residence, one of the few left unscathed in their area near Pasadena. “Our lives have been put on hold indefinitely,” she conveyed through a text message.
While government agencies have not yet released preliminary damage assessments, AccuWeather estimates that economic losses and damages could range from $250 billion to $275 billion. Although winds intensified on Wednesday, leading to heightened anxieties throughout the region, there is a sense of optimism with anticipated changes in wind patterns expected on Friday.
On Wednesday, winds surged to speeds of 35 mph (56 kph) along the coast and valleys and reached up to 55 mph (89 kph) in the surrounding mountains, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Hall. A red-flag warning had been issued, indicating heightened fire risks, and a rare advisory regarding a “particularly dangerous situation” was also put into effect but expired on Wednesday afternoon. Although that warning has lapsed, dry conditions and sporadic gusts are anticipated to persist into Thursday, notably in mountainous regions.
The Santa Ana winds have transformed what could typically be seasonal wildfires into catastrophic infernos, obliterating neighborhoods both in and around Los Angeles, particularly following an extended period without any significant rainfall over the past eight months. In contrast to the usual moist onshore winds from the Pacific, Santa Ana winds are warm and flow inland, typically occurring from September through May. The change in wind direction expected on Friday should bring with it more moisture from the Pacific.
Concerns are growing regarding water safety in the area as sewer, water, and power systems have encountered considerable damage. Several utility companies have deemed their drinking water unsafe until thorough testing confirms its safety. Due to toxic chemicals potentially infiltrating compromised drinking water systems, experts advise that boiling or filtering water won’t suffice.
With over 200 water service providers within Los Angeles County, a select few have issued advisories against consuming water due to possible chemical contamination stemming from lost pressure and damages. As utilities dedicate efforts to ensuring ample water supply for firefighting, some have begun testing for contaminants, although it may take weeks or months to confirm water safety for consumption.
As of Wednesday, more than 82,000 residents from densely packed neighborhoods, including Pacific Palisades and Altadena, were still under evacuation orders, with an additional 90,400 warned they might need to evacuate soon. Authorities have enforced an overnight curfew in these evacuated zones, resulting in arrests of violators.
Roughly 850 patients in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and similar institutions were evacuated in the aftermath of the fires, according to the California Department of Public Health. While some students have returned to class, officials are actively looking for temporary classrooms for those in areas where schools have been damaged or obliterated.
As of Wednesday afternoon, over 120,000 customers in the LA metro area were experiencing power outages, with nearly 100,000 of these being Southern California Edison customers across Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. The company announced via social media that unsafe conditions might prolong restoration efforts.
Emerging during the awards season, the wildfires have disrupted the usual fanfare and promotion in Hollywood. While the Academy Awards are still set for March 2, the Film Academy has postponed its nominations announcement and canceled its traditional nominees’ luncheon. The Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 2 in downtown Los Angeles, will proceed, albeit with a focus on raising funds for relief and honoring first responders.
The fires have also prompted the rescheduling of NBA games, as well as the postponement of the Critics Choice Awards and nominations for the Producers Guild Awards. Criticisms have surfaced regarding the purportedly insufficient early response from officials, with claims that inadequate firefighter deployment allowed homes to perish quickly as hydrants ran dry.
In response, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley defended her department’s actions, asserting that every effort was made to boost firefighter presence where possible. As aid from FEMA unfolds, approximately 40,000 individuals have sought assistance, with the agency having already provided over $8 million for immediate necessities such as food, water, and gas. Although President Biden announced that the federal government would cover all firefighting and recovery expenses for the initial 180 days, this funding may not fully extend to individual families’ costs, with ceiling limits set at $43,600, according to FEMA officials.
FEMA does offer short-term assistance, up to $770, to help meet the immediate needs of evacuees, though larger aid is typically reliant on insurance payouts. The uncertainty surrounding recovery continues to loom as communities grapple with the aftermath of the wildfires.
