A series of devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area has left at least 24 people dead and thousands displaced. The blazes, fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds, have destroyed over 12,000 structures and burned an area larger than the city of San Francisco.
The Palisades Fire, which started last Tuesday, has consumed about 62 square miles (160 square kilometers) of land. Eight deaths were attributed to this fire, while 16 others died in the Eaton Fire further inland. At least 16 people are still missing, and authorities expect the number to rise.
Preliminary estimates suggest the damage and economic losses from the fires could be the nation’s costliest ever, at between $135 billion and $150 billion. Thousands remain evacuated or without power, with over 450,000 people affected by power shutoffs.
The fires have threatened and burned through several highly populated neighborhoods, including Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and others. Officials have reported that most evacuation orders are unlikely to be lifted before the red flag warnings of expected high winds expire on Wednesday evening.
Cal Fire reported containment of the Palisades Fire at 11% and the Eaton Fire at 27%. The National Weather Service has warned that strong Santa Ana winds could soon return, issuing red flag warnings for severe fire conditions through Wednesday.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-things-to-know-winds-f93d41dc901e352b63e86ab67ef7790e