Los Angeles continues to reel under wildfires as 24 dead, 16 missing
New Delhi, Jan 13: Los Angeles continues to reel under devastating wildfires since last Tuesday that have claimed 24 lives and left 16 people missing so far.
Authorities continued searches for the missing as firefighters battled to contain the blazes, which have destroyed homes and forced thousands to evacuate.
Emergency services have urged residents in affected areas to follow evacuation orders and stay alert as strong winds threaten to spread the flames further.
Los Angeles is bracing for a critical fight against wildfires, as high winds threaten to intensify the already deadly blazes.
Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin told the BBC that the situation could "take off" again on Tuesday or Wednesday, with fire crews at a "fork in the road" in their battle to control the flames.
Around 100,000 residents have been forced to evacuate, and a curfew remains in place in some areas from 6 pm to 6 am. Officials are also investigating reports of price-gouging and rent hikes affecting displaced residents.
The National Weather Service has issued a "particularly dangerous situation" red flag warning for Ventura and West Los Angeles counties. These warnings, similar to those issued before last week's destructive gusts, signal the potential for winds reaching112 km/hour to cause rapid fire spread.
BBC Weather's Matt Taylor reported that dry conditions and gusty Santa Ana winds, expected to peak on Tuesday, could lead to explosive fire growth.
The Palisades fire, the largest of three active wildfires in the LA area presently and remains only 13% contained. Nearly 5,000 firefighters are working to control it, according to Cal Fire officials.
"We have aircraft dropping fire retardant and water while crews work tirelessly on the ground," a Cal Fire battalion chief told the BBC.
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said strong winds and "critical fire weather conditions" will persist until at least Wednesday.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass assured residents that the city's water supply and firefighting resources are ready, stating, "I believe the city is prepared."
Jail Inmates Join the Firefighting Effort
Nearly 1,000 California prison inmates are assisting in the firefighting efforts through a volunteer programme run by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. While some view the programme as rehabilitative, critics argue it exploits inmates with low pay.
Most Los Angeles schools are set to reopen this week after citywide closures. The Los Angeles Unified School District said it is monitoring the situation and will notify families of any changes.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted emergency measures to combat scams and price-gouging targeting fire victims while easing rebuilding regulations. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump criticised California officials for their handling of the crisis, calling it "one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our country" on Truth Social.
Local leaders, including Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass, have invited Trump to visit Los Angeles to witness the destruction firsthand.
With no rain forecast and winds expected to subside only after Wednesday, Los Angeles faces a critical few days in its fight against these devastating wildfires.
