Firefighters battling the Los Angeles County wildfires are facing a critical stage in their almost week-long fight as dangerous winds and weather conditions threaten to escalate the situation. The fires have already claimed the lives of at least 24 people, with dozens more still missing, a number that officials anticipate will rise.
As of Monday, the Palisades Fire has reached 14% containment, burning through 23,713 acres, while the Eaton Fire, considered one of the most destructive fires in California history, is at least one-third contained after scorching more than 14,000 acres. The Hurst Fire, at 95% containment with nearly 800 acres burned, is also being closely monitored by fire officials.
The forecast indicates that winds will intensify over the affected areas of the Palisades and Eaton Fires from Monday to Wednesday, posing a significant challenge to firefighting efforts. The Storm Prediction Center has issued an updated fire weather forecast for Monday and Tuesday, highlighting 'extremely critical' fire weather conditions in various parts of the region.
With the anticipation of high winds, fire crews and resources are being strategically deployed to high-risk areas. Over 5,200 firefighters have been mobilized to combat the Palisades Fire, with additional support from firefighting aircraft and military resources. The US military has already dropped over 16,000 gallons of fire suppressant on the wildfires, and more than 1,800 California National Guardsmen have been activated to provide assistance.
Evacuation orders remain in place for over 92,000 individuals, with some neighborhoods still deemed unsafe even after the fires have been contained. Due to safety concerns, the LAPD has ceased escorting residents back to their homes. Several school districts have announced closures for the week, including Pasadena Unified, La Cañada Unified, and Malibu schools.
Investigations are underway to determine if Edison electrical equipment played a role in the Hurst Fire, while an electrical transmission tower in Eaton Canyon is being scrutinized as a possible origin site for the Eaton Fire. The cleanup and debris removal process following the wildfires are expected to extend beyond six months, with FEMA committing to covering the full cost of debris removal in Southern California for 180 days.
