Firefighters across Los Angeles County are bracing for severe wind conditions that are expected to worsen the firestorms that are already devastating the region. With over 24 lives lost and thousands of structures destroyed, experts are warning residents to remain vigilant as gusts of up to 65 mph threaten to spread the flames further.
“There will be the potential — especially late Monday night through Wednesday — for explosive fire growth as those winds pick back up,” said Ariel Cohen, the meteorologist at the head of the National Weather Service office in Oxnard, per the Los Angeles Times. “In the case of an evacuation order being issued, you have to follow that immediately. Seconds could save your life.”
What to Know:
- At least 24 lives have been lost, 16 people are missing, over 12,000 structures destroyed, and 105,000 residents remain under evacuation orders.
- Major Fires:
- Palisades Fire: 23,713 acres burned, 13% contained.
- Eaton Fire: 14,117 acres burned, 27% contained.
- Hurst Fire: 800 acres burned, 89% contained.
- Powerful gusts arriving Monday night through Wednesday could push fires south and westward, exacerbating the crisis.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom has deployed 1,000 additional guards to support fire suppression and public safety.
- Evacuations remain in effect for impacted areas, with curfews enforced to protect residents and prevent looting.
- Ukraine has offered 150 firefighters for support, adding to crews from nine U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico.
Stay with Newsweek as we provide live updates on the LA fires and their impact.
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