Los Angeles Wildfires: The firefighting and rescue teams in Los Angeles have intensified their efforts to contain the spreading wildfires before strong winds return, which could push the blazes toward the University of California and the J. Paul Getty Museum. Authorities have also issued new evacuation warnings, leaving more homeowners on edge.
Fight against the wildfire underway in Mandeville Canyon, home to several Bollywood celebrities. Helicopters tried to stop flames from spreading downhill by dumping water.
CalFire Operations Chief Christian Litz, giving the latest update of wildfire during a briefing, said that firefighters on Saturday focussed to contain fire in Palisades in the canyon area.
County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said the “LA area had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak, and even more Angelenos evacuated due to the northeast expansion of the Palisades Fire.”
Light breezes were currently fanning the flames, but the National Weather Service cautioned that the notorious Santa Ana winds, which pose a major challenge to firefighters, could soon make a comeback. These powerful winds have a history of transforming wildfires into devastating infernos, wiping out entire neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area, which has experienced over eight months without any significant rainfall.
Despite the fires continuing to spread, teams pressed on with the somber task of sifting through the destruction on Saturday. According to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, systematic grid searches were being conducted with the help of cadaver dogs. A family assistance center was also being established in Pasadena to support affected residents. Sheriff Luna emphasized the importance of adhering to curfews for safety and order.
- The fires have scorched approximately 56 square miles (145 square kilometers), surpassing the size of San Francisco.
- Tens of thousands remain under evacuation orders, with new evacuations issued Friday evening near Interstate 405 after the Palisades Fire flared up on its eastern side.
- Damage Overview: Over 12,000 structures, including homes, apartment buildings, businesses, outbuildings, and vehicles, have been destroyed across a densely populated 25-mile (40-kilometer) stretch north of downtown Los Angeles.
- The origin of the largest fires remains undetermined.
- Leadership Failures: Allegations of leadership shortcomings have emerged as investigations into the fire response begin.
- Governor’s Directive: Governor Gavin Newsom has instructed state officials to investigate why a 117 million-gallon (440 million-liter) reservoir was non-operational and why some hydrants lacked water.
- Fire Chief’s Criticism: Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley criticized city leadership for inadequate funding for firefighting efforts and highlighted the insufficient water supply as a major issue.
- Casualties: At least 11 people have lost their lives—five in the Palisades Fire and six in the Eaton Fire—according to the LA County medical examiner’s office.
- Death Toll to Rise: Officials anticipate the number of fatalities will increase as cadaver dogs continue to search through destroyed neighborhoods.
- Authorities set up a center on Friday to allow people to report missing individuals amidst the ongoing devastation.
- Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, visited the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday to assist in distributing food to those displaced by the fires.
- The couple, who reside approximately 90 miles (145 km) north of Los Angeles, also highlighted organizations aiding fire victims on their official website to encourage public support.
from World – Latest News, Breaking News, LIVE News, Top News Headlines, Viral Video, Cricket LIVE, Sports, Entertainment, Business, Health, Lifestyle and Utility News | India.Com https://ift.tt/QdxkLEi
