13-1-2025 (LOS ANGELES) Los Angeles is facing what could become the most costly natural disaster in American history as two major wildfires continue to burn through the region for the sixth consecutive day, with firefighters racing against time before severe winds return.
The catastrophic blazes have claimed 24 lives thus far, destroyed or damaged 12,000 structures, and forced the evacuation of 100,000 residents across Los Angeles County, prompting California Governor Gavin Newsom to issue stark warnings about the unprecedented scale of destruction.
The Palisades Fire, threatening the affluent Brentwood area, has devoured 37 square miles (96 square kilometres) of terrain, with firefighters achieving only 11% containment. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire in the eastern foothills has scorched 22 square miles (57 square kilometres), though crews have managed to increase containment to 27%.
Aerial operations have intensified, with aircraft collecting water from the Pacific Ocean to combat the flames, whilst ground teams work tirelessly to protect populated areas. The brief weekend respite from the notorious Santa Ana winds has provided a crucial window for firefighting efforts.
However, meteorologists warn of impending severe weather conditions, with Santa Ana winds forecast to return Sunday night, potentially reaching speeds of 50 to 70 mph (80 to 112 kph) through Wednesday. These dry desert winds, combined with prolonged drought conditions since April, pose a severe threat to containment efforts.
“L.A. County had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak,” said County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, as authorities maintain evacuation orders for 100,000 residents, down from an earlier peak of 150,000.
The economic impact is staggering, with private forecaster AccuWeather estimating damages and economic losses between $135 billion to $150 billion. To expedite recovery efforts, Governor Newsom has temporarily suspended environmental regulations for rebuilding destroyed properties.
International support has arrived from Canada and Mexico, alongside firefighters from seven American states. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell confirmed that active-duty military personnel stand ready to assist, while encouraging affected residents to begin filing disaster relief claims.
In Altadena, resident Tristin Perez recounted his decision to defy evacuation orders, successfully defending his property and neighbouring homes from the approaching Eaton Fire. “Your front yard is on fire, palm trees lit up – it looked like something out of a movie,” he told Reuters.
Sheriff Robert Luna emphasised the ongoing dangers, noting that many affected areas “still look like they were hit by a bomb,” with hazards including live electrical wires and compromised gas lines.
The fires have impacted communities indiscriminately, from luxury estates to modest dwellings, leaving many residents like Zuzana Korda from Topanga facing uncertain futures. “We’ve left everything behind. We have no insurance,” Korda reported from a temporary assistance centre. “We stand to lose everything.”
