In Los Angeles and its environs, where forest fires have been continuing for the 8th day, strong winds are expected again, which may complicate the extinguishing of fire. Local authorities warn the residents of the region about the risk of repeated aggravation of the situation.
Officials reported that fires in three areas continue within the Los Angeles district, including Eaton and Palisades, where fire threatens thousands of houses. There is also the possibility of the return of strong winds, which can aggravate the situation.
The National Weather Service and local authorities announced the introduction of the Red Flag from Monday of the evening to Wednesday, warning of a combination of strong wind and low humidity, which will create dangerous conditions for spreading fire.
Particular attention is paid to strengthening the wind on Tuesday, when its speed can reach 70-110 km/h.
Forest fires in Los Angeles destroyed more than 160 square kilometers, which is more in area than the city of San Francisco itself. As of Monday in the evening, only 14% of the fire in Palisades and 33% of the fire in Eaton managed to take control. The return of strong winds can lead to new forest fires.
According to the Los Angeles district authorities, at least 24 people were killed in Eaton and Palisades as a result of fires, 23 are missing.
Trump: “Firewater zones look like after a large bomb hit”
The elected US President Donald Trump in an interview with Newsmax said that the regions affected by fires in Los Angeles “look like a large bomb hit them.” Trump noted that after his inauguration, which will take place on January 20, he intends to deal with the solution to the problem in Los Angeles.
The question of whether he will accept an invitation to visit the districts injured from fires, Trump did not give an answer.
Fires in Los Angeles: 8th day of the fight against fire
Fires in various areas of Los Angeles, which began on the morning of January 7, quickly spread due to strong winds, and at the moment more than 37 thousand hectares of land have already been destroyed. As a result of fires, 25 people died, about 150 thousand people received an order to evacuate.
Fires damaged or made more than 12 thousand buildings unsuitable for use. The total damage and economic losses from ongoing fires are estimated in the amount of 250 to 275 billion dollars.