Firefighting Efforts Face a Critical Turning Point
Strong Winds and Dry Conditions Raise Concerns in Los Angeles Wildfire
On the 8th day since a large wildfire broke out in Los Angeles (LA), the largest city in the western United States, strong gusts of wind are forecasted on the 14th (local time), marking a critical turning point in firefighting efforts.
According to foreign media including the AP News, the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) issued a red alert classified as a "Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS)" for strong winds expected over three days (13th to 15th) in parts of LA County and Ventura County on the 13th. The NWS forecasts northeast winds averaging about 48 to 65 km/h in the northwestern and northeastern mountainous areas, which account for nearly half of LA County. Gusts are expected to reach speeds of approximately 113 km/h.
The NWS explained that humidity levels in the area remain very low at 8 to 15%, increasing the risk of fire. Todd Hall, a meteorologist at the NWS, said that the combination of strong winds and extremely dry conditions could cause new fires to spread explosively, adding, "these conditions could lead to an extreme situation where embers spread or fire columns form up to 2 to 3 miles (3 to 5 km) away."
Currently, about 170,000 residents have either evacuation orders (approximately 88,000 people) or evacuation preparation warnings (approximately 84,000 people). Robert Luna, the LA County Sheriff, emphasized on the day that even if residents receive an evacuation preparation warning, they are strongly advised to leave their homes immediately as if under an evacuation order.
Over the past day, firefighting efforts have made some progress, slightly increasing containment rates. The Palisades Fire is currently 17% contained, and the Eaton Fire is 35% contained. The "Hearst Fire" in the San Fernando Valley is nearly controlled with a containment rate of 97%, but an additional wildfire broke out near Oxnard Airport in Ventura County the previous night, burning 0.2 km overnight.
During damage assessment the previous day, no additional fatalities were confirmed, keeping the death toll at 24. The LA County Sheriff's Office stated that investigations are ongoing for the 24 people reported missing.
While the cause of the wildfire remains unknown, concerns are growing as arson attempts continue within the area. LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell reported that three arson incidents have been detected in downtown LA since the 12th. The police stated that in all three cases, the fire was quickly extinguished by police and firefighters. Additionally, the LA Sheriff's Office has arrested a total of 39 people on charges including curfew violations, theft, and illegal drone flights while patrolling the wildfire-affected areas at night.
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