LA wildfires: 24 dead, thousands evacuated, $275B in damages

KATHMANDU: As of Jan 14, Los Angeles is contending with multiple severe wildfires, notably the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have collectively scorched over 40,000 acres and resulted in at least 24 fatalities.

Palisades Fire:

• Impact: This fire has devastated upscale neighborhoods, leading to eight deaths, the destruction of over 5,000 structures, and burning approximately 24,000 acres.
• Containment Efforts: Firefighters are facing challenges due to strong Santa Ana winds, with gusts up to 75 mph, hindering containment.
• Cause Investigation: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is investigating potential human causes, including arson and faulty equipment.

Eaton Fire:

• Impact: This fire has resulted in 16 deaths, burned 14,117 acres, and is currently 33% contained.

Evacuations and Public Safety:

• Over 180,000 residents have been affected by evacuation orders and warnings.
• Residents near the Palisades fire have been advised not to drink tap water due to potential contamination.

Emergency Response:

• Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed over 15,000 firefighting personnel, including 1,900 fire engines and other equipment, to combat the blazes.
• Additional aid has arrived from Canada, Mexico, and offers from Ukraine.

Weather Concerns:

• Forecasts predict the continuation of strong Santa Ana winds through Tuesday, potentially exacerbating fire conditions.

Community Impact:

• The wildfires have destroyed over 12,000 structures and led to the evacuation of nearly 200,000 residents.
• The estimated financial impact ranges between $250 billion to $275 billion, potentially making it the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history.

Public Advisory: Residents are urged to:

• Stay updated on evacuation orders.
• Avoid using tap water in affected areas.
• Report any suspicious activities to authorities.