The death toll from the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles has risen to 24, with officials warning that the situation could worsen as dangerous winds are expected. The fires, which have been raging for six days, have left entire communities in ruins and thousands without homes. Despite massive firefighting efforts, conditions are set to deteriorate further due to winds up to 70 miles per hour, which could spread the flames and embers.
The National Weather Service has warned of life-threatening conditions, and a “particularly dangerous situation” will be declared from Tuesday. Firefighters have been bolstered with additional resources, including water trucks and personnel from other regions.
Evacuations are ongoing, and residents who fled are being told they may not return home until Thursday. Efforts to recover bodies from the wreckage are underway, with search teams using cadaver dogs. Looting has been reported, with several arrests, and nighttime curfews have been extended in evacuation zones.
The Palisades Fire has consumed over 23,000 acres and is only 11% contained, while the Eaton Fire in Altadena is 27% contained. The number of evacuees has decreased to 100,000 from nearly 180,000. The city is struggling to provide housing for displaced residents, with reports of illegal price gouging.
California’s Governor Newsom has pledged to rebuild the city, likening it to the Marshall Plan after World War II. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump criticized the state’s handling of the crisis, calling it one of the worst catastrophes in the nationβs history.
Firefighting efforts have been joined by teams from Mexico and other parts of the U.S., with Ukraine offering to send 150 personnel to help. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fires, which are worsened by climate change and urban sprawl.
