LOS ANGELES — Following a challenging weekend spent combating fierce wildfires that devastated thousands of homes and resulted in at least 24 fatalities in the Los Angeles region, firefighters experienced a brief respite with less intense weather. However, concerns remain as there are predictions for additional winds in the upcoming days, which could reignite already charred areas and spread embers into untouched lands miles away, complicating efforts further.
As the death toll rose late Sunday, Los Angeles County’s medical examiner announced that at least 16 individuals are still unaccounted for, a number that may grow as the situation develops. Despite the dire circumstances, calmer conditions allowed some residents to return to areas previously evacuated.
To address the ongoing risk, the National Weather Service issued red flag alerts indicating severe fire conditions likely persisting until Wednesday, with winds forecasted to sustain at 50 mph (80 kph) and occasional gusts hitting 70 mph (113 kph) in mountainous regions. Fire behavior analyst Dennis Burns noted that Tuesday is expected to be particularly perilous, stating, “The conditions will fluctuate over the next few days, but by tomorrow night, we could see a significant uptick in fire activity.”
Burns also indicated that new fires could arise due to blowing embers drifting as far as 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from burnt areas. In a community gathering at Pasadena City College, the audience maintained a respectful atmosphere despite having experienced loss and fear, offering applause to experts and local leaders who spoke during the event.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone reported that 70 additional water trucks were deployed, aimed at helping firefighters control the flames impacted by the expected refreshed winds. Air support dropping fire retardants is also assisting in establishing barriers on hillsides.
Intense Santa Ana winds have significantly contributed to the fire escalation since last week, creating massive infernos that erased neighborhoods in a region facing its worst drought in over eight months. According to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, twelve missing persons belong to the Eaton Fire zone while four are associated with the Palisades Fire. Investigators are working to clarify if some missing individuals are among the deceased, with no children reported missing yet.
The reported fatalities climbed to 24 over the weekend, with eight linked to the Palisades Fire and 16 to the Eaton Fire, per the coroner’s office. The toll may increase as search teams, including cadaver dogs, continue their thorough work in the devastated areas. Officials have set up a center for individuals to report missing loved ones and are developing an online database for evacuated residents to check the status of their properties. As a precaution, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley advised the public to avoid burned-out neighborhoods due to ongoing hazards.
“Active fires persist in areas like Palisades, making access dangerous,” Crowley emphasized during a Sunday morning briefing while noting potential public health risks from ash, which could contain harmful materials such as lead and arsenic.
Approximately 150,000 residents in Los Angeles County remain under evacuation orders, with over 700 people seeking refuge in numerous shelters, according to officials. In the Palisades area, the chances of lifting evacuation orders before the expiration of red flag warnings on Wednesday evening appear slim. “As soon as Thursday arrives, we will initiate discussions about returning residents,” Marrone stated.
Over the course of these fires, more than 62 square miles (160 square kilometers) of land have been consumed, surpassing the size of San Francisco. The Palisades Fire stands at 11% containment, while the Eaton Fire is 27% contained. Together, these two wildfires cover an area of nearly 59 square miles (about 153 square kilometers).
Firefighting efforts involve personnel from California and nine other states, totaling approximately 1,400 fire engines, 84 aircraft, and over 14,000 workers, including new reinforcements from Mexico.
Aside from the extensive fire containment efforts, looting has emerged as a significant problem, with authorities reporting an uptick in arrests, including two individuals impersonating firefighters to gain access to homes, according to LAPD Captain Michael Lorenz. With California National Guard soldiers assisting in protecting properties, Governor Gavin Newsom announced on social media that the state will not tolerate looting.
These wildfires, initiated north of downtown Los Angeles, have incinerated more than 12,000 structures, with the cause still undetermined. Preliminary assessments indicate that these fires could become the costliest in U.S. history, with estimates reaching up to $150 billion.
Among the crews combating the flames are nearly 950 inmates from California’s prison system. They are engaging in fire suppression efforts, including the removal of timber and brush to hinder the fires’ advance. This initiative has drawn some controversy as inmates receive minimal pay—$10.24 per day, with increased rates for 24-hour shifts.
In response to the devastation, Governor Newsom issued an executive order to accelerate recovery efforts, which includes suspending specific environmental regulations and ensuring that property tax evaluations remain unchanged. “We are dedicated to supporting residents through this process, reassuring them that we want them to return, rebuild, and do so with improved construction standards,” he stated.
Following a major disaster declaration by President Joe Biden, more than 24,000 individuals have applied for federal assistance. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated on Sunday that she anticipates a visit from the President-elect’s administration to further discuss the ongoing recovery efforts. Bass is under significant scrutiny as she navigates her leadership role during what is being described as the city’s most significant crisis in decades. Allegations of leadership shortcomings have emerged, prompting investigations into system failures, including why reservoirs and hydrants were not functional during the crisis.
