Los Angeles Wildfire: The Most Devastating in History, Death Toll Rises to 24, 16 Missing, 14,000 Firefighters at Work
Los Angeles, California – The ongoing wildfires around Los Angeles have claimed 24 lives and destroyed thousands of homes. Firefighters battling the flames are preparing for dangerous winds, which could intensify the fires further.
While some relief was seen on Sunday, the news became alarming as the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office raised the death toll. Currently, 16 people are missing, and authorities have stated that this number may rise.
The National Weather Service has issued a forecast for strong winds between Monday night and Tuesday, with speeds reaching 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour), and gusts in mountainous areas could exceed 65 miles per hour (105 kilometers per hour).
So far, four wildfires have burned 62 square miles (160 square kilometers). The two main wildfires, the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire, alone have consumed 59 square miles (153 square kilometers).
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marone stated that 70 additional water trucks have been sent to combat the fire, and further preparations will be made soon to extinguish the flames.
Additionally, 1,400 fire engines, 84 aircraft, and 14,000 workers are involved in the firefighting effort. Firefighters from Mexico have also arrived to assist.
Alongside the firefighting efforts, incidents of looting have occurred. Two individuals have been arrested for posing as firefighters and entering homes during the wildfire. The California National Guard has increased patrols.
Notably, this wildfire is expected to be the most costly in the nation's history, with an estimated damage of $150 billion.
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Saturday to waive certain environmental regulations to expedite reconstruction and take steps against increasing property taxes.
Currently, more than 24,000 people have registered for federal aid, which is provided under President Joe Biden's Major Disaster Declaration.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass spoke with President-elect Donald Trump's administration on Sunday and is hopeful that he will visit the city soon.
Meanwhile, an investigation is underway into reports of water shortages in certain areas and the shutdown of some firefighting hydrants.
