California Wildfire Consumes 16,300 Hectares, Thousands of Homes Reduced to Rubble, 24 Dead

California Wildfire Consumes 16,300 Hectares, Thousands of Homes Reduced to Rubble, 24 Dead

Los Angeles, January 13: The wildfires fueled by Santa Ana winds in California have claimed the lives of at least 24 people. California Governor Gavin Newsom described the incident as one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history, which has destroyed thousands of homes and forced nearly 100,000 people to evacuate to safer areas.

The wildfire, which began on January 7, has now spread to various parts of Los Angeles and poses several challenges for firefighters. The blaze has engulfed 16,300 hectares (40,300 acres) and destroyed over 12,300 structures.

Current Situation: According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), three fires are still actively burning. The largest fire is in the Pacific Palisades area, with only 13% containment. The other two fires in Altadena and Hearst are 27% and 89% contained, respectively.

Challenges: Containing the wildfire has been particularly difficult due to the Santa Ana winds and dry weather conditions. Reports indicate that the winds have made it impossible for helicopters to fly at low altitudes, hampering rescue efforts.

Additionally, water supply issues in Los Angeles have further complicated firefighting efforts. In the Palisades area, low water pressure has rendered some fire hydrants unusable for a period.

Water Supply Issues: Janice Quinones, CEO of the Los Angeles Water Department, reported that three water tanks in the elevated Palisades area, capable of holding one million gallons, were quickly depleted. The demand for water was four times higher than usual over a 15-hour period, reducing water pressure.

Concerns and Future Challenges: The wildfire is yet to be fully contained, and there is concern that the Santa Ana winds could intensify. Firefighters are working aggressively to extinguish the flames, while various local and federal agencies have implemented emergency measures to manage the situation.

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a one-year suspension of insurance policies for affected residents to alleviate financial burdens.

Cleanup and Recovery: Experts warn that post-fire cleanup and recovery could be a prolonged and costly process for the affected areas.