LA wildfires claim 24 lives as strong winds loom

At least 24 people have died in the Los Angeles wildfires, with 16 others still missing as authorities brace for more fierce winds. The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings through Wednesday, predicting winds of up to 70mph in the mountains.

Fire behavior analyst Dennis Burns warned of the most dangerous conditions on Tuesday, stating, “Tomorrow night, it will really ramp up.” Spotting from blowing embers could ignite new fires up to two miles away from already burned areas.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone announced the arrival of 70 additional water trucks to combat the flames. “We are prepared for the upcoming wind event,” Marrone said. Aircraft are dropping fire retardant to create barriers on hillsides.

The Santa Ana winds have turned the wildfires into raging infernos, devastating entire neighborhoods. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed 12 people are missing in the Eaton Fire zone and four in the Palisades Fire. The coroner’s office attributed eight deaths to the Palisades Fire and 16 to the Eaton Fire.

Officials are building an online database to help evacuees check the status of their homes. LA City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley urged the public to avoid scorched neighborhoods due to ongoing dangers such as active fires, broken gas lines, and unstable structures.

Approximately 150,000 residents remain under evacuation orders, with over 700 taking refuge in shelters. The fires have consumed more than 62 square miles, an area larger than San Francisco. The Palisades Fire is 11% contained, while the Eaton Fire is at 27% containment.

Crews from California and nine other states, including newly arrived firefighters from Mexico, are part of the response, involving nearly 1,400 fire engines, 84 aircraft, and over 14,000 personnel.