Fire-stricken LA faces new threat from intensifying winds

Sharjah24 - AFP: At least 25 people have died in a tragedy that may go worse if strong winds that were predicted for late Tuesday night whipped up the large fires that are currently raging near Los Angeles.

Dangerous Winds Predicted

A week after uncontained blazes erupted, forecasters warned of "particularly dangerous" Santa Ana winds expected to intensify. The National Weather Service advised residents to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate, as gusts could reach up to 70 miles per hour.

Areas Under Threat

Los Angeles County and parts of Ventura County are under a "Particularly Dangerous Situation" alert. This warning was issued prior to last week's devastating fires, with dry vegetation creating conditions ripe for rapid fire growth.

The Palisades and Eaton fires are still burning in some areas, posing the risk of flare-ups. Meteorologist Ryan Kittell emphasized that new ignitions could quickly escalate into serious threats.

Preparedness Measures

Fire officials reassured the public of their readiness to tackle renewed dangers, particularly around existing burn sites. Fire Chief Anthony Marrone confirmed that the water system in the Eaton fire area is operational and ready for use.

The renewed threat follows the devastation of 24,000 acres in Pacific Palisades and 14,000 acres in Altadena. Many remain displaced, with some expressing frustration over their inability to return home.

Health Warnings

Gusty winds have stirred up toxic ash, prompting health officials to recommend wearing masks. Anish Mahajan from the LA County Public Health Department highlighted the health risks associated with inhaling hazardous ash.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered debris removal teams to be on standby in anticipation of potential mudslides from upcoming winter rainstorms. Approximately 88,000 individuals are still displaced.

Residents like Sonja Jackson shared their heartbreaking experiences of losing everything in the fires. Many left with only the clothes on their backs, not expecting the extent of the destruction.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass noted the immense scale of the disaster after viewing it from the air, emphasizing that the visual impact is far more profound than seeing it on television.

AccuWeather has estimated the total cost of the disaster to be between $250 billion and $275 billion, potentially marking it as one of the most expensive in U.S. history.

Investigations Underway

Federal authorities have initiated an investigation into the causes of the fires, with ATF agent Jose Medina assuring the community that thorough answers will come, albeit after a comprehensive inquiry.

Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel returned to the air after evacuating his studio, sharing the emotional toll the fires have taken on the community. Many residents know someone affected by the fires.

Amidst the chaos, the Los Angeles Rams provided a glimmer of hope by dominating the Minnesota Vikings in an NFL playoff game. Fans celebrated, displaying gratitude toward firefighters and finding solace in their team's success.