WEBDESK: The massive wildfire in Los Angeles, California, continues to wreak havoc as strong winds fuel the flames, further worsening the situation, with expectations that it may persist for another week.
Containment has proved challenging despite the efforts of over 12,000 firefighters, armed with 1,100 fire engines, 60 aircraft, and 143 water tankers.
Winds reaching up to 125 km/h in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties are spreading the flames further, creating new hotspots.
United States (US) National Weather Service has warned of “extreme fire weather” conditions, with gusts potentially reaching 113 km/h in mountainous areas. With little rainfall recorded this season, conditions are ripe for the fire to escalate.
Over the past week, the fire has destroyed more than 40,000 acres of land, leaving at least 25 people dead and dozens missing. The blaze has reduced over 12,000 homes and buildings to ashes, forcing more than 200,000 residents to evacuate.
The wildfire is believed to have started near the popular Palisades hiking trail. Officials are investigating the cause, while search efforts continue to locate people who may be trapped in the rubble of burned structures.
Governor Gavin Newsom has called the disaster one of the worst in US history, expressing concern about rising casualties. Over 150,000 residents remain under evacuation orders, with 700 people currently sheltered in emergency relief centers.
California Fire Department’s Deputy Chief said, “We need mercy from nature. We have the resources, but we need time to bring this under control.”
As the fire rages on, teams from seven US states, Canada, and Mexico have joined the fight against the wildfire to extinguish the flames. However, officials admit that the fire’s timeline for containment remains uncertain, largely dependent on weather conditions.
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