Los Angeles County officials announced on Sunday that the number of fatalities resulting from the wildfires has increased to 24. Numerous individuals are still unaccounted for, and more than 12,000 buildings have either been damaged or destroyed due to six concurrent wildfires that began on Tuesday. On Sunday, hazardous dry winds reemerged, intensifying the already fierce flames that have devastated communities and rendered thousands homeless. These dry winds, originating from the inland deserts, propelled flames and carried embers up to 3 kilometers ahead of the fire’s leading edge.
A few aerial firefighters extracted water from the Pacific Ocean and deployed both water and fire retardant. Concurrently, ground crews equipped with hand tools and hoses maintained the perimeter of the Palisades Fire as it threatened the affluent Brentwood neighborhood and other densely populated regions of Los Angeles.
Forecasters anticipate the resurgence of strong winds this week, prompting authorities to caution that the number of casualties may increase, according to news agency Reuters. Firefighters are actively engaged in search and rescue efforts as they strive to combat the wildfires that have ravaged thousands of homes and resulted in at least 16 individuals being reported missing.
The Palisades fire has consumed 23,723 acres and is currently only 11 percent contained. Meanwhile, the Eaton fire, located near Pasadena, has burned 14,117 acres and is 27 percent contained. In response to the situation, California Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted an executive order aimed at expediting the rebuilding process by suspending certain environmental regulations. The estimated recovery costs are projected to range between $135 billion and $150 billion over the next decade, and the forecast of strong winds this week poses a risk of exacerbating the ongoing crisis. To date, 29 individuals have been arrested for violations of curfew, as well as for burglary and looting in the areas impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires.
Considerable advancements have been achieved regarding three smaller fires. The Kenneth, Sunet, and Lidia fires are now fully contained. The Kenneth Fire affected an area of 1,052 acres in West Hills. The Lidia Fire scorched 395 acres along Soledad Canyon Road in Acton. The Sunset Fire, the least extensive of the three, burned 43 acres behind the renowned Hollywood sign.
