Firefighters in Los Angeles are racing against time to contain two massive wildfires that have been burning for six consecutive days. With a brief respite in hazardous conditions, crews are working diligently before the return of high winds threatens to exacerbate the flames.
At least 24 people have tragically lost their lives in what California Governor Gavin Newsom described as possibly the most devastating natural disaster in U.S. history. The wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes, forcing 100,000 people to evacuate and leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins.
Communities Turned to Ash
The relentless flames have reduced both affluent and modest communities to smoldering ashes, creating an apocalyptic landscape across Los Angeles County. Officials report that at least 12,300 structures have been damaged or completely destroyed.
“L.A. County had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
Firefighters Battling on Multiple Fronts
Aerial firefighters, some scooping water directly from the Pacific Ocean, have been tirelessly dropping water and retardant on the advancing flames. Ground crews equipped with hand tools and hoses are working to hold the line against the Palisades Fire as it encroaches on the upscale Brentwood neighborhood and other populated areas.
The Palisades Fire on the western side of Los Angeles has consumed 96 square kilometers and is currently 13 percent contained. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire in the foothills east of the city has scorched another 57 square kilometers, with containment efforts increasing to 27 percent.
North of the city, the Hurst Fire is now 89 percent contained, and three other fires that had ravaged parts of the county are fully contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). However, officials warn that areas within containment lines may still be burning.
Preparing for the Return of Severe Winds
Firefighters have had a temporary reprieve from the fierce Santa Ana winds, which reached hurricane force earlier in the week, fanning the flames and propelling embers up to 3 kilometers ahead of the fire lines. The National Weather Service, however, forecasts that these dry winds, originating from inland deserts, will return on Sunday night with speeds of up to 112 kilometers per hour, lasting through Wednesday.
“These winds combined with low relative humidities and low fuel moistures will keep the fire threat in all of Los Angeles County very high,” said Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. He added that evacuated areas may not be reopened until red flag conditions are lifted on Thursday.
Thousands Remain Evacuated
Over 100,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate, down from a peak of more than 150,000. An additional 87,000 people face evacuation warnings as officials caution that anyone in the county may be ordered to leave due to the flames and toxic smoke.
Despite the ongoing crisis, schools—except those in mandatory evacuation zones—are set to reopen on Monday after being closed on Thursday and Friday for all 429,000 students in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Unprecedented Disaster Response
Governor Newsom emphasized the severity of the situation, telling NBC News that the fires are likely to be the worst natural disaster in U.S. history in terms of costs. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has reported 24 deaths resulting from the fires.
Private forecaster AccuWeather estimates the damage and economic loss to be between $135 billion and $150 billion. To expedite the monumental rebuilding effort, Governor Newsom signed an executive order on Sunday temporarily suspending environmental regulations for destroyed homes and businesses.
Deanne Criswell, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), announced that active-duty military personnel are ready to support the firefighting efforts. She urged residents to begin filing for disaster relief.
Firefighters from seven states, Canada, and Mexico have joined local departments to combat the blazes, highlighting the extensive collaboration required to address the disaster.
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Los Angeles races to contain wildfires before high winds return
cgtn.com
