Death toll from Los Angeles fires increases as hazardous winds approach

The death toll from devastating wildfires that have swept through Los Angeles rose to 24 on Sunday, with officials warning of powerful winds expected to intensify the blazes further.

The fires have ravaged the United States' second-largest city for six consecutive days, reducing entire communities to ash and leaving thousands homeless.

Extensive firefighting efforts have slowed the spread of the Palisades Fire, which threatened affluent Brentwood and the densely populated San Fernando Valley. However, conditions are expected to worsen dramatically in the coming days, with "extreme fire behavior and life-threatening conditions" anticipated.

Winds reaching speeds of up to 70 miles (110 kilometers) per hour have prompted the National Weather Service to declare a "particularly dangerous situation (PDS)" starting early Tuesday, said meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld. These gusts could fan existing flames and spread embers into new areas, firefighters cautioned.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone stated that additional resources, including dozens of new water trucks and out-of-state firefighting teams, have been mobilized to tackle the escalating threat. Responding to concerns about water shortages, Mayor Karen Bass assured that the city is prepared to handle the situation.

Evacuees faced continued frustration, with authorities advising that they may not return home until at least Thursday when the winds are expected to subside. Many residents waited in long lines, hoping to retrieve essentials like medication or clothing.

Search for Victims

Sheriff Robert Luna announced that access to evacuation zones would be suspended Sunday due to dangerous conditions and the ongoing search for victims’ remains. Cadaver dog teams conducted grim grid searches, with officials expecting the death toll to rise.

Looting in fire-affected areas led to several arrests, including one individual who posed as a firefighter to steal from homes. Nighttime curfews have been extended, and additional National Guard resources requested to maintain order.

Blocked from entering an evacuation zone, Altadena resident Bobby Salman, 42, expressed frustration, saying, "I need to be there to protect my family, but I can’t even see them."

Fire Tornadoes

The Palisades Fire has scorched 23,700 acres (9,500 hectares) and is only 11% contained. Video footage revealed "fire tornadoes," fiery whirlwinds formed when intense heat generates its own weather system. The inferno also left trails of molten metal from burned-out vehicles.

Progress was reported on the 14,000-acre Eaton Fire in Altadena, with containment improving to 27%.

The Los Angeles Medical Examiner released a list of fatalities, confirming eight deaths in the Palisades Fire zone and 16 in the Eaton Fire area.

Evacuation orders have been scaled back, with around 100,000 residents displaced, down from a peak of 180,000. The housing crisis caused by the fires has led to reports of illegal rent price hikes, compounding the challenges for displaced residents.

California Governor Gavin Newsom vowed to rebuild, describing plans for a "Marshall Plan" to restore the city. “We already have a team working on reimagining L.A. 2.0,” he said.

'One of the Worst Catastrophes'

President-elect Donald Trump criticized California's fire management efforts, calling the situation "one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our country" and questioning why the fires could not be controlled.

Firefighting efforts have been bolstered by reinforcements from across California, other U.S. states, and Mexico. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also offered to send 150 personnel to assist.

Federal and local authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the fires' origins. While wildfires can be naturally occurring, urban expansion and climate change, fueled by human activity, have significantly increased their frequency and severity.