Fires in the Los Angeles area have claimed at least 24 lives, forced thousands to evacuate, and destroyed over 12,000 buildings, burning through a region larger than San Francisco.
The fires, which started last Tuesday, have been fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds expected to last through midweek. According to Cal Fire, the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, and Hurst fires have scorched around 160 square kilometers.
While the cause remains unknown, early estimates suggest these fires could become the most expensive in U.S. history. AccuWeather’s preliminary figures estimate the economic damages could range from $135 billion to $150 billion.
Several densely populated areas, including Pacific Palisades and Altadena, have been severely affected.
As of Sunday, about 150,000 people have been evacuated, with over 700 seeking shelter in nine facilities. Cal Fire reported that the Palisades Fire is 11% contained, and the Eaton Fire is 27% contained. Nearly 70,000 customers across California are without power, with more than half in Los Angeles County. Additionally, significant damage has been reported to sewer, water, and power infrastructure throughout the region.
The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings due to the expected return of strong Santa Ana winds, which have played a major role in turning these wildfires into destructive infernos. The region has seen no significant rainfall in over eight months.
Several places of worship have been destroyed, including a mosque, a synagogue, a Catholic parish, and several Protestant churches.
While lightning is the most common cause of wildfires, investigators have ruled it out as the cause for these fires. They are now focusing on the possibility of intentionally set fires or those sparked by utility lines.
Meanwhile, multiple events have been postponed, including the Critics Choice Awards, which were rescheduled for January 26. The Oscars have also extended the voting window for nominations. The NFL moved the Los Angeles Rams’ wild-card playoff game to Arizona, while the NBA postponed the Lakers’ game against the Hornets.
The California Department of Education announced that 335 schools across several counties have been closed, with more closures expected. Mayor Karen Bass is facing increasing criticism for leadership shortcomings as the city deals with this major crisis. Allegations of political blame and investigations are mounting.
Governor Gavin Newsom has instructed state officials to investigate why a 440 million-litre reservoir was out of service and why several hydrants ran dry during the crisis. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has criticized the city’s leadership for not allocating enough funding for firefighting efforts and for the ongoing water shortages.
