LOS ANGELES — The wildfires devastating the Los Angeles area have claimed 16 lives, with crews working tirelessly to contain the blazes before anticipated strong winds exacerbate the situation, potentially threatening iconic landmarks throughout the city.
Five fatalities are linked to the Palisades Fire, while 11 are attributed to the Eaton Fire, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.
Prior to Saturday’s update, the confirmed death toll stood at 11, but officials warned the numbers might rise as teams utilize cadaver dogs to systematically search devastated neighborhoods. Authorities have set up a center for reporting missing persons.
Concerns grow that winds could shift the fires towards notable sites such as the J. Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles, prompting new evacuation warnings for anxious residents.
As of Saturday evening, Cal Fire reported that the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, and Hurst fires had together scorched approximately 62 square miles (160 square kilometers), an area larger than San Francisco, with the Palisades and Eaton fires accounting for 59 square miles (nearly 153 square kilometers).
In an evening briefing, a representative of the California Office of Emergency Services announced that 150,000 residents in Los Angeles County were under evacuation orders, with more than 700 individuals seeking refuge in nine shelters.
Firefighting efforts involve personnel from California and nine other states, utilizing 1,354 fire engines and 84 aircraft, with over 14,000 firefighters involved, including additional support from neighboring regions.
With containment reported at 11% for the Palisades Fire and 15% for the Eaton Fire by Saturday night, the battle against the flames is far from over.
“Weather conditions remain critical, with another round of strong winds expected to begin on Monday,” officials stated.
Intense firefighting efforts took place in Mandeville Canyon, a celebrity enclave near the Pacific coast, as helicopters dropped water over raging flames racing downhill, while ground crews fought to control the fires amid thick smoke.
CalFire Operations Chief emphasized that the Palisades Fire, near the UCLA campus, remained a primary focus for fire response efforts.
New evacuation orders were issued Friday evening following a flare-up on the eastern side of the Palisades Fire.
The National Weather Service reiterated warnings about the return of strong Santa Ana winds, which have been instrumental in rapidly spreading the fires across the dry landscape, where significant rainfall has been absent for over eight months.
The blaze threatens to leap over Interstate 405, encroaching on densely populated regions within the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley.
These fires, which ignited Tuesday just north of downtown LA, have resulted in the destruction of over 12,000 structures.
Firefighters made initial progress on the Eaton Fire north of Pasadena on Friday, which has devastated over 7,000 structures, encompassing homes, businesses, and vehicles. Most evacuation orders for the affected area have since been lifted.
No definitive cause has yet been determined for the wildfires, and early assessments suggest they could become the costliest in U.S. history, with damages estimated between $135 billion and $150 billion.
Donation centers have seen overwhelming support, with volunteers assisting those affected. Some individuals, like a resident from Altadena, reported total loss of homes occupied by their family.
Local authorities have urged residents to refrain from returning to scorched properties to search for keepsakes, as the area remains hazardous.
Warnings have been issued regarding toxic ash, containing hazardous materials such as lead and asbestos.
Residents will be permitted to return with protective gear once damage assessments are completed.
Los Angeles leadership is facing heightened scrutiny, with various allegations regarding preparedness and response to the crisis.
State officials are investigating why a large reservoir was non-operational during the emergencies, and fire leadership has voiced concerns regarding funding and resource availability.
The catastrophic impact of the wildfires is evident, with state officials encouraging those affected to apply for immediate assistance online.
