Los Angeles Wildfires: 24 Dead, Over 100 Missing, 100,000 Displaced – New Windstorm Warnings

Los Angeles Wildfires: 24 Dead, Over 100 Missing, 100,000 Displaced – New Windstorm Warnings

Los Angeles – A week after widespread wildfires around Los Angeles, residents of Southern California are facing another dangerous situation with new wildfire warnings and power outages on Tuesday. With increasing wind intensity in fire-prone areas, residents have been advised to stay prepared.

In many areas, the wind speeds could approach near-hurricane force, expected to peak by Tuesday morning before easing, only to regain strength later in the day. A strengthened firefighting force has been prepared to handle flare-ups or new fires. The fires, which have been burning for a week, have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people.

Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said at a press conference, "Life-threatening and destructive winds have already arrived."

Meanwhile, looting incidents have been reported. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that nine people have been arrested for looting, including a group that stole an Emmy award from an evacuated house. Another pair stole items worth over $200,000 in a mansion-filled neighborhood.

Three people have been arrested for attempting to start small fires. Additionally, more than 75,000 homes have lost electricity due to power shutoffs by Southern California Edison, aimed at preventing new fires from sparking.

Winds are gusting up to 50 mph (80 km/h), and experts have warned that these winds could carry embers several miles ahead of the fire lines.

Santa Ana winds are spreading rapidly through the mountainous areas, increasing the risk of fire expansion. Approximately 100,000 people in the region remain under evacuation orders, and residents in high-risk areas have been advised to be on high alert.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other officials have expressed confidence that the region is well-prepared to face the new threat, with additional firefighters brought in from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.