Santa Monica, Calif. – Strong winds are set to return to the Los Angeles area on Tuesday, jeopardizing efforts to control wildfires that have destroyed neighborhoods and forced thousands to evacuate.
The National Weather Service forecasts Santa Ana winds of 45 to 70 mph through midweek, with peak wind gusts expected between Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Red flag warnings have been issued across much of southwestern California due to the dangerous weather conditions.
Amid strong winds, low humidity, and persistent drought conditions, the National Weather Service has flagged a “particularly dangerous situation” for northern Los Angeles County and Ventura County, heightening wildfire risks. The agency added that “this setup is about as bad as it gets,” increasing the risk for rapidly spreading wildfires in these areas.
Scores of firefighters, including additional personnel from Canada, Mexico, and other U.S. states, were actively battling the fires both in the air and on the ground. In Santa Monica, firefighters took advantage of cooler, calmer weather late Monday to reinforce containment lines and tackle flare-ups from the Palisades Fire, the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history.
At least 24 people have lost their lives in the wildfires, as reported by the Los Angeles medical examiner’s office. The fires have destroyed or damaged over 12,000 homes, businesses, and structures, prompting the evacuation of more than 92,000 people in Los Angeles County.
According to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office, at least 24 people have lost their lives in the ongoing wildfires. The devastating fires have destroyed or severely damaged over 12,000 homes, businesses, and other properties. In response, authorities have issued evacuation orders for more than 92,000 residents across Los Angeles County.
∎ The Palisades Fire, which broke out in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, has so far consumed 23,713 acres of land and is 30% contained.
∎ The Eaton Fire, which is located in the San Gabriel Mountains, has consumed 14,117 acres and is 33% contained.
∎ The Hurst Fire, which broke out in the outskirts of Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley, has consumed 799 acres of land and is currently, 97% contained.
As per the news released by the Los Angeles medical examiner’s office, atleast 24 people died in these wildfires. Over 12,000 homes, businesses and structures have been either destroyed or severely damaged and more than 92,000 residents have been evacuated, Los Angeles County officials ordered.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced yesterday that it has launched an investigation regarding a drone that was being operated without permission and has collided with a fire fighting aircraft operating over Palisades Fire.
Combating the blaze proved problematic after a civilian drone struck an Aviation operated Quebec 1 firefighting plane that was unobtrusively dousing hot spots. The drone reportedly collided with the Aircraft at around 1 pm local time on Thursday. The drone was not officially part of the operation.
Key Updates on Ongoing Wildfires:
The Eaton Fire has engulfed an area of 14,117 acres in the foothills region of the San Gabriel Mountains and it is 33% under control by the authorities at the moment.
The Hurst Fire has spread over 799 acres in the northern Sylmar region of the San Fernando Valley and is 97% under control.
Nine Arrested for Looting During LA Wildfires; Stolen Emmy Award and $200K in Goods Recovered
Los Angeles area authorities have arrested nine people in connection with looting, and police have recovered an Emmy Award and at least $200,000 worth of other stolen goods from homes abandoned during wildfire evacuations.
On Monday, officials charged nine suspects with burglaries and looting in the devastated areas of Eaton and Palisades. Another development was that there are cases pending against those accused of impersonating firemen to go into evacuation areas illegally.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigations are probing this incident, in which the Federal Bureau of Investigation has also established a tipline on which public tips can be obtained to help identify the drone owner.
No one was injured in the incident, but the firefighting aircraft was grounded and out of service for five days. On Monday, officials confirmed that the aircraft is expected to return to active duty on Tuesday morning, pending approval from the FAA.