27 Lives Lost in Devastating Los Angeles Wildfires
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Synopsis
The wildfires in Los Angeles have tragically resulted in 27 fatalities and the destruction of over 12,300 structures. Firefighters are making progress against the flames, with containment efforts ongoing despite the looming threat of strong winds returning next week.
Key Takeaways
- 27 fatalities confirmed due to wildfires.
- Palisades Fire covers 23,713 acres; 22% containment.
- Eaton Fire scorched 14,117 acres; 55% containment.
- Weather conditions improving, but danger persists.
- Santa Ana winds expected to return.
Los Angeles, Jan 17 (NationPress) The intense wildfires sweeping through the Los Angeles area in Southern California, USA have claimed the lives of at least 27 individuals and obliterated over 12,300 structures within a span of more than a week, as confirmed by local authorities.
As of Thursday, firefighters have continued to make strides against two significant wildfires in Los Angeles as wind conditions eased in the area, according to a report by Xinhua news agency.
The Palisades Fire, one of the most extensive active wildfires in the Los Angeles region, has burned through 23,713 acres (95.96 sq km) to date. This fire, which ignited on January 7, is now 22 percent contained, an increase from 17 percent the previous day.
“Weather patterns have returned to seasonal norms, and the fire is expected to remain within its current perimeter with no further expansion projected,” said the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) in a Thursday update.
“Firefighting crews are actively working on establishing and enhancing fire lines, identifying and extinguishing hotspots, and constructing containment lines to minimize further structural damage in areas still at risk,” stated Cal Fire.
Another significant active blaze, the Eaton Fire, has ravaged 14,117 acres (57.1 sq km) near Altadena and Pasadena. The containment of this fire increased to 55 percent, up from 45 percent a day prior.
Calm winds overnight and in the early morning hours have allowed firefighters to secure containment lines effectively, as reported by Cal Fire.
However, the agency cautioned that with the impending return of the Santa Ana winds on Monday, widespread critical fire weather conditions are still present across parts of Southern California.
“A much-needed reprieve from fire weather concerns is anticipated to close this week,” noted the US National Weather Service, which had previously issued a rare warning for a “particularly dangerous situation.”
“Next week poses a risk. While we believe there won't be a repeat of last week, dangerous fire weather conditions are anticipated,” the agency added.
