Red Flag warnings across Los Angeles expired late Wednesday, bringing brief relief from the extreme wildfire danger. However, forecasters warn that dry, windy conditions will persist through Thursday, with the threat of renewed Red Flag warnings likely by Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service, approximately 6.5 million people remain under a critical fire threat as wildfires continue to devastate the region. Authorities reported that the fires have already consumed an area nearly the size of Washington, D.C., claiming at least 25 lives and destroying or damaging over 12,000 homes and structures.
On Wednesday, firefighters battled two major wildfires in Los Angeles that have been raging for over a week. Although peak winds of 70 mph did not materialize, gusts of 30 to 40 mph combined with low humidity and a nine-month rain deficit kept the fire risks high. Officials urged residents to stay alert and be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
“We want to reiterate the particularly dangerous situation today. Get ready now and be prepared to leave,” warned County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
Currently, 8,500 firefighters, including reinforcements from Canada and Mexico, are engaged in containing the fires. Ground crews and aerial firefighters continue their tireless efforts, with air tankers and helicopters dropping water and fire retardant into the rugged terrain.
The Palisades Fire has scorched 23,713 acres (96 sq km) and is 19% contained, while the Eaton Fire has burned 14,117 acres (57 sq km) and is 45% contained. Evacuation orders remain in place for 82,400 people, with another 90,400 under evacuation warnings. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to ash, with only chimneys left standing in some areas.
Meanwhile, some Angelenos are attempting to rebuild their lives. Displaced students and teachers from Palisades Charter Elementary School were welcomed at Brentwood Elementary Science Magnet. “Even though we lost the physical building, we still have our community,” said Juliet Herman, principal of Palisades Charter Elementary.
As the fires rage, criticism has emerged over whether Los Angeles officials adequately prepared for the disaster. Reports from the *Los Angeles Times* suggest that fire officials opted not to extend shifts for 1,000 firefighters during critical early stages, sparking debate over resource allocation.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley defended the department's decisions, emphasizing the difficulty of predicting where fires might ignite. “We did everything in our capability to surge where we could,” Crowley said. Deputy Chief Richard Fields welcomed the scrutiny but urged critics to avoid second-guessing decisions made during a rapidly evolving crisis.
On Wednesday, a new fire erupted in San Bernardino County, burning 30 acres. Two other fires in Southern California are largely under control. Despite some stabilization, officials stress that vigilance remains crucial as conditions remain ripe for more fires.
With more Red Flag warnings predicted and firefighters battling fatigue, the region faces an uphill battle in its fight against one of the worst wildfire disasters in Los Angeles’ history.