Fires rage in Los Angeles as winds threaten further devastation
For a week, large fires have been consuming Los Angeles. The National Weather Service has issued another warning. On Tuesday, winds could reach speeds of up to 110 km/h, potentially causing a rapid increase in fires. Firefighters from Mexico and Canada are on their way to help.
Already 24 people have died as a result of the massive fires in Los Angeles. American firefighters are struggling to control the spread of the disaster. The winds the USA is experiencing aren't helping either.
According to the BBC, the U.S. National Weather Service has issued a warning for the Los Angeles area. On Tuesday, winds could reach speeds of up to 110 km/h and cause a rapid increase in fires. Last week, the winds were raging at speeds of 160 km/h. Strong winds are expected to persist until Wednesday.
According to NBC News, firefighters from Mexico and Canada are on their way to help. The former are expected to be used to build fire lines — strips of land cleared of flammable materials. Even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered help.
President-elect Donald Trump accused California officials of incompetence. He reportedly said, "This is one of the worst disasters in our country's history."
The California Fire Department reported that up to 15,800 hectares of the city have burned. In the Palisades district, only about 13 per cent of the fires have been contained, in Eaton 27 per cent, and in Hurst 89 per cent. Losses caused by the fire could range from £110 to £120 billion.
So far, at least 24 people have died. Over 100,000 have been evacuated. In some parts of Los Angeles, night curfews are in effect. Among the victims are stars such as Paris Hilton, Mandy Moore, and Anthony Hopkins, who lost their homes and valuable memories associated with them. Jennifer Grey is also among those who suffered losses.
