Deadly Wildfires Blaze in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California —(Map)

The Los Angeles area is battling major wildfires that have destroyed thousands of buildings, forced tens of thousands of people from their homes, and led to at least 24 deaths. The situation could get worse this week, as strong winds return to the area.

The wildfires began last Tuesday. Since then, they have quickly spread, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds – dry winds that blow from the mountains toward the coast.

There are several major wildfires burning in the area, including the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire. Four fires around Los Angeles have already burned through roughly 62 square miles (160 square kilometers) of land. Firefighters have been able to control some fires, but the strong winds have made it difficult to contain others.

As of Monday evening, the Palisades Fire was 14% contained, while the Eaton Fire was 33% contained. Two others – the Kenneth and Hurst Fires – were largely under control.

Southern California hasn’t had much rain over the last eight months, and the area is currently in a drought. The dry conditions make wildfires much more likely, and the winds make the fires spread faster. Last week, the winds were especially strong, with gusts of over 80 mph (128 kph) in the mountains.

The effects of the fires have been awful. The fires have burned through entire neighborhoods, including African-American communities and the houses of well-known movie stars.

The fires have burned through entire neighborhoods, including African-American communities and the houses of well-known movie stars. The fires have destroyed over 12,000 buildings, including homes, businesses, and religious buildings like churches. Above, firefighters walking through a destroyed neighborhood on Sunday.

So far, the fires have destroyed over 12,000 buildings, including homes, businesses, and religious buildings like churches. At least 24 people have died in the fires, and over 20 people are missing.

Roughly 150,000 people have been forced to leave their homes because of the fires. Around 700 people are in emergency shelters. The smoke from the fires has created serious air pollution problems, and in some areas, people are also being warned not to drink the water.

The wildfires have also led to power outages. At one point, over 450,000 people were without electricity. Most of those people now have power again.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency last Tuesday. Over 12,000 workers, including firefighters, police, and members of the National Guard are helping in the battle against the wildfires.

Over 12,000 workers, including firefighters, police, and members of the National Guard are helping in the battle against the wildfires. Extra firefighting equipment has been brought in from nearby states. Above, firefighters watch as a helicopter drops water on the Palisade Fire on Saturday.

Extra firefighting equipment has been brought in from nearby states. Mexico and Canada are sending firefighters and equipment to California to help fight the fires.

Experts are warning that things could get worse this week. The National Weather Service warned of a “particularly dangerous situation”. The Santa Ana winds, which were calmer over the weekend, are expected to blow strongly again. Tuesday is expected to be the most dangerous day for wildfires.

California is used to wildfires, and has a strong firefighting force. But even so, the fires have been difficult to control. January is not California’s normal wildfire season. The number and size of the wildfires is far above average for this time of year.

Brice Bennett, who helps lead Cal Fire, told CNN, “We need Mother Nature to give us a break. We have the firefighters. We have the water. We need the time.”

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Did You Know…?
If you’re interested in helping those affected by the wildfires, here are some groups that are working to help in the area:
    •California Community Foundation
    •Center for Disaster Philanthropy
    •Direct Relief
    •American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles