On Sunday, authorities confirmed that the fires in Los Angeles have left at least 24 dead. The situation remains severe as very strong winds are expected to further worsen the fires.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Department revealed that eight victims were found in the Palisades area and 16 in Eaton. The cause of the fires is still under investigation, with both federal and local authorities working to determine what caused them.
Firefighters Battle the Blaze
Firefighters have managed to control the spread of the fire in Palisades, preventing it from getting closer to areas like Brentwood and the San Fernando Valley, which are densely populated. However, the fire conditions remain extreme. Experts warn that the next few hours will be crucial due to the “extreme” behavior of the fire and life-threatening conditions for the population.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of winds up to 110 km/h, creating a high-risk situation. These winds could fan the flames and push embers into new areas. The situation will worsen starting Tuesday, and authorities are already prepared with new resources to combat the disaster.
Preparations and Evacuations
Fire Chief Anthony Marrone stated that the city is receiving additional support, including new tankers and firefighters from other parts of the country. Mayor Karen Brass assured that fire hydrants will be ready to prevent the collapse of the system, as happened last week.
Evacuations and Frustration
About 100,000 people are still under evacuation orders, a number that has decreased from the initial 180,000 evacuees. Affected people, now in shelters or temporary locations, have been waiting with frustration to return to their homes. The strong winds will continue until Wednesday, so returning home will not be possible until Thursday.
In some areas, the fire has been so intense that it has completely destroyed homes, leaving only ashes and melted metal remnants of vehicles. Authorities have also made additional arrests, including a suspect who disguised themselves as a firefighter to attempt a robbery.
Curfew and Safety
The curfew in the evacuated areas has been extended, and the National Guard has increased its presence in the most affected areas. Firefighters are also continuing their intense efforts to recover victims and prevent further incidents.
The Scale of the Disaster
The Palisades fire has burned more than 9,500 hectares and is only 11% contained, while the Eaton fire has affected 5,700 hectares and is 27% contained. Throughout the disaster, more than 12,000 structures have been destroyed, though not all are homes; they also include outbuildings, trailers, and sheds.
Governor Gavin Newsom promised a reconstruction of the city similar to the “Marshall Plan,” which helped Europe after World War II. However, the task will be monumental, as the city must house thousands of people who have lost their homes.
President-elect Donald Trump took the opportunity to criticize California authorities, accusing them of incompetence in managing the fires. Meanwhile, federal and local authorities continue working to discover what caused this disaster.
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