Los Angeles fires: Deadly winds fuel relentless inferno
For a week, large fires have been consuming Los Angeles. The National Weather Service has issued another warning. On Tuesday, winds could reach speeds of up to 68 mph, which could cause a rapid increase in fires. Firefighters from Mexico and Canada are on their way to help.
Already, 24 people have died as a result of the massive fires in Los Angeles. American firefighters are struggling to control the spread of the disaster. The strong winds are not helping either.
According to the BBC, the U.S. National Weather Service has issued a warning for the Los Angeles area. On Tuesday, winds could reach speeds of up to 68 mph and cause a rapid increase in fires. Last week, the winds were raging at speeds of 99 mph. Strong winds are likely to persist until Wednesday.
According to NBC News, firefighters from Mexico and Canada are on their way to help. The Mexican firefighters are expected to assist in building fire lines—strips of land cleared of flammable materials. Even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered help.
President-elect Donald Trump accused California officials of incompetence. He reportedly said, "This is one of the worst disasters in our country's history."
The California Fire Department reported that up to 39,000 acres of the city have burned. In the Palisades district, only about 13 percent of the fires have been contained, in Eaton 27 percent, and in Hurst 89 percent. Losses caused by the fire could range from $135 billion to $150 billion.
So far, at least 24 people have died, and over 100,000 have been evacuated. In some parts of Los Angeles, night curfews are in effect. Among the victims are celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Mandy Moore, and Anthony Hopkins, who lost their homes and precious memories associated with them. Jennifer Grey is also among those who suffered losses.
