Los Angeles blaze claims 11 lives as winds slow down

The fires that have been engulfing Los Angeles County in California since Tuesday have already claimed at least 11 lives. According to local authorities the situation remains serious, although the weakening wind gives firefighters a chance for more effective combat with the blaze.

Reuters reports that firefighters are beginning to gain control over two major fires in Pacific Palisades and Eaton, located on the outskirts of Los Angeles. The change in weather, including the weakening wind, is aiding firefighting efforts. Wind speed on Saturday should not exceed 10 km/h, with gusts reaching a maximum of 30 km/h.

However, residents of the region must contend with thick smoke, which has led to the declaration of a public health emergency. The number of fatalities may rise, and at least 200,000 people have lost their homes. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported that over 150,000 people are under evacuation orders, and another 150,000 have been warned they may need to leave their homes.

The head of the Los Angeles Fire Department, Kristin Crowley, criticised the city council's decision to reduce the fire department's budget by $17 (£14 million). "We can no longer sustain where we are. We do not have enough firefighters," said Crowley in an interview with CNN. Since 2010, firefighting operations have increased by 55%, while the number of firefighters has decreased.

Firefighter units from other US states and Canada have arrived to assist Los Angeles County. The support also includes specialised aircraft for dropping water and fire retardants.

Residents of the areas most affected by the fires are beginning to assess their losses. The meteorological service AccuWeather estimates that losses could reach up to £120 billion. Outgoing President Joe Biden called the fires "the worst in California history." He also declared that the federal government will fully cover the reconstruction costs.