LOS ANGELES — The wildfires ripping through the Los Angeles region have claimed 16 lives, as firefighters strive to contain the growing flames before anticipated strong winds return. These winds could pose a significant threat to iconic locations within the city.
Among the reported fatalities, the Palisades Fire accounted for five deaths while the Eaton Fire resulted in 11. This update from the Los Angeles County coroner’s office highlights the grim reality as search teams utilize cadaver dogs for thorough searches in devastated neighborhoods. In response, authorities have set up a center for reporting missing persons.
Concerns have been raised about the potential spread of the fires toward prominent sites like the J. Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles. Evacuation warnings further anxiety among local residents.
As of Saturday evening, Cal Fire reported that the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, and Hurst fires have collectively scorched around 62 square miles (160 square kilometers), an area larger than San Francisco. The Palisades and Eaton fires represent a significant portion, consuming nearly 59 square miles (153 square kilometers).
In a briefing shared online, Michael Traum from the California Office of Emergency Services revealed that round 150,000 residents in Los Angeles County are currently subject to evacuation orders, with over 700 individuals seeking refuge in various shelters.
The firefighting effort, which involves 1,354 fire engines and more than 14,000 personnel, includes crews from California and nine other states, along with assistance from newly arrived firefighters from Mexico. However, as Cal Fire announced containment rates of just 11% for the Palisades Fire and 15% for the Eaton Fire on Saturday night, the battle to control the flames remains ongoing.
Intense firefighting efforts unfolded in Mandeville Canyon, an area known for its celebrity residents like Arnold Schwarzenegger, where helicopters dropped water to combat the blaze’s advance. Meanwhile, firefighters on the ground aimed hoses at the rapidly spreading fire, thick smoke enveloping the hillside of chaparral.
Cal Fire’s Operations Chief Christian Litz highlighted the urgent focus on containing the Palisades Fire, which threatens to encroach on the UCLA campus. Evacuations were imposed once again after flare-ups were reported on the eastern front of the fire.
The National Weather Service noted that fierce Santa Ana winds, which have exacerbated the wildfires, are expected to return. These winds have significantly contributed to the rapid spread of flames in an area that has seen no substantial rainfall for over eight months.
The wildfires, which ignited on Tuesday just north of downtown Los Angeles, have destroyed more than 12,000 structures. While firefighters made some headway on the Eaton Fire north of Pasadena, they’ve faced challenges as it continues to damage thousands of structures including homes and vehicles—many evacuation orders for affected areas were eventually lifted.
While the cause of these large-scale fires is still undetermined, early estimates from experts suggest these wildfires could potentially represent one of the most costly in U.S. history, with damages ranging between $135 billion and $150 billion.
In a heartwarming display of community support, donation centers have seen an outpouring of volunteers, some of whom were turned away due to overcrowding. At locations like Santa Anita Park, victims of the fires rifled through piles of donated clothes and essentials. One resident, Jose Luis Godinez, shared his heartbreaking story, revealing that three homes housing over a dozen family members were completely destroyed.
Amid these challenges, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has cautioned residents against returning to the ruins of their homes for keepsakes, emphasizing the importance of adhering to curfews for their safety. Officials have stated that the ash left behind could contain toxic materials such as lead and asbestos.
As the city navigates this crisis, LA Mayor Karen Bass faces significant scrutiny regarding her leadership during this unprecedented disaster. Questions surrounding the adequacy of resources and plans emerged, especially after Gov. Gavin Newsom urged an investigation into the state of a reservoir and dry hydrants.
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley voiced concern regarding insufficient funding for firefighting resources, stating, “When a firefighter comes up to a hydrant, we expect there’s going to be water.” The devastation from these wildfires is a stark reminder of the ongoing risks faced in a state that frequently confronts such disasters. Traum of the California Office of Emergency Services mentioned that those affected by the fires can apply for immediate assistance online.
