Intense wildfires sweep across Los Angeles, claiming at least 16 lives and causing damage or destruction to more than 12,000 structures including homes and businesses. Conditions are expected to worsen, officials warn, further complicating efforts to contain fires in the days ahead.
The Palisades Fire, one of the largest fires, has already burned more than 21,300 acres. Firefighters are fighting to keep it from spreading toward the Getty Center art museum and residential neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley. In addition to the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire has burned almost 14,000 acres, destroying 5,000 structures and closing schools in areas where the fire has occurred.
Strong winds, which include gusts of up to 120 km/h from Santa Ana, will intensify from Monday and continue to endanger firefighting efforts. Meteorologists have described the next few days as a critical period, where dry weather coupled with high winds will provide the perfect conditions for wildfires to spread.
Los Angeles wildfires took 16 lives, neighborhoods turned upside down
The fires have also affected the daily life of people in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Unified School District, the country’s second-largest, closed schools on Thursday and Friday because of hazardous air quality. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said he is worried about the safety of students, especially those with respiratory issues. Power outages and evacuation orders have turned neighborhoods upside down.
Entertainment, sports, and community events have been canceled as smoke and ash blanket the city. Film productions and premieres have come to a halt due to unsafe air conditions. Residents like Kenneth, a Pacific Palisades evacuee, shared the emotional toll: “Our lives are in chaos, but at least we’re alive.”
The Governor Gavin Newsom launched an investigation into emergency resource failures, which includes non-functional reservoirs and dry fire hydrants. On the other hand, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley was more critical in criticizing the insufficient funds for the firefighting activities as water shortages is a big hurdle.
Economic losses from these wildfires could rise to $150 billion. This could make these wildfires the costliest in the U.S. history. Firefighters and residents gear up for another week of intense challenges.
Also, see: Firefighters in Los Angeles succeed in slowing down deadly wildfires