The U.S. National Weather Service on Monday issued its highest fire alert amid the massive wildfires that have destroyed thousands of houses and claimed at least 24 lives in Los Angeles.
The agency described the situation as “particularly dangerous,” as Santa Ana winds of 50 to 70 mph (80 to 112 kph) were expected to blow through Wednesday.
Fire officials warned that the extreme conditions could fuel rapid fire spread, putting the lives of 97,000 people who had been given an evacuation warning at risk.
“We are not out of danger,” said Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley during a press briefing.
“We must stay vigilant as we face extreme fire behaviour.”
The Palisades and Eaton fires are the two largest fires threatening the city since last week and have continued to raze down buildings despite huge efforts to contain them.
Over 8,500 firefighters have so far been deployed to combat the fires, while active-duty military personnel stand ready to assist, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell said on Sunday.
California Governor Gavin Newsom described the situation as potentially the worst natural disaster in U.S. history, with damages estimated at $135bn to $150bn by AccuWeather.
The Palisades Fire, covering 23,713 acres (37 square miles), was 14% contained as of Monday morning, while the Eaton Fire, which has burned 14,117 acres (22 square miles), was 33% contained. Together, both fires have scorched an area nearly the size of the country’s capital, Washington, D.C.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone expressed caution on the incoming winds, saying, “With 70-mile-per-hour winds, controlling any new fire will be extremely challenging.”
So far, at least 24 people have died, while over two dozen remain missing.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said deputies are recovering human remains daily in the burned-out areas of Altadena, where the Eaton Fire began. “It’s a grim task,” he said, adding that the death toll is expected to rise.
Meanwhile, authorities have arrested dozens for violations, including burglary, with some of the criminals impersonating firefighters to commit the act.
Officials emphasized that residents must comply with evacuation orders to ensure their safety and allow first responders to work unimpeded.