Firefighters struggled to make further progress against the devastating wildfire which has destroyed thousands of homes and killed 24 people in the Los Angeles. The forecasters warned of dangerous weather with the return of strong winds this week.
On Sunday, California‘s Governor Gavin Newsom (D) stated his anticipation that this would rank as the most severe natural disaster in American history, considering the extensive damage.
During Sunday afternoon’s press briefing, officials expressed hopes to allow residents to return to areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires, with Thursday being the earliest possible date.
According to Cal Fire, three ongoing fires in the Los Angeles area have consumed over 40,000 acres, surpassing San Francisco in size. Officials confirmed on Sunday that the blazes have destroyed more than 12,000 buildings and forced approximately 150,000 residents to evacuate. The origins of these fires are still being investigated.
National weather service issues red flag warnings
The Weather Service has issued red flag warnings indicating severe fire conditions until Wednesday, with winds reaching 50 mph (80 kph) and mountain gusts up to 70 mph (113 kph). Weather service meteorologist Rich Thompson identified Tuesday as the most critical day.
“You’re going to have really strong gusty Santa Ana winds, a very dry atmosphere and still very dry brush, so we still have some very critical fire weather conditions out there,” Thompson stated at a Saturday evening community meeting.
LA County Fire Chief Anthony C Marrone confirmed the arrival of 70 additional water trucks to combat wind-driven flames. Aircraft-deployed fire retardant will serve as hillside protection, according to officials.
The Santa Ana winds have intensified the wildfires that began last week, devastating neighbourhoods in an area that has experienced no substantial rainfall for over eight months.
‘There’s no power, there’s no water’
Authorities have established a missing persons reporting centre and are conducting systematic searches with cadaver dogs in affected areas. They are developing an online system for evacuees to check their property status.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley advised residents to avoid burnt areas, stating, “There’s no power, there’s no water, there’s broken gas lines, and we have unstable structures.”
Law enforcement reports ongoing looting concerns. LAPD Captain Michael Lorenz confirmed seven recent arrests, including two individuals impersonating firefighters. California National Guard troops are assisting with property protection.
The fires have destroyed over 12,000 structures since Tuesday. AccuWeather estimates damages between $135-150 billion. Governor Newsom suggested this could become the costliest natural disaster in American history.
Looting concerns escalate in LA
As destruction continues to escalate, there is heightened apprehension regarding theft from evacuated properties. Los Angeles Police Department Captain Michael Lorenz reported that authorities have detained seven individuals, including two suspects who were “posing as firefighters coming and in and out of houses.”
When questioned about the specific number of arrests related to looting, Lorenz indicated he could not provide exact figures but mentioned that officers were apprehending approximately 10 individuals daily. On Friday, California National Guard personnel were deployed to assist in safeguarding properties.
On Saturday, California governor Gavin Newsom made a firm statement on X, declaring that “California will NOT allow for looting.”
Wildfires could Be costliest disaster in US history, estimates reach $150 billion
The blazes that started on Tuesday in the northern vicinity of downtown LA have destroyed in excess of 12,000 buildings.
The origin of the major fires remains unknown, and initial assessments suggest these wildfires might become the most expensive in the country’s history. AccuWeather’s preliminary calculations estimate the current damage and economic impact between $135 billion and $150 billion.
During an NBC broadcast on Sunday, Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his view about the potential magnitude of these fires.
“I think it will be in terms of just the costs associated with it, in terms of the scale and scope,” he said, suggesting these fires could potentially become the most devastating natural catastrophe in American history.
‘Incompetent officials have no idea how to put fire out’: Trump
US President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday criticised the authorities responsible for battling the Los Angeles wildfires, questioning their competence and demanding explanations for the ongoing blazes.
“The fires are still raging in LA,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social site. “The incompetent pols have no idea how to put them out.”
The President-elect’s remarks suggested that both the wildfires and the official response would be significant priorities in his domestic policy agenda upon assuming office on January 20. His statements have reignited tensions with California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has accused Trump of using the fires for political gain.
Fire tornado spotted in LA
Los Angeles has been hit by a rare fire tornado as the Palisades blaze continues to spread across the county, causing widespread devastation, Fox News reports.
On Friday night, LA county was battling at least six major fires, with flames edging closer into the city’s San Fernando Valley. Dramatic footage now shows a fire tornado swirling as the fire spreads toward Mulholland Drive in the Santa Monica Mountains.
A fire tornado, also known as a ‘firenado’, occurs when a fire and turbulent winds create a spinning column of fire, ash, and smoke. The phenomenon is fueled by intense heat rising quickly during wildfires.
Private firefighters are in demand
A small private firefighting unit consisting of two personnel with one vehicle charges $3,000 daily, whilst a larger unit of 20 firefighters operating four fire engines costs approximately $10,000 per day, as stated by Bryan Wheelock, who serves as vice president at Oregon-based Grayback Forestry.
According to Deborah Miley, who heads the National Wildfire Suppression Association representing over 300 private firefighting organisations, private firefighters constitute 45% of the total firefighting workforce in the United States.
She indicates that most of these professionals work as government contractors for wildfire control, providing additional support to local fire departments when required.
Some private firefighters are employed by insurance companies seeking to prevent substantial property losses.
The private firefighting sector has experienced increased demand alongside the growing intensity and regularity of wildfires over recent decades. However, this has sparked public opposition, leading California to implement regulatory legislation in 2018.
On Tuesday night, during the Palisades fire incident, Keith Wasserman, who co-founded a real estate investment company, faced criticism after posting on X: “Does anyone have access to private firefighters to protect our home?” he wrote. “Need to act fast here. All neighbors houses burning. Will pay any amount.”