Firefighters in Los Angeles are taking advantage of reduced winds to combat wildfires that have caused at least ten deaths and destroyed over 10,000 structures. Mayor Karen Bass highlighted ongoing efforts to manage the situation, while President Biden warned of hazardous wind conditions returning soon. Current fires include the Palisades and Eaton Fires, with significant containment challenges. A major disaster declaration has been issued, and looting in evacuated areas has led to arrests and potential curfews.
Firefighters Battle Blazes Amid Decreasing Winds in Los Angeles
On Friday, firefighters in Los Angeles seized the opportunity presented by a lull in wind conditions to regain control over several destructive wildfires that have plagued various neighborhoods throughout the city. However, this temporary calm is anticipated to be fleeting.
These largely uncontrolled infernos have tragically resulted in a minimum of ten fatalities and have obliterated over 10,000 structures in both eastern and western parts of the metropolis, as per initial assessments.
During a press conference, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized, “We are doing everything in our power to manage the situation, and we have achieved some victories.” She acknowledged the looming threat of wind resurgence early next week, stating, “Our top priority is to save lives.”
President Joe Biden also addressed the situation, cautioning that federal officials anticipate wind conditions to remain hazardous until at least the start of next week. He criticized “demagogues” who exacerbate the fire-related controversies, indirectly referencing former President Donald Trump, who has been vocal against California’s water management practices.
Short-Lived Calm Offers Chance for Firefighting Efforts
The strong winds that aided the rapid spread of the fires are expected to lessen on Friday, with speeds around 30 km/h and gusts potentially reaching 80 km/h over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
This brief respite allows aerial firefighting units to deploy water and retardant materials onto the flames engulfing the hills around Los Angeles. Meteorologist Allison Santorelli remarked, “The reduced gusts should provide some relief for firefighters,” while also cautioning that the overall situation remains dire due to ongoing drought conditions.
In contrast, winds in the San Diego area are forecasted to strengthen over the weekend, with gusts up to 110 km/h likely to aggravate existing fires in that region.
As of Friday morning, at least three significant fires were still raging in Los Angeles, including the ‘Palisades Fire’ and ‘Eaton Fire’, which have collectively scorched 13,750 hectares and rendered neighborhoods to ashes. Firefighters have reported that the Palisades Fire is now 8% contained, while the Eaton Fire is only at 3% containment, marking these as some of the most devastating fires in the city’s history.
Meanwhile, the ‘Kenneth Fire’ near Calabasas has reached 35% containment, having burned 388 hectares, and other fires such as the ‘Hurst Fire’ and ‘Lidia Fire’ are making progress in containment efforts.
In terms of damage, President Biden has declared a major disaster and guaranteed that the federal government will cover 100% of costs related to fire management for the upcoming six months. Estimates from AccuWeather indicate that total damages could range between $135 and $150 billion.
Many homes of celebrities have fallen victim to the flames, with reality star Paris Hilton sharing a video showcasing her burned Malibu residence. Additionally, actress Jamie Lee Curtis announced a generous donation of one million dollars to support relief efforts.
According to officials, the Eaton Fire has either damaged or destroyed between 4,000 to 5,000 buildings, while the Palisades Fire has affected approximately 5,300 structures. Some residents of Pacific Palisades have chosen to return to their upscale community, now resembling an apocalyptic scene, while others in less affluent areas like Altadena worry that assistance will be disproportionately allocated to wealthier neighborhoods.
To prevent crime during this crisis, curfews are being considered in evacuated zones, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has enlisted the help of the California National Guard for traffic control and protection of vital infrastructure. So far, twenty individuals have been arrested for looting.