16 dead in Los Angeles wildfire, authorities warn of worsening condition
Los Angeles authorities have warned that the wildfire conditions will worsen in the coming days with at least 16 people being confirmed dead and over 12,000 structures damaged or destroyed, in raging wildfires that started last week, media reports said.
The winds eased out on Friday evening helping the firefighters to make significant progress in containing the fire that has forced over 100,000 people including the top celebrities to flee their homes.
However, red flag warnings will likely be imposed again next week as officials think the danger is far from over.
The largest fires, including the Eaton and Palisades fires, continue to expand, with a new evacuation order imposed on Saturday.
The Palisades fire has already burned 22,600 acres and is only 11 percent contained, while the Eaton fire, affecting the Altadena area, has set ablze 14,000 acres with 15 percent containment.
Winds gusting up to 120 kmph are forecasted for the coming days. "Our concern is winds picking up tonight and then on Monday through Wednesday. The general duration of this is not looking good," a meteorologist told the LA Times.
The fires have devastated communities, with whole neighbourhoods being reduced to ash.
US President Joe Biden described the destruction as resembling a "war scene."
A curfew has been imposed in evacuated areas to curb looting, with at least two dozen arrests reported.
Amid growing public frustration, California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an independent review of the state's preparedness and response.
Concerns over water shortages during the initial firefighting efforts have sparked outrage.
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