Dangerously strong winds are expected to return to Los Angeles on Tuesday, potentially complicating efforts to contain two persistent wildfires that have destroyed entire neighborhoods and claimed at least 24 lives.
Dry Santa Ana winds, reaching speeds of 50 to 70 miles per hour (80 to 112 kph), are expected to return Monday and continue through Wednesday, the National Weather Service warned, issuing a “particularly dangerous situation” red flag warning.
In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced over the weekend that firefighting resources are being strategically positioned in high-risk areas, including those near the Palisades and Eaton fires, the two largest wildfires currently burning in Southern California.
Since the fires ignited last Tuesday, at least 24 people have lost their lives. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to smoldering ruins, creating a scene of devastation. Officials reported that over 12,300 structures have been damaged or destroyed.
Governor Newsom described the disaster as potentially the most catastrophic natural event in U.S. history, with thousands of homes destroyed and tens of thousands of residents forced to flee.
Private forecaster AccuWeather estimates the economic toll of the fires to be between $135 billion and $150 billion.
The forecasted high winds could undo the significant progress firefighting crews have made in containing the blazes, posing a renewed challenge to containment efforts.
Over the weekend, firefighters successfully halted the Palisades Fire as it neared Brentwood and the San Fernando Valley. The fire has burned 23,713 acres (37 square miles) and is 14% contained, according to officials.
In the foothills east of Los Angeles, the Eaton Fire has scorched 14,117 acres (22 square miles) but containment has improved to 33%.
North of Los Angeles, the Hurst Fire is now 89% contained, while three other major fires in the county have been fully contained, though some areas within containment lines continue to burn, Cal Fire reported.
CITY ON ALERT
High winds forecast for Monday have prompted officials to warn Los Angeles County’s 10 million residents to prepare for evacuation.
As of Sunday, over 100,000 people in the county were under evacuation orders, down from a peak of 150,000. Another 87,000 remain under evacuation warnings.
Active-duty military personnel are on standby to assist firefighting efforts, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said, urging residents to file for disaster relief.
Firefighters from seven states, Canada, and Mexico have joined local crews to combat the fires.
In Altadena near the Eaton Fire, resident Tristin Perez defied evacuation orders to protect his home and neighbors’ properties.
“Palm trees were on fire, and the yard looked like a movie scene,” Perez told Reuters. “I did everything I could to save my house and theirs.”
