Six days after the devastating fires broke out in Los Angeles, firefighters continue to battle the flames. As authorities announced on Sunday, the death toll has now risen to at least 24.
The “Eaton” fire near Altadena and Pasadena killed 16 people – and eight more in western Pacific Palisades County. After a brief calming of the weather over the weekend, meteorologists expect the return of the so-called Santa Ana winds. These could last until Wednesday and significantly complicate firefighting efforts.
New winds can fan fires
Dry downdrafts from the desert had repeatedly fanned the flames, carrying sparks for miles. “Conditions remain extremely dangerous,” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone warned. Any evacuation orders may be extended at any time.
57 square kilometers have already been burned
The Eaton Fire in eastern Los Angeles has now burned an area of 57 square kilometers, almost the size of Manhattan Island, according to official figures. The fire brigade was able to limit the fire from 15 percent the day before to 27 percent.
In the city’s west side, the fire that started in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood is now burning across 60 square miles and spreading to the upscale Brentwood neighborhood and other populated areas of Los Angeles. The containment rate there is eleven percent.
Toxic smoke: evacuations are threatened
The forest fires have destroyed thousands of homes and left entire neighborhoods in ruins. More than 100,000 people have already had to leave their homes. “A lot of areas look like they’ve been bombed,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. Authorities warned Los Angeles County’s roughly 10 million residents that they may be asked to evacuate because of the fires and toxic smoke.
Governor: Cleanup could take months
California Governor Gavin Newsom said it could take six to nine months to clear the rubble from the Los Angeles fires. First, the inspection of all affected buildings should be completed within two weeks, Newsom told CNN.
In the coming days, one house after another will be photographed and the images will be uploaded to a website, the governor announced. In this way, residents should receive information about the condition of the buildings without having to travel to the currently cordoned off areas. Many people currently do not know whether their house is still there – or what is left of it. The photos should also be used to contact insurance companies.
Firefighters from Canada and Mexico help
So far, support for California firefighters has come from seven U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. The military is also ready to help fight the fire. The private weather service AccuWeather estimates that damage and economic losses to date are between $135 billion and $150 billion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered the US help in fighting the heavy fires in Los Angeles. 150 firefighters are ready, he said in his daily video address.
Musk wants to offer free internet
Tech billionaire Elon Musk wants to provide free internet through the Starlink satellite system in fire-affected areas of Los Angeles. To this end, Starlink reception systems with open WLAN should be placed where they are most needed, Musk wrote on his online platform X.
‘Cybertruck’ electric pick-ups from car manufacturer Tesla, led by Musk, will be used for the power supply. Deliveries of new “Cybertruck” vehicles in California would be delayed by several days because Tesla would use new cars for them, he announced.
Source: Krone

I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.