AFP
Search and rescue teams in Los Angeles continued their grim task of locating victims in the aftermath of devastating wildfires, while authorities prepared for hurricane-force Santa Ana winds expected to escalate the crisis. As the disaster entered its seventh day, over 90,000 residents remained displaced, and vast areas of the city lay in ruins. Despite the destruction, some signs of normalcy emerged, with schools reopening and the Los Angeles Lakers resuming play.
Mayor Karen Bass warned of impending “life-threatening conditions” due to forecasted winds of up to 70 mph, raising fears of further flare-ups. Authorities implemented roadblocks and curfews in evacuation zones to curb looting, with dozens arrested, including a man impersonating a firefighter. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman vowed to prosecute looters, calling their actions “despicable.”
Efforts to allow evacuees escorted visits to their destroyed homes were halted due to overwhelming demand, leaving many residents heartbroken. Fred Busche, a displaced resident, expressed his need to personally witness his home’s destruction to process the loss. So far, the fires have claimed 24 lives, but officials fear this number will rise as cadaver dog teams continue searching through the rubble.
The Palisades Fire has consumed nearly 24,000 acres and is 14% contained, while the Eaton Fire has scorched 14,000 acres, with a third of its perimeter controlled. Over 12,000 structures, including homes and vehicles, have been destroyed.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to suppress hotspots, with reinforcements from across the western U.S. and Mexico joining the efforts. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley emphasized a strategic deployment of teams to tackle any new outbreaks.
Helicopter footage revealed the extensive damage in areas like Altadena, where smoke cleared to expose vast blackened landscapes. While wildfires can occur naturally and play a role in ecological cycles, urban sprawl and climate change have intensified their impact.
Mexican firefighter Benigno Hernandez Cerino highlighted the international solidarity in the firefighting efforts, expressing pride in aiding their Los Angeles counterparts. As recovery continues, the city’s resilience is being tested, with many facing the daunting challenge of rebuilding their lives.
The supercharged climate, driven by unchecked fossil fuel use, exacerbates the conditions fueling such destructive blazes, placing more lives in jeopardy.