Strong winds have made the wildfire in Los Angeles more destructive. Officials said on Sunday that at least 16 people were killed in the fire and more than 12,000 buildings were destroyed. Fire fighters are trying to control the fire, but strong winds are making their work difficult. Officials have warned that strong winds are expected overnight tonight and into the first few days of the week starting Monday, increasing the risk of the fire spreading further.
The forest fire has spread in four areas of Los Angeles County and is creating havoc. Pacific Palisades area is most affected in this. The fire has spread to an additional 1,000 acres, burning hundreds of houses and forcing people to move to safer places. Eaton and other areas are also facing the wrath of forest fire. More than 100,000 residents have been displaced from Los Angeles County.
BREAKING: A ‘firenado’ was just spotted near the 405 freeway in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/vQwM7wuyfr
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10 big updates from the Los Angeles wildfires
1. According to California Fire Officer Todd Hopkins, the Palisades fire alone has spread to more than 22,000 acres. 426 homes and more than 5,000 other structures were destroyed in the fire.
2. A video footage of a fire tornado in the Palisades area is going viral on the internet. In this, a whirlpool of flames is seen rising into the sky. It is also known as Fire whirls or Fire Devils in English. A firenado occurs when hot air and gases from a fire rise, creating a rotating pillar-like shape that lifts smoke, debris and fire into the air.
Also read: Fire continues in the forests of Los Angeles, 11 people have died so far, see US top-10
3. Officials say that 11 percent of the fire in Palisades has been brought under control, but the fire fighting teams are facing difficulties due to the hilly terrain and erratic winds. Speaking to NBC News, Los Angeles Fire Department official David Ortiz described the wildfire as ‘a monster with many heads’.
4. The Los Angeles County Police Department said that apart from the 16 dead, 13 people are still missing. With the help of dog squad, search operations are being conducted in the houses and other buildings located in the fire affected areas, so that the victims can be saved and if there is any death, the bodies can be recovered.
5. The forest fire has reached near Mandeville Canyon. San Fernando Valley and Brentwood Town are also in danger of being hit by fire. Let us tell you that Brentwood is a posh area, where celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger live. The flames are also coming towards the Arterial 405 Freeway.
Also read: Los Angeles shrouded in smoke: Thousands of people forced to flee, fire difficult to control
6. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marone said, “Strong winds are expected to return early this week as well.” Dry vegetation and strong winds are increasing the fire danger in Los Angeles County.
7. More than 153,000 residents in Los Angeles have been asked to evacuate their areas and move to safe places. About 57,000 structures are in immediate danger. Another 166,000 people have been asked to be on alert ready to evacuate their areas.
8. A fire broke out in the forests of California on January 7, which could not be extinguished even after a week. About 39,000 acres of area including Los Angeles is in the grip of fire, which is an area larger than San Francisco City. There has been a lot of damage to the properties of the people living in this entire area. Initial estimates have estimated the damage and economic loss at $135 billion to $150 billion. This is potentially the most destructive wildfire event in American history.
9. President Joe Biden has announced assistance for victims affected by wildfire through FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). He has declared this wildfire a disaster. Officials informed him on Saturday about the situation in other affected areas including Los Angeles. Biden spoke with state and local officials to coordinate government assistance.
10. Meanwhile, neighboring states Canada and Mexico have sent firefighters and equipment to assist California. Aerial teams of the fire department are continuing to use helicopters and air fire tenders to douse water and drop other fire retardant chemicals to control the raging forest fire.
