Los Angeles wildfires: 24 dead, 150,000 evacuated as flames sweep through city

Firefighters are battling devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, where the flames have destroyed thousands of homes and claimed at least 24 lives, as of January 13. 

At least 16 people were missing, and authorities said that number was expected to rise, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The fires, fuelled by strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, have prompted urgent warnings from the National Weather Service, predicting even more dangerous conditions this week.

Red flag warnings are in effect through January 8, with gusts reaching up to 113 kph, making it the most critical day on January 7.

The wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton Fires, have consumed over 160 square kilometres of land, forcing the evacuation of approximately 150,000 people. Despite ongoing efforts, including the deployment of 70 additional water trucks and aircraft dropping fire retardant, the situation remains precarious. 

The flames, which have been burning for several days, threaten to spread further, with entire neighbourhoods levelled in the affected areas.

The search for victims continues, with authorities conducting grid searches aided by cadaver dogs. Fire officials are working with the community to establish a database for evacuated residents to check the status of their homes. However, they have warned against returning to the area due to ongoing fire activity and hazardous conditions such as unstable structures and toxic ash.

Looting has become a concern, with multiple arrests made, including individuals pretending to be firefighters. The California National Guard has been deployed to safeguard properties from theft. Early damage assessments estimate the economic losses from the wildfires could range between $135 billion and $150 billion, making it one of the most costly disasters in US history.

As the fires continue to rage, authorities are bracing for more challenges ahead, with high winds forecasted and firefighting efforts in full force to contain the blazes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev