The wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County have claimed 16 lives and destroyed over 12,000 structures as firefighters battle the blazes under increasingly difficult conditions. Thousands remain displaced, with evacuation orders still in effect across the region.
The Eaton Fire, responsible for 11 of the confirmed fatalities, is now 27% contained. However, the Palisades Fire, the largest of the blazes, continues to burn out of control, scorching over 60 square miles of land and threatening thousands of homes.
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“Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the spread, but the conditions are challenging,” Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said during a Sunday morning update.
Santa Ana winds, which briefly eased, are expected to return Sunday morning and intensify on Monday, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for elevated fire zones through Wednesday, with the strongest winds forecasted for Tuesday.
“These winds, combined with low humidity, make for extremely dangerous conditions,” Crowley warned. “We are fully focused on preparing for the next wave of wind events.”
Over 150,000 residents remain under evacuation orders, and curfews are in place in the hardest-hit zones from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM to protect public safety and aid firefighting operations. Emergency shelters across the county are providing refuge for those displaced.
Officials are urging evacuees to exercise caution when returning to fire-damaged areas, as hazards like unstable structures, broken gas lines, and lack of utilities persist. Tips for safely returning home are available on the county’s emergency response website.
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The scale of the firefighting operation is unprecedented, involving over 14,000 personnel from California, eight other states, Canada, and Mexico. Resources include 1,300 fire engines, 84 aircraft, and specialized ground crews. Among these are 939 incarcerated firefighters from California’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, who are working alongside professional crews to cut fire lines and clear vegetation.
“Our crews are doing heroic work in grueling conditions,” Crowley said. “Every available firefighter is deployed, and reinforcements are continuing to arrive.”
As residents prepare to return to neighborhoods that have been reduced to ashes, the outpouring of community support is evident. Donations of food, water, and supplies have overwhelmed fire stations, which have become gathering hubs for grieving families and displaced individuals.
“Seeing the destruction firsthand is devastating, but witnessing the generosity and resilience of our community is incredibly uplifting,” Crowley said.
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President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his intention to visit Southern California to survey the damage, though no date has been confirmed. Both California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger have extended formal invitations.
“We understand this is a top priority for the president-elect,” said Jason Miller, a senior advisor to the Trump transition team. “Details of the visit will be announced soon.”
With strong winds expected to exacerbate conditions and the death toll likely to rise as recovery efforts continue, officials stress the importance of staying informed and following evacuation orders.
“This is far from over,” Crowley said. “But with the continued support of our community and the tireless work of our firefighters, we will get through this together.”
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