Firefighters in Los Angeles scrambled on Sunday to contain two relentless wildfires that have burned for six days, seizing a brief lull in hazardous conditions before fierce winds were forecast to reignite the flames, reports Reuters.
California Governor Gavin Newsom called the disaster potentially the most devastating in U.S. history. At least 24 lives have been lost, over 12,000 structures damaged or destroyed, and 100,000 residents forced to evacuate. Entire neighborhoods lie in ashes, from modest homes to mansions, leaving an apocalyptic landscape in their wake.
“L.A. County endured another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak,” said County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
Aerial firefighters, some scooping water from the Pacific, worked alongside ground crews armed with hoses and tools to hold the line on the Palisades Fire, which has consumed 23,713 acres (37 square miles) and is only 11% contained. The blaze has reached upscale areas, including Brentwood.
In the foothills east of the city, the Eaton Fire has scorched 14,117 acres (22 square miles)—nearly the size of Manhattan—but containment rose to 27% from 15% a day earlier. Meanwhile, the Hurst Fire to the north is 89% contained, and three other fires have been fully contained, according to Cal Fire, though smoldering within containment zones remains a concern.
The brief respite from Santa Ana winds this weekend will end Sunday night, with gusts of 50 to 70 mph (80 to 112 kph) expected to persist through Wednesday, the National Weather Service warned. These dry, powerful winds, which earlier reached hurricane force, have spread flames and embers up to 2 miles ahead of fire lines.
Officials cautioned that all 10 million Los Angeles County residents could face evacuation orders due to advancing flames and toxic smoke.
“This combination of winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation keeps the fire threat extremely high,” said County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, adding that evacuated zones may remain closed until Thursday.
Evacuation orders have affected over 100,000 residents, down from a peak of 150,000, with an additional 87,000 under evacuation warnings. Schools in non-evacuated areas will reopen Monday after closing for 429,000 Los Angeles Unified students last week, according to Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.
Governor Newsom described the financial toll as unprecedented. AccuWeather estimates damages and economic losses at $135–150 billion. To speed recovery, Newsom signed an executive order suspending environmental regulations for rebuilding.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell said active-duty military personnel are prepared to assist, and disaster relief applications are underway. Firefighters from seven states, Canada, and Mexico have joined the battle.
In Altadena, on the edge of the Eaton Fire, Tristin Perez defied evacuation orders to protect his home and neighbors’ properties. “Your front yard is on fire—palm trees lit up like a movie,” he said, standing in his driveway. Thanks to his efforts, his duplex and two nearby houses survived, though others across the street were destroyed.
Elsewhere, Zuzana Korda anxiously awaited news about her home in Topanga’s Fernwood neighborhood. “We’ve left everything behind. We have no insurance. We stand to lose everything,” she said outside a West Hollywood assistance center.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna described the burned areas as perilous, with live electrical wires, gas leaks, and other hazards posing ongoing risks.
As firefighters brace for the return of fierce winds, the region faces days of uncertainty and a long road to recovery.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
