At least 24 people have died because of the wildfires scorching Los Angeles, including 16 associated with the lethally hazardous Eaton fire, one of California’s most disastrous wildfires. Researchers suspect the death toll may increase as rescuers continue to scan the area where so many are still missing. Firefighters gained some ground on the two largest fires, the Eaton and Palisades, over the weekend as milder winds provisionally eased the containment battle.
However, experts say the reprieve will be short-lived. A red flag warning has been issued for Ventura and Los Angeles counties, with strong Santa Ana winds expected to worsen conditions beginning late Monday through Wednesday. Meteorologists predict these winds could be less intense than last week’s but will last much longer, exacerbating the wildfire risk and making fire containment even more challenging.
As of Sunday, the Palisades fire, which has charred 23,700 acres, is 13% contained. The Eaton fire, burning across 14,000 acres in the San Gabriel Mountains, is 27% contained. Some of the sections of the fires are reported to be under control but the combined destruction has burned nearly 40,000 acres-an area larger than entire cities like San Francisco and Boston. More than 100,000 people remain under evacuation orders, with more on standby.
The cause of the fires is still under investigation, though power lines near the fire zones were active when the flames ignited, possibly playing a role in the spread. Meanwhile, some wealthy homeowners in fire-prone areas have enlisted private firefighters to protect their properties as public resources remain stretched.
Structures affected include over 12,000 buildings such as homes, cars, and other outbuildings. The structural damage has caused extensive fires which continue to gain strength, thanks to the firefighters’ efforts; however, winds pick up again in the coming days which could worsen the situation further. Until that happens, local authorities urge all residents to remain vigilant and abide by evacuation orders in a quest not to lose their lives or their property completely.
