Firefighters in the Los Angeles area are battling three major wildfires over a week that have claimed at least 24 lives, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and forced 150,000 people to evacuate.
As the death toll in the Los Angeles wildfires mounted to 24 on Jan 13 and over two dozen remain missing, the National Weather Service has forecasted strong winds intensifying over the week, prompting red flag warnings.
With gusts reaching up to 70 mph in mountainous areas, the weather officials identified Jan 14 as the most dangerous day, with conditions expected to escalate overnight, and warned of “explosive fire growth”. The officials urged residents to follow evacuation orders promptly.
Firefighters in the Los Angeles area are battling three major wildfires over a week that have claimed at least 24 lives, burned over 40,000 acres, and forced 150,000 people to evacuate, according to media reports.
The Palisades fire, the largest, is 13% contained, while the Eaton fire, the deadliest with 16 fatalities, is 27% contained, according to officials.
The wildfires erupted on Jan 7, fueled by powerful offshore winds and extremely dry conditions. Wind gusts exceeding 70 mph swept across the region, combining with drought-like conditions — less than 10% of the average rainfall since October 1— to create fire weather.
The Weather Service described the fire danger as “about as bad as it gets.” While the exact cause of the fires remains undetermined, experts attributed the heightened wildfire risk to California’s climate patterns, which oscillate between drought and heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, The Los Angeles Rams on Jan 13 paid tribute to the first responders and those impacted by the wildfires with a poignant 27-9 wild-card victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Additional water tankers and scores of firefighters arrived at the Los Angeles area on Jan 13 ahead of fierce winds that were forecast to return and threaten the progress made so far on two massive infernos that have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least two dozen people.
Planes doused homes and hillsides with bright pink fire-retardant chemicals, while crews and fire engines were being placed near particularly vulnerable spots with dry brush. Dozens of water trucks rolled in to replenish supplies after hydrants ran dry last week when the two largest fires erupted.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other officials, who have faced criticism over their initial response to fires that began last week said on Jan 13 that the region was ready to face the new threat with additional firefighters brought in from around the US, as well as Canada and Mexico.
Hollywood studios donate millions
Major entertainment studios, including Disney, Comcast, Netflix, Amazon, Sony, and Warner Bros. Discovery, have collectively donated between $30 million and $90 million to support immediate fire relief and rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles County, which has been ravaged by ongoing wildfires, according to CNN.
Record-breaking Powerball winner ‘s Malibu Mansion destroyed
Edwin Castro, the Altadena resident who won a record-setting $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot in 2023, has lost one of his newly acquired homes, a $3.85 million ocean-view mansion in Malibu, to the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles County, according to Los Angeles Times report.
Los Angeles Utility sued
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is facing a lawsuit for allegedly failing to properly manage water supplies critical to fighting the deadly Palisades Fire, which killed at least eight people and destroyed thousands of structures, according to a court filing.
Exploitation of wildfire victims
Los Angeles law enforcement officials have issued a stern warning to individuals seeking to exploit those who have lost everything in the recent wildfires, stating that they will “throw the book” at those found guilty of looting, burglary, price gouging, and internet scams, according to media reports.
Nine people have already been charged, with dozens more cases pending, including three individuals accused of looting goods worth over $200,000 and another group who allegedly stole an Emmy award, which has since been recovered.
California’s three-strikes law means that some of those charged could face life in prison if convicted, especially if they have prior convictions. Prosecutors are also focusing on combating price gouging and internet scams targeting those affected by the wildfires, with provisions in place to prevent price rises of more than 10% on essential expenditures like rent.
Curfew in LA county amid wildfires
A curfew is being strictly enforced in evacuation-ordered areas of Los Angeles County, with residents urged to stay indoors between 18:00 and 6:00 local time, according to Captain Williams of the LA County Sheriff’s Office.
Those who violate the curfew face a $1,000 fine and/or jail time, with 31 arrests already made for various violations, including curfew breaches.
Biden calls for boosting funding
President Biden is calling on Congress to increase funding for California’s wildfire relief efforts, emphasizing that the federal government will cover most costs for the next 180 days, but additional funding will be needed to rebuild Los Angeles.
This comes after House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested that disaster aid to California should come with conditions, highlighting the ongoing debate over the government’s response to the devastating wildfires.
Man charged for allegedly starting the fire in California park
A man has been charged with arson for allegedly starting a fire in Pioneer Park in Azaco, California, and faces up to nine years in prison if convicted, according to District Attorney Hochman, who warned would-be offenders, “It’s a matter of when, not if you’ll be caught,” Hochman was quoted as saying by BBC.
Trump plans visit to LS to assess damage
President-elect Donald Trump is considering a visit to Los Angeles as early as next week to assess the damage from the devastating wildfires and review the state’s recovery efforts, according to CNN.
Trump’s team has talked with local California officials about the potential visit, although no details have been finalized. The planning for this visit comes after California Governor Gavin Newsom invited Trump to survey the destruction, expressing his gratitude for the federal government’s response to the disaster.
Loading ...
Copyright© educationpost.in 2024 All Rights Reserved.
Designed and Developed by @Pyndertech