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LA Wildfires Rage On As Winds Threaten Greater Devastation

Firefighters rushed to contain two Los Angeles wildfires on Sunday, battling flames for the sixth consecutive day. They seized a brief break in hazardous conditions before high winds were expected to reignite the danger.

At least 24 people have lost their lives in what California Governor Gavin Newsom described as possibly the most devastating natural disaster in U.S. history. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, and over 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate.

The fires have reduced entire neighborhoods to ashes, leaving behind an apocalyptic landscape. Both wealthy and working-class families have seen their homes leveled, with 12,300 structures reported damaged or destroyed.

“L.A. County had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.

Aerial firefighting crews dropped water and retardant while ground teams worked tirelessly with hoses and hand tools. The Palisades Fire threatened upscale neighborhoods like Brentwood and other densely populated areas of Los Angeles.

The fire on the city’s western edge has burned 23,713 acres, or 37 square miles. Firefighters reported it as 11% contained, reflecting the portion of the perimeter under control.

Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire, east of Los Angeles, has scorched 14,117 acres, or 22 square miles. Containment rose to 27%, up from 15% the day before.

North of the city, the Hurst Fire was nearly fully contained at 89%. Cal Fire also reported that three additional fires had reached full containment, though smoldering hotspots remained within their boundaries.

Severe Winds Return

Santa Ana winds, which reached hurricane strength earlier in the week, temporarily subsided over the weekend. These dry desert winds had previously carried embers up to two miles ahead of the fire lines.

However, no significant rainfall has fallen in the area since April. The National Weather Service forecasted that Santa Ana winds would return Sunday night, reaching speeds of 50 to 70 miles per hour.

Officials warned all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County that evacuation orders could be issued at any time.

By Sunday, evacuation orders were in place for more than 100,000 people, down from a peak of 150,000 earlier. Another 87,000 residents were under evacuation warnings.

“These winds, combined with low relative humidity and dry vegetation, will keep the fire threat very high across Los Angeles County,” said Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. He added that evacuated zones would remain closed until red flag warnings were lifted, likely on Thursday.

Despite the ongoing crisis, most schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District were set to reopen on Monday. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho noted exceptions for schools in mandatory evacuation areas.

Governor Newsom described the fires as potentially the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed 24 deaths, while damages were estimated at $135 billion to $150 billion.

To expedite rebuilding, Newsom signed an executive order temporarily suspending environmental regulations for affected properties.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stated that active-duty military personnel were ready to assist. She also encouraged residents to begin applying for disaster relief immediately.

Firefighters from seven states, along with crews from Canada and Mexico, have joined the firefighting efforts in Los Angeles.