Death Toll Rises to 16 as Los Angeles Wildfires Devastate Communities

Los Angeles, The Gulf Observer: The death toll from the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area has risen to 16 as firefighters race to contain the blazes before strong winds potentially return, threatening iconic city landmarks.

Five deaths were linked to the Palisades Fire, while 11 were attributed to the Eaton Fire, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.

By Saturday evening, wildfires in the area had scorched 62 square miles (160 square kilometers), with the Palisades and Eaton fires alone consuming nearly 59 square miles (153 square kilometers), according to Cal Fire.

Approximately 150,000 residents of Los Angeles County are under evacuation orders, with over 700 people seeking refuge in nine shelters, said Michael Traum of the California Office of Emergency Services. The firefighting efforts involve personnel from California and nine other states, including newly arrived teams from Mexico, supported by 1,354 fire engines, 84 aircraft, and over 14,000 firefighters.

Containment levels remain low, with the Palisades Fire at 11% and the Eaton Fire at 15% as of Saturday night. Authorities warn that critical weather conditions and Santa Ana winds could exacerbate the situation starting Monday.

In Mandeville Canyon, home to celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, crews fought fiercely on Saturday to protect homes from advancing flames. The National Weather Service has cautioned that the returning winds, coupled with the region’s prolonged dry spell, could further intensify the fires, potentially spreading into densely populated areas such as the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley.

Since igniting on Tuesday, the wildfires have destroyed over 12,000 structures, including homes and businesses, and early damage estimates range from $135 billion to $150 billion, according to AccuWeather.