Firefighters are making slow progress in containing the devastating inferno that has ravaged large portions of Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood, but strong winds and spreading flames continue to threaten communities in the San Fernando Valley on Sunday.
Aircraft have been dropping water and fire retardant on the steep hills to curb the eastward spread of the Palisades Fire, with KTLA television reporting that ground crews have successfully saved several homes, though others were destroyed.
“LA County had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
As of Sunday morning, six simultaneous fires that have been raging across Los Angeles since Tuesday have claimed at least 14 lives, with 16 people still missing.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed concern that the death toll could rise, noting that search and rescue teams are actively searching with the help of cadaver dogs. “We’ve got search and rescue teams out. We’ve got cadaver dogs out and there’s likely to be a lot more,” he told NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Newsom also stated that the fires could become the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history in terms of the costs involved.
Active-duty military personnel are on standby to assist in firefighting efforts, according to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, who confirmed that the agency has urged residents to begin applying for disaster relief.
The blazes have already damaged or destroyed 12,000 structures, leaving entire neighborhoods reduced to ash, including homes of both the wealthy and ordinary citizens, creating an apocalyptic landscape.
In the past 24 hours, the Palisades Fire spread over an additional 1,000 acres (400 hectares), consuming more homes, officials said.
Cal Fire official Todd Hopkins stated that although 11% of the Palisades Fire has been contained, it has already burned more than 22,000 acres. The fire has spread into the Mandeville Canyon and is threatening to jump into the upscale Brentwood neighborhood, as well as the San Fernando Valley. It also edged closer to the 405 freeway.
Although Santa Ana winds have calmed somewhat over the weekend, the National Weather Service warned that gusts up to 70 mph (110 kph) could return early next week. Stronger winds are expected by Tuesday, with Red Flag warnings remaining in place for Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Wednesday.
“These winds, combined with dry air and vegetation, will keep the fire weather threat in the area,” the NWS stated, adding that conditions should moderate by Thursday.
Some residents were allowed to return to their destroyed homes on Saturday to salvage belongings. The LA County Sheriff’s Department is also using dogs to search the rubble for human remains.
Evacuation orders now affect 153,000 residents, with another 166,000 warned they may need to evacuate, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.
President Joe Biden has spoken with local officials to receive updates on the situation and was briefed on the federal resources being dispatched. His major disaster declaration has unlocked federal assistance for the affected areas, clearing the way for FEMA to provide support.
“FEMA is now starting to support, with the major disaster declaration, the individuals that have been impacted,” Criswell said on “Fox News Sunday,” urging people to register for help at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Support can range from funding for home repairs to replacement money for lost food and medication, FEMA spokesperson Michael Hart added, with assistance potentially available in days.
Governor Newsom has signed an executive order to expedite the rebuilding of lost homes and businesses by reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has criticized local and state officials for mishandling the situation. “The fires are still raging in LA. The incompetent pols have no idea how to put them out. Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and many more will soon be lost,” he said on Truth Social.
Los Angeles Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger extended an invitation to Trump to visit the county and witness the destruction firsthand.
In Altadena, officials are acknowledging that managing the Eaton Fire’s aftermath will be a “Herculean task” that will take “many weeks of work.”
The Cal Fire website reported that the Eaton Fire is now 27% contained, up from 15% on Saturday, after burning 14,117 acres.
Together, the two major fires have consumed over 36,000 acres (14,500 hectares), or 56 square miles (145 square km)—more than 2.5 times the size of Manhattan—making this one of the worst disasters in Los Angeles history.
Officials have declared a public health emergency due to the thick smoke and poor air quality, as the fires have released toxic materials into the air.
Progress has been made in restoring power to affected areas, with Southern California Edison CEO Steven Powell reporting that 50,000 customers remain without power, down from over half a million.
Private forecaster AccuWeather estimates the total damage and economic loss could reach between $135 billion and $150 billion, which could significantly increase homeowners’ insurance premiums.
Pope Francis expressed solidarity with the people of Los Angeles, offering prayers for those affected during his weekly address in St. Peter’s Square.
