LA Fires Claim 24 Lives as High Winds Threaten to Intensify Blaze

LA Fires Death Toll Rises to 24 as Fierce Winds Expected to Return

California weather forecasters have issued warnings of strong winds expected to sweep through Los Angeles this week, potentially worsening the wildfires that continue to devastate the region. The fierce Santa Ana winds, known for their dry and fast-moving gusts, are forecasted to pick up again from Sunday night through Wednesday, with speeds reaching up to 60 mph (96 km/h).

Despite a brief period of calm winds over the weekend, fire crews have been racing against time to control the three major wildfires engulfing parts of the city. Firefighters from Los Angeles, assisted by teams from eight other states, as well as Canada and Mexico, have made progress in containing the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires.

Death Toll and Missing Persons

The LA County medical examiner updated the death toll on Sunday to 24, while 16 people remain unaccounted for. Sixteen of the confirmed fatalities were found in the Eaton fire zone, and the remaining eight were discovered in the Palisades fire area.

Progress in Containment

  • Palisades Fire: The largest and most destructive of the three fires, it has burned more than 23,000 acres and is currently 13% contained.
  • Eaton Fire: Covering over 14,000 acres, this fire is the second largest and has reached 27% containment.
  • Hurst Fire: The smallest of the three, it has grown to 799 acres but is almost fully contained.

Despite the containment efforts, officials remain concerned about the impact of the impending winds on the fire zones. The strong gusts could not only reignite embers but also accelerate the spread of flames to nearby areas, posing further risks to life and property.

Financial Impact

Experts are already predicting that these wildfires could rank among the costliest in U.S. history. On Sunday, Accuweather, a private forecasting agency, revised its preliminary estimate of financial losses caused by the fires, increasing the figure to between $250 billion and $275 billion. The projected losses include damage to properties, businesses, infrastructure, and the local economy.

Ongoing Efforts

Local and international firefighting teams continue their relentless efforts to contain the fires and protect lives. As reinforcements arrive, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders. In the coming days, authorities will focus on ensuring the safety of fire-prone communities while battling high-risk conditions brought on by the strong winds.

A Community United

Amidst the tragedy, communities across California have come together to support those affected by the wildfires. Donations, relief centers, and volunteer efforts have been mobilized to provide shelter, food, and aid to evacuees. As the fight continues, officials hope for improving weather conditions and sustained progress in containment efforts.

Courtesy: Daily Record

LA County Under Threat as Winds Set to Create ‘Potentially Disastrous’ Fire Conditions

While firefighting crews have made progress in containing some of the largest wildfires around Los Angeles, authorities have raised concerns over an incoming wind event that could significantly worsen the situation. The National Weather Service has issued a rare ‘particularly dangerous situation’ alert for Tuesday, warning of extreme fire behavior, with winds expected to peak at speeds of up to 60 mph (96 km/h) from 04:00 local time Tuesday until midday Wednesday.

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin cautioned that despite some progress, the situation remains critical:

“Unfortunately, we’re going right back into red flag conditions with some potential disastrous wind conditions between now and Wednesday. While we’re making some progress, the end is not even close yet,” Augustin told the BBC.

Fire Threat Across LA County

Authorities have placed all of LA County under fire threat, urging residents to remain prepared for sudden evacuation orders. LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley emphasized the need for residents near evacuation zones to stay alert and keep roads clear to allow emergency crews to move swiftly:

“Be ready to leave immediately if an evacuation order is issued and avoid unnecessary travel to reduce road congestion,” Crowley said.

Despite the dire forecast, the LA Unified School District announced that all schools, except those located in mandatory evacuation zones, would reopen on Monday.

Residents Brace for High Winds

In Topanga Canyon, where a new fire broke out overnight but was quickly contained, residents remain on edge. Alice Husum, 67, who has chosen to stay despite evacuation orders, expressed concerns over the upcoming wind event:

“We’re all dreading Tuesday, but at least the forecast is a little better than the 100-mile gusts that were hammering us earlier in the week,” Husum said.

New Fire Threats

On Sunday, new fires flared up in San Fernando Valley and near Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), threatening communities in the area. Firefighters managed to stop the spread of these blazes quickly, including one in the Angeles National Forest, which surrounds the facility known for its critical role in the US space program and its top-secret technology.

Ongoing Battle

Despite the containment of key fires like Palisades and Eaton, the unpredictability of new blazes combined with the expected high winds continues to pose a severe challenge. Crews remain on high alert, with reinforcements arriving from neighboring states, Canada, and Mexico.

Officials have reiterated that the coming days will be crucial in preventing further loss of life and property. Residents are urged to remain cautious, heed evacuation orders, and avoid risky behavior as the region braces for another round of extreme fire conditions.

Courtesy: BBC News

Looting Arrests Surge as More National Guard Troops Deployed to Combat LA Wildfire Crisis

As wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles County, law enforcement faces a growing challenge of maintaining order in evacuation zones. Authorities reported that 29 people have been arrested for looting in mandatory evacuation areas, including two individuals caught posing as firefighters to rob evacuated homes.

Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna revealed that additional National Guard troops had been requested to assist with security efforts. In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of 1,000 more National Guard members, bringing the total to 1,400 troops in the region.

“When I was out there in the Malibu area, I saw a gentleman that looked like a firefighter. I didn’t realize we had him in handcuffs. He was not a firefighter—he got caught burglarizing a home,” Sheriff Luna said.
The sheriff emphasized that such incidents have added to the already difficult task faced by first responders.

Firefighting Efforts Intensify

There are now 14,000 firefighters battling the wildfires across southern California, supported by 84 aircraft and 1,354 fire engines. Despite the progress in containing some of the larger fires, the upcoming strong winds are expected to exacerbate the already dire situation.

Evacuations and Resident Concerns

Evacuation orders have been scaled back slightly, with around 105,000 residents still under mandatory evacuation orders and 87,000 under evacuation warnings. However, officials have stressed that the situation remains precarious.

“With winds picking back up, you never know which way [the fires] are going to go,” warned Deanne Criswell, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), during an interview with CNN.

Over the weekend, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) allowed limited access for evacuated residents to check on their properties. However, with the looming wind event, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed that access has once again been restricted.

“We have to prioritize safety. Until we’re confident that conditions have stabilized, residents won’t be allowed back,” McDonnell said.

A Region on High Alert

As conditions worsen and law enforcement intensifies its presence to prevent further looting, officials continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and follow all evacuation orders. With more National Guard troops and firefighting resources on the ground, authorities hope to mitigate further damage and loss of life during what remains one of the most severe wildfire seasons in California’s history.

Courtesy: Sky News Australia

Drone Collision Grounds Critical Firefighting Aircraft as Officials Warn of Dire Consequences

Officials have once again emphasized the critical danger posed by unauthorized drones near wildfire zones after a drone collided with a “Super Scooper” aircraft, one of the world’s most effective firefighting planes. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, briefly grounded the vital aircraft used to combat the Los Angeles wildfires.

According to authorities, the collision caused a 3-by-6-inch (8-by-15 cm) hole in the plane, forcing it to land for emergency repairs. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

FBI Investigation Underway

The FBI has launched an investigation into the incident and has shared photos of the damaged drone in an effort to identify the operator.
Officials have repeatedly warned that flying drones in fire zones is illegal and can have catastrophic consequences. Drones pose a severe risk to firefighting aircraft, which operate at low altitudes and require clear airspace to maneuver safely.

Public Warning Issued

Sheriff Robert Luna expressed frustration over the incident, stating that unauthorized drones hinder critical operations and could result in delayed firefighting efforts:

“Every minute counts in a wildfire situation. Interference like this can cost lives and property. We urge everyone to keep their drones far away from active fire zones,” Luna said.

This incident marks the second time this month that firefighting efforts have been disrupted by rogue drones, with officials now considering stricter enforcement and increased penalties for violations.

Residents are being urged to report any unauthorized drone activity near fire zones to local authorities immediately. Officials reiterated that anyone found operating a drone in these areas could face hefty fines and potential criminal charges.

Officials Warn Against Scammers and Price Gouging Amid Wildfire Crisis

Authorities have issued a strong warning to potential scammers attempting to exploit victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. Officials have also pledged to crack down on price gouging, a common issue during disasters, and stressed that violators will face prosecution.

“We are closely monitoring reports of scams and price hikes. Anyone caught taking advantage of this tragedy will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said LA County Sheriff Robert Luna.

Scammers often target displaced residents by offering fraudulent services or goods at exorbitant prices, compounding the difficulties faced by those affected.

Governor Newsom and President-elect Trump Trade Blows

Meanwhile, tensions between California Governor Gavin Newsom and President-elect Donald Trump have escalated. The two leaders, who have clashed in the past over issues such as climate change and disaster response, are now sparring over the handling of the ongoing wildfire crisis.

On Saturday, Trump criticized state officials, calling the wildfires “one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our country” and blaming “incompetent” politicians for the scale of the disaster. Trump has been invited by Newsom to tour the affected areas ahead of his inauguration on 20 January.

Governor Newsom responded sharply, accusing Trump of spreading “inexcusable” misinformation about the fires and the state’s preparedness.

“This is not the time for finger-pointing or spreading false narratives. We need federal support, not baseless accusations,” Newsom said in a statement.

Political Tensions Amid Crisis

The spat highlights the ongoing debate over the role of climate change in California’s worsening wildfire seasons. While Newsom and other officials have pointed to climate change as a driving factor behind the fires, Trump has frequently downplayed its impact, instead blaming forest mismanagement.

Despite the tension, officials hope the federal government will continue to provide necessary aid and support for firefighting and recovery efforts.

References

Mukesh Singh Profile He is an IITian, Electronics & Telecom Engineer and MBA in TQM with more than 15 years wide experience in Education sector, Quality Assurance & Software development . He is TQM expert and worked for numbers of Schools ,College and Universities to implement TQM in education sectors He is an author of “TQM in Practice” and member of “Quality circle forum of India”, Indian Institute of Quality, New Delhi & World Quality Congress . His thesis on TQM was published during world quality congress 2003 and he is also faculty member of Quality Institute of India ,New Delhi He is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt from CII. He worked in Raymond Ltd from 1999-2001 and joined Innodata Software Ltd in 2001 as a QA Engineer. He worked with the Dow Chemical Company (US MNC) for implementation of Quality Systems and Process Improvement for Software Industries & Automotive Industries. He worked with leading certification body like ICS, SGS, DNV,TUV & BVQI for Systems Certification & Consultancy and audited & consulted more than 1000 reputed organization for (ISO 9001/14001/18001/22000/TS16949,ISO 22001 & ISO 27001) and helped the supplier base of OEM's for improving the product quality, IT security and achieving customer satisfaction through implementation of effective systems. Faculty with his wide experience with more than 500 Industries (Like TCS, Indian Railways, ONGC, BPCL, HPCL, BSE( Gr Floor BOI Shareholdings), UTI, ONGC, Lexcite.com Ltd, eximkey.com, Penta Computing, Selectron Process Control, Mass-Tech, United Software Inc, Indrajit System, Reymount Commodities, PC Ware, ACI Laptop ,Elle Electricals, DAV Institutions etc), has helped the industry in implementing ISMS Risk Analysis, Asset Classification, BCP Planning, ISMS Implementation FMEA, Process Control using Statistical Techniques and Problem Solving approach making process improvements in various assignments. He has traveled to 25 countries around the world including US, Europe and worldwide regularly for corporate training and business purposes.
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