Sixteen people have lost their lives in the wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles County, and 13 more still missing. More than 12,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the six simultaneous blazes that started on Tuesday.
Palisades Fire has grown rapidly, burning over 1,000 additional acres and more homes in the last 24 hours. Aircraft fire brigades are dropping water and fire retardants in an attempt to halt its movement towards eastward. The fire has now encroached upon the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood and Brentwood, a high profile area where many Hollywood celebrities have their homes. It is getting closer to the 405 freeway, a major north-south artery feeder road.
National Weather Service has warned of worsening weather conditions. Santa Ana winds are expected to pick up, bringing gusts of up to 70 mph, which could further aggravate the flames. These strong winds are predicted to hit Los Angeles and Ventura counties starting Saturday night through Tuesday morning.
Governor Newsom has provided an update on the containment of the various fires across California:
The Eaton Fire: 15% contained, burning 14,117 acres
The Palisades Fire: 11% contained, burning 23,654 acres
The Hurst Fire: 76% contained, burning 799 acres
The Kenneth Fire: 90% contained, burning 1,052 acres
The Lidia Fire: 100% contained, burning 395 acres
More than 153,000 residents have been asked to evacuate, and another 166,000 have been warned for potential evacuation. 50,000 residents remain without power, though an improvement from the half a million who were affected earlier when the fire started.
Death toll is expected to climb when the fire rescue crews gain have access to the burnt down structures and are able to search the rubles.
On this President Joe Biden has been briefed upon the situation regarding the relief operations carried by the state and local officials. Federal resources are being dispatched to aid in the firefighting.
