The wildfire in Los Angeles continues to rage, with firefighters facing significant challenges in controlling the blaze due to strong winds. Authorities reported wind speeds reaching 45-50 km/h on Monday night, with predictions of gusts up to 120 km/h on Tuesday. Los Angeles County Fire Chief, Anthony Marrone, warned that once wind speeds exceed 72 km/h, controlling the flames becomes exceedingly difficult. He urged residents near the fire’s path to evacuate immediately, without waiting for official orders, emphasizing that the next two days would be critical.
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As of now, over 24 people have lost their lives in the fire, with authorities estimating that another two dozen are still missing. Former President Donald Trump has criticized the Biden administration’s response to the wildfire, claiming that the government has failed to contain the blaze and accusing President Biden of neglect.
The fires have already caused significant damage, with the Palisades Fire consuming 23,707 acres and the Eton Fire burning 14,117 acres. Fires in other areas have affected 1,052 acres in Kenneth and 779 acres in Hursett. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed, and approximately 60 square kilometers of land have been scorched. The Eton Fire alone has resulted in 16 deaths, with 8 fatalities reported in Palisades.
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Authorities have confirmed that the fire continues to spread dangerously across several locations, particularly in the Palisades and Eton areas. Hollywood celebrities’ homes have been impacted, and Vice President Kamala Harris’s residence was evacuated as a precaution. President Joe Biden canceled his final Italian tour in response to the disaster.
The economic damage caused by the wildfire is estimated at Rs 13 lakh crore. In efforts to control the fire, 9 planes and 20 helicopters are deploying a substance known as “Foschek,” which helps suppress the flames by restricting oxygen to the fire. Private firefighting services are charging up to ₹1.73 lakh per hour, with several billionaires stepping in to protect their properties.