Los Angeles: Firefighters in Los Angeles worked tirelessly on Sunday to contain the spread of two major wildfires that have ravaged the region for six consecutive days. Taking advantage of a brief lull in hazardous conditions, crews aimed to establish control before the return of strong Santa Ana winds, which are expected to reignite the flames.
At least 24 fatalities have been reported in what California Governor Gavin Newsom has described as potentially the most devastating natural disaster in U.S. history. The fires have destroyed thousands of homes, forcing 100,000 residents to flee. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, with homes of both the affluent and the working class reduced to ashes, creating a stark apocalyptic landscape. Officials report that 12,300 structures have been damaged or destroyed.
Battling the Blaze
“L.A. County had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
Aerial firefighting crews, some utilizing the Pacific Ocean for water drops, worked alongside ground teams armed with hoses and hand tools. Their efforts focused on the Palisades Fire, which threatened the upscale Brentwood area and other neighborhoods. The fire has consumed 23,713 acres—equivalent to 37 square miles—and was reported to be 11% contained.
Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire, burning in the foothills east of Los Angeles, scorched 14,117 acres—almost the size of Manhattan—and containment increased to 27% from 15% a day earlier. North of the city, the Hurst Fire was 89% contained, and three other county fires have been fully contained, though hot spots remain within their perimeters, according to Cal Fire.
Winds Pose Renewed Threat
The temporary respite came as Santa Ana winds, which had reached hurricane strength earlier in the week, diminished. However, these dry inland winds, capable of carrying embers up to two miles ahead, are forecasted to resume late Sunday, with speeds of 50 to 70 mph expected to last through Wednesday.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings, cautioning all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County to remain prepared for potential evacuations. By Sunday, evacuation orders affected over 100,000 people, a decrease from the peak of 150,000. Another 87,000 residents remained under evacuation warnings.
“These winds, combined with low relative humidity and dry vegetation, will keep fire risks dangerously high across the county,” said Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. He added that evacuation orders would remain in effect until red flag warnings are lifted, likely by Thursday.
Despite these challenges, Los Angeles Unified School District plans to reopen schools on Monday, except in mandatory evacuation zones, following a two-day closure impacting 429,000 students, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced.
Economic Toll and Response
Governor Newsom highlighted the fires’ unprecedented impact, describing them as potentially the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed 24 fatalities, and private forecaster AccuWeather estimates damages and economic losses between $135 billion and $150 billion.
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In response, Newsom signed an executive order on Sunday waiving environmental regulations to accelerate rebuilding efforts. Active-duty military personnel stand ready to assist, according to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, who urged residents to begin applying for disaster relief. Firefighting reinforcements from seven states, Canada, and Mexico have joined local crews in battling the blazes.
Stories of Resilience
In Altadena, near the Eaton Fire, resident Tristin Perez defied evacuation orders to protect his property and those of his neighbors. “Your front yard is on fire, palm trees lit up—it looked like something out of a movie,” Perez said. His efforts saved his home and two others nearby, though the fire destroyed houses across the street.
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For others, uncertainty remains. Zuzana Korda, evacuated from the Fernwood neighborhood in Topanga, shared her fears while seeking assistance at a temporary aid center. “We’ve left everything behind. We have no insurance,” she said. “We stand to lose everything.”
