24 dead, thousands displaced, extreme winds complicate containment efforts amid $150 billion damage estimates
Dangerously high winds are expected to return to Los Angeles on Monday, hampering containment efforts of two significant wildfires.
These fires have resulted in at least 24 deaths and devastated land equivalent to Washington, D.C.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning, forecasting Santa Ana winds of 50 to 70 miles per hour from Monday through Wednesday.
Fire crews managed to halt the fires’ spread overnight but are anticipating worsening conditions with the forecasted winds.
Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has described the situation as serious.
Officials are positioning firefighting resources in high-risk areas, particularly around the Palisades and Eaton fires, the largest currently burning.
More than 8,500 fire personnel are working to combat these wildfires.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone noted that fire crews are better prepared this week, having learned from last week’s rapid fire growth under similar conditions.
However, he cautioned that containment remains uncertain.
The current death toll stands at 24, with over 12,000 structures reported as damaged or destroyed.
Search efforts for missing individuals continue, with deputies discovering human remains in areas affected by the Eaton fire.
