The death toll from the Los Angeles wildfires has risen to 24, with more dangerous winds expected to worsen the situation.
Los Angeles: The wildfires here have been devastating. They’ve destroyed thousands of homes and sadly taken 24 lives. Firefighters are working hard, but fierce winds are on the way, which could make things worse.
On Sunday, some folks were allowed back to their homes, but the news wasn’t all good. The death toll went up, and 16 people are still missing. That number might climb as the search continues.
The weather isn’t looking great either. The National Weather Service has warned of a “particularly dangerous situation” starting Monday night. They expect strong winds that could reach up to 65 mph, especially on Tuesday.
These Santa Ana winds have really fueled the fires, which have been raging for over a week now. It’s been dry here for more than eight months, making everything worse. Four major fires have burned over 62 square miles, which is bigger than San Francisco!
Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone mentioned that they’ve brought in more water trucks to help fight the flames. They’re ready for the winds, but it’s still a tough battle.
Some residents are checking on their homes. Jim Orlandini, who lost his hardware store, was relieved his house survived. He was worried about what he’d find when he returned.
Of the 24 deaths, 16 were linked to the Eaton Fire, and eight to the Palisades Fire. Investigators are still looking for the missing people, hoping they’re not among the deceased.
Authorities are using cadaver dogs to search through the wreckage. They’ve set up a center for people to report missing loved ones and are creating an online database for residents to check on their homes.
About 150,000 people are still under evacuation orders, with many taking refuge in shelters. Officials say it might be a while before those orders are lifted.
Firefighters from California and other states are on the ground, with nearly 1,400 fire engines and over 14,000 personnel involved. They’re doing everything they can to keep the flames at bay.
Looting has been a concern, with some people pretending to be firefighters to get into homes. The National Guard is helping to protect properties, and Governor Newsom has made it clear that looting won’t be tolerated.
These fires have caused massive destruction, with early estimates suggesting they could be the most expensive in U.S. history, potentially costing up to $150 billion.
Inmate firefighters are also on the front lines, helping to clear brush and timber. They’re paid very little for this dangerous work, which raises some eyebrows.
To help with rebuilding, Newsom has issued an executive order to speed up the process. He wants to ensure that people can come back and rebuild their homes with better standards.
More than 24,000 people have already signed up for federal assistance after the disaster declaration. Mayor Karen Bass is in touch with the incoming administration, expecting support for the city.
However, Bass is facing criticism over the city’s response to this crisis. There are questions about why some water sources were out of service when they were needed most.
