The city of Los Angeles is on high alert as weather forecasters predict the return of fast and dry winds, which could fuel the already devastating wildfires that have destroyed over 10,000 structures and claimed 11 lives.
Red Flag Alerts Issued as Winds and Low Humidity Continue
The US National Weather Service has issued “red flag” alerts, indicating critical fire weather conditions, as moderate to strong winds and low humidity are expected to persist throughout Friday morning.
Five fires are currently raging across the city, with the largest, the Palisades fire, burning over 21,300 acres and only 8% contained.
Total Devastation: Residents Describe the Impact of the Fires
Barbara Bruderlin, head of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, described the impact of the fires as “total devastation and loss”.
“There are areas where everything is gone. There isn’t even a stick of wood left. It’s just dirt,” she said.
The destruction is so severe that officials estimate at least 5,000 structures, including homes and businesses, have been wiped away in the Palisades fire alone.
Criticism Mounts Against Mayor Karen Bass
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has faced intense criticism for her absence from the city during the first 24 hours of the crisis, when she was in Ghana as part of an official White House delegation.
Her critics, including Rick Caruso, who ran against Bass in the 2022 mayoral election, have accused her of being out of touch with the city’s needs.
Additionally, Bass has been criticized for cutting the budget for firefighting to pay for increased policing, which some argue has left the city unprepared to handle the fires.
Fire Department Funding Under Scrutiny
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has spoken out about the impact of budget cuts on the fire department’s ability to respond to the fires.
“My message is the fire department needs to be properly funded,” she said. “It’s not.” Crowley also revealed that a $17m cut in funding for her department, combined with problems with the water supply to hydrants in the Palisades, had hindered firefighters’ efforts to combat the blazes.
Tales of Tragedy: The Human Cost of the Fires
The fires have claimed the lives of 11 people, including four men who were unable to leave or had stayed behind to defend their homes in Altadena.
The victims include Anthony Mitchell, a 67-year-old amputee, and his son, Justin, who had cerebral palsy.
They were waiting for an ambulance to arrive when the flames engulfed their home. Other victims include Shari Shaw’s 66-year-old brother, Victor Shaw, who was found dead with a garden hose in his hand, and Rodney Nickerson, who died in his bed in his Altadena home.
Winds Expected to Diminish, But Danger Remains
While winds are expected to diminish on Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service has warned of an “extended period of elevated to potentially critical fire weather conditions” from Sunday to Wednesday.
With over 150,000 people still under evacuation orders, the city remains on high alert, and officials have imposed a mandatory curfew in evacuation zones to prevent looting.
The Ongoing Battle Against the Fires
Firefighting efforts continue, with crews working tirelessly to contain the blazes. The Palisades fire, the largest of the fires, has been challenging to contain due to the steep terrain and dry conditions.
However, firefighters have made progress in battling the Kenneth fire, which is now 50% contained. The arson investigation is ongoing, and officials have made at least 20 arrests for looting.
Climate Change: A Supercharged Threat
The wildfires in California are a stark reminder of the devastating impact of human-caused climate breakdown.
As the fire season begins earlier and ends later, the state is seeing more frequent and intense wildfires. The fires have consumed over 57 square miles, an area larger than the city of San Francisco, and have left thousands of people displaced and without homes.