Firefighters are launching a concerted effort to contain the largest dangerous wildfires that pose a significant threat to Los Angeles, aiming to stop them from encroaching on one of the city’s most affluent neighbourhoods.
Aerial crews are actively combating the Palisades fire, deploying water and fire retardant to contain the blaze. The fire has surged by 1,000 acres, posing a growing threat to the Brentwood area.
Officials are scrutinised as frustration grows over the lack of water from hydrants, which has hampered firefighters’ efforts to control the rapidly spreading fires.
Overnight, winds are anticipated to intensify, exacerbating the fires that have already claimed the lives of at least 16 individuals.
On Saturday evening, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office reported that 11 fatalities were linked to the Eaton fire, while five were connected to the Palisades fire.
The National Weather Service has warned that the gusty Santa Ana winds, which initially fuelled the fires, are expected to intensify again on Saturday and continue into Sunday.
In a coordinated effort, seven neighbouring states, the federal government and representatives from Canada and Mexico have mobilised resources to assist California.
“Los Angeles County experienced yet another night filled with unimaginable terror and heartbreak,” stated Supervisor Lindsey Horvath on Saturday.
Firefighters are reporting limited advancements in their battle against the Palisades fire, which has ravaged nearly 23,000 acres and is currently 11% contained.
The fire has extended into the Mandeville Canyon area, prompting evacuation orders for large portions of Brentwood, an affluent community known for being home to notable figures such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Disney CEO Bob Iger, and NBA star LeBron James.
The Getty Centre, a prominent hilltop museum, is also in the evacuation zone. It houses an impressive collection of over 125,000 artworks, featuring masterpieces from renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, and Degas. The structure remains intact at this time.
In a recent post on X, the site asserted that it “remains stable, aside from a few hot spots,” while expressing concern for its neighbours in Getty, stating, “we are acutely aware of our Getty neighbours and hope for their safety.”
The active second-largest blaze, the Eaton fire, has consumed over 14,000 acres and is reportedly 15% contained. Firefighters have mainly managed to include two smaller wildfires, the Kenneth and Hurst fires.
The cause of the fires remains undetermined at this time. The two largest fires together have devastated an area exceeding twice the size of Manhattan.
Approximately 153,000 residents face mandatory evacuation orders, while 166,000 have received warnings indicating they may also need to evacuate.
The political fallout has commenced.
On Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat reportedly eyeing a presidential run, initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding a crucial reservoir’s inoperability and several fire hydrants’ failure to provide water.
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley expressed concerns regarding the ongoing shortage.
“When a firefighter approaches a hydrant, there is an expectation that water will be available,” she stated.
Chief Crowley has criticised city leadership for reducing her department’s budget and eliminating mechanic positions, claiming that these decisions have led to over 100 fire apparatuses being out of service.
According to a report by CNN, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has confirmed that all fire hydrants in the Pacific Palisades and Westside communities of LA were “fully operational” before the recent devastating wildfires.
On Saturday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed her critics regarding her presence in Ghana for the inauguration of the African nation’s president during the recent fires in LA. She also suggested underlying tensions with Chief Crowley.
“Let me clarify a point,” Bass stated during a news conference. “The fire chief and I are dedicated to combating these fires and preserving lives, and any disagreements we may have will be addressed privately.”
Over 70,000 individuals have added their names to a change.org petition for the mayor’s prompt resignation.
In response to escalating concerns about looting, officials have reported that authorities have implemented a strict curfew from sunset to sunrise in areas that have been evacuated.
On Saturday, Newsom declared plans to increase the National Guard presence, saying he would deploy 1,680 troops to “keep communities safe.” This move aims to bolster security in the region.
Authorities have reported approximately two dozen arrests, encompassing charges of burglary, looting, and violations of the curfew.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced that cadaver dogs assist 40 search and rescue teams as they comb through devastated neighbourhoods.
Authorities anticipate an increase in the death toll as house-to-house searches are set to commence.
The fires burned with such ferocity that vehicle wheel alloys were reduced to molten metal pools.
Rick McGeagh, an estate agent, reported to Reuters that only six of the 60 homes managed to survive in his Pacific Palisades neighbourhood.
The only structure still upright at his residence was a statue of the Virgin Mary.
“Everything else is ash and rubble,” remarked the 61-year-old father of three.