Key Points:
- Palisades Fire in Los Angeles continues to rage, spreading over 22,000 acres, with only 11% containment.
- Six wildfires across Los Angeles County have claimed at least 16 lives, with 13 people still missing.
- Over 12,000 structures damaged or destroyed; 153,000 residents under evacuation orders.
- Winds of up to 70 mph expected, worsening fire conditions in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
- President Biden is monitoring the situation and coordinating federal resources.
Los Angeles: The firefighting battle in Los Angeles intensified on Saturday as aircraft dropped water and fire retardants on steep hillsides to slow the eastward advance of the Palisades Fire. Firefighters on the ground faced a daunting task as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings of Santa Ana winds gusting up to 70 mph (110 kph), threatening to worsen the already dire situation.
Wildfires Claim Lives and Destroy Property
Over the past 24 hours, the Palisades Fire consumed an additional 1,000 acres, bringing the total area burned to over 22,000 acres. The fire has already damaged or destroyed 12,000 structures. Across Los Angeles County, six simultaneous wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 16 people, according to media reports citing the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office.
The death toll is expected to rise as firefighters conduct house-to-house searches in affected neighborhoods. Thirteen people remain unaccounted for, heightening fears of further casualties.
Evacuations and Threatened Areas
Evacuation orders now encompass 153,000 residents, with 57,000 structures at risk. An additional 166,000 residents have been warned of potential evacuations. The Palisades Fire has moved into the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood and is threatening to leap into Brentwood, an affluent area home to many celebrities. The fire also edges dangerously close to the heavily trafficked 405 freeway, raising concerns of further disruptions.
Weather Worsens Fire Threat
The NWS warned of escalating Santa Ana winds expected to intensify Saturday night into Sunday and again early next week. Sustained winds of up to 30 mph, with gusts reaching 70 mph, are forecast for Los Angeles and Ventura counties. “We’re in a continued period of critical fire weather through Wednesday,” said NWS meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld. Conditions are expected to ease by Thursday.
Progress and Challenges in Relief Efforts
Despite the chaos, some progress has been reported. Southern California Edison has restored power to many areas, reducing outages from over 500,000 customers to 50,000. CEO Steven Powell emphasized that there is no evidence linking Edison’s equipment to the Hurst fire, though investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Cal Fire official Todd Hopkins reported that containment of the Palisades Fire has reached 11%. However, the uphill battle continues as firefighters aim to protect neighborhoods and prevent the fire from spreading into densely populated areas.
Federal Support and Presidential Attention
President Joe Biden has been closely monitoring the wildfire situation. He spoke with local officials on Saturday to assess their needs and was briefed by senior aides on the federal resources being dispatched. Biden’s involvement underscores the scale of the crisis, with state and local authorities grappling with what is being described as the worst cluster of fires in Los Angeles history.
Looking Ahead
With critical fire weather expected to persist into next week, firefighting efforts remain focused on containment and protecting lives and property. As evacuation orders expand and winds intensify, residents are urged to stay alert and prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
The Palisades Fire is a stark reminder of the escalating wildfire crises plaguing California, demanding urgent action and resources to safeguard communities and rebuild after the devastation.
