Strong Santa Ana winds, dry conditions threaten more destruction in Los Angeles, Ventura Counties, say press reports
Firefighters in Los Angeles are bracing for another wave of Santa Ana winds as wildfires continue to devastate the region since Jan. 7, claiming lives and destroying thousands of structures, press reports said on Sunday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted strong winds through Tuesday, with some areas possibly experiencing gusts as high as 75 mph, according to National Public Radio (NPR).
Combined with low humidity, these conditions have created "critical fire weather," prompting red flag warnings through Wednesday, the media outlet said.
Forecasters warned that peak winds could result in "explosive fire growth."
- Evacuation orders, devastation
The fires, now in their seventh day, have forced at least 153,000 residents to evacuate, with an additional 166,000 under evacuation warnings, according to the LA County Sheriff's Department.
LA City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley called the fires "one of the most challenging natural events in the history of this city," urging residents to stay prepared and informed.
Authorities are investigating at least 24 deaths attributed to the fires, including 16 from the Eaton Fire and eight from the Palisades Fire.
Search and rescue operations for missing persons began on Saturday.
More than 40,000 acres have been scorched by the Eaton, Palisades, Kenneth, and Hurst fires, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
Over 12,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and houses of worship, have been reduced to ashes.
Efforts to contain the fires are underway.
The Eaton Fire, covering more than 14,000 acres, is 27% contained, while the Palisades Fire has burned nearly 24,000 acres and is only 11% contained.
The Kenneth Fire is fully contained after burning over 1,000 acres, and the Hurst Fire is 89% contained, according to Cal Fire.
California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed that 14,000 personnel, including members of the National Guard, are assisting in firefighting efforts. Speaking on NBC's “Meet The Press,” Newsom described the disaster as potentially "the worst natural disaster in the history of the US" due to its scale and cost.
- Widespread impact on communities
The fires have disrupted daily life, with the Los Angeles Unified School District reopening most schools Monday.
However, schools within mandatory evacuation zones will remain closed.
Water safety has also become a critical issue. In northern Pasadena, Pacific Palisades, and other evacuated areas, authorities have issued "do not drink" advisories due to potential contamination from damaged water systems.
Residents are advised to avoid using tap water until further notice.
Meanwhile, a wildfire smoke advisory is in effect, as air quality has reached "unhealthy" levels across parts of Los Angeles County.
The public health department recommends limiting outdoor activities, using air purifiers indoors, and wearing N95 masks or P100 respirators to mitigate health risks.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has received over 24,000 disaster assistance applications.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell dismissed claims that the agency has run out of funds, calling them "absolutely false."
As the fires rage on, officials continue to warn residents of imminent dangers posed by the wind-driven conditions.
LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone emphasized that evacuated residents should not expect to return home until Thursday at the earliest.
The full extent of the destruction remains uncertain, with officials bracing for further challenges.
"The combination of weather conditions and the sheer scale of the fires makes this an unprecedented event," said Crowley.
