As wildfires continue to devastate communities in Los Angeles, authorities confirm the death toll has reached 25, with winds expected to intensify early Wednesday morning. The ongoing fire disaster has prompted urgent safety measures across the region.
Weather forecasters have issued warnings for “extreme fire danger” in areas northwest of downtown Los Angeles, indicating a significant risk as winds are poised to fan the remaining blazes.
Firefighters have made progress against the remaining four active fires during recent calmer weather conditions, but increasing wind speeds present new challenges in their efforts.
Meteorological experts anticipate a potential decrease in wind speeds following Wednesday, but they stress that rainfall is urgently needed to aid fire suppression efforts.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the 25th fatality linked to the fires, while 13 individuals remain unaccounted for. The majority of fatalities are attributed to the Eaton Fire, which has scorched over 14,000 acres and is currently 35% contained.
Further west, the larger Palisades Fire has consumed more than 23,000 acres, with containment at 18%. Two smaller fires are also actively burning in the area.
Some residents from the Eaton Fire evacuation zone have been permitted to return home, although officials have yet to establish a timeline for the safe repopulation of the Palisades area.
In total, tens of thousands of individuals remain under evacuation orders, and curfews have been implemented in affected areas. This wildfire outbreak is among the most destructive natural disasters in US history, with thousands of homes reduced to ashes.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the situation as “unimaginable” and pledged to utilize her executive powers to accelerate rebuilding initiatives. Additionally, local authorities aim to issue an emergency proclamation to combat price-gouging practices by landlords during this crisis.
The severe weather conditions on Wednesday are attributed to moderate to strong Santa Ana winds coupled with exceptionally low humidity levels. Winds are projected to peak around 3 AM local time, with gusts potentially reaching 50 mph.
Despite winds being weaker compared to prior weeks, authorities caution that regions north-west of Los Angeles, such as Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, remain extremely vulnerable.
Forecasts indicate an improvement in conditions by late Thursday and into Friday; however, no rainfall is expected for at least a week, and Santa Ana winds that have fueled the fires may return by Sunday.
Among local fire officials, there is a clear consensus on the urgent need for precipitation, as Southern California has not experienced substantial rainfall in over 250 days. Firefighters are prepared to maintain containment lines and prevent further destruction.
