California fires newest: Los Angeles warns of ‘critical’ risk as demise toll rises to 25
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Firefighters are bracing for the return of ferocious Santa Ana winds which are expected to fan the flames of massive wildfires raging across southern California, as the death toll climbs to at least 25 people.
The National Weather service warned of a “particularly dangerous situation,” with critical to extreme fire weather conditions anticipated to develop into mid-week.
While peak winds will be weaker than they were last week, the agency said Monday that the combination of low relative humidity and 20 to 40mph offshore winds will “support rapid fire growth and potential for extreme fire behavior.”
The agency’s Los Angeles office said it anticipates gusts of up to 70mph in mountainous regions of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Governor Gavin Newsom said firefighters and egines were pre-positioned around the region, and warned residents to evacuate if they get the order to do so. He signed executive orders to help the city rebuild faster, clear debris, and prepare for mudslides and flooding.
As of Monday morning, the fires have scorched more than 40,000 acres. Only 13 percent of the more than 23,000-acre Palisades fire has been contained. The Eaton fire has burned more than 14,000 acres in Altadena and Pasadena and is 27 percent contained.
Biden says nation is in the debt of firefighters, first responders working to save lives, fight LA wildfires
President Joe Biden said Monday that his heart aches for the “innocent souls” lost in the wildfires across Los Angeles.
“Jill and I pray for them and their loved ones. We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the unprecedented ongoing wildfires across Southern California,” he said in a statement.
Biden said he was being frequently briefed on efforts to supress the fires in the county, and had directed his administration to respond promptly to any request for additional federal firefighting assistance. He wrote that his administration remains “laser-focused” on helping survivors and using “every tool available to support the urgent firefight.”
“To the brave firefighters and first responders working day and night to suppress these fires and save lives: our nation is grateful. You represent the best of America and we are in your debt,” Biden said.
In photos: Los Angeles County wildfire response continues as residents brace for more critical fire weather
More than 425 homes have been destroyed in the Malibu and Pacific Palisades area
More than 425 homes were confirmed destroyed in the Malibu and Pacific Palisades area due to the Palisades Fire, according to the City of Malibu.
The city’s government said in a Monday update that damage assessments were underway and that numbers were subject to change.
“At this time, the fire has extended beyond the burn scar of the Franklin Fire, although it is not advancing further into the Malibu City limits,” it said.
LA fire latest: 26 missing in the City of Los Angeles with two deceased and six ‘unaccounted for’
Beyoncé pledges $2.5m to LA fire relief after blazes ravage California homes
Super Scooper aircraft damaged by drone is expected to fly again by Tuesday
A firefighting plane that was damaged by a drone last week has since been repaired.
The aircraft is expected to fly again by Tuesday, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone.
Watch: Recreation of LA walking tour shows before and after the devastating wildfires
Recreation of LA walking tour shows horrifying difference after wildfires
A terrifying side-by-side video shows before and after Los Angeles’ Palisades Village and Pacific Palisades were devastated by the Palisades Fire. Simran and Ishaan filmed a walking tour of the sunny, easy-going upscale shopping outlet and surrounding neighbourhood in May 2024. Ten months later, the buildings are shells of what they once were surrounded by ashes and debris after the blaze ripped through the area on Tuesday, 7 January. Wildfires raging across southern California have killed at least 24 people, the medical examiner has confirmed.
Here’s what to know about Southern California weather this week
Winds are expected to peak between 40 and 50mph across coastal Southern California on Monday.
Forecasters said conditions are expected to deteriorate by Tuesday morning, with wind gusts near 70mph possible.
“When combined with low relative humidities and a lack of recent rainfall (dry fuels), a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning has been issued for Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties from Monday night through Wednesday morning,” the National Weather Service said. “These locations will be under a high risk for large fires with potential for very rapid spreading of any fires that may develop.”
MTG suggests cloud seeding could stop LA wildfires months after implying it was used to create hurricanes
Death toll in Palisades and Eaton Fires rises to 25
The number of confirmed deaths from the Palisades and Eaton Fires jumped to 25 on Monday, according to The Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles County medical examiner and Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, the publication said eight of the victims had died in the Palisades Fire and 17 in the Eaton Fire.
Source: independent.co.uk
