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Firefighters in Los Angeles are racing to contain wildfires that have devastated the region and displaced thousands as Santa Ana winds, infamous for turning fires into uncontrollable infernos, are expected to return, the National Weather Service warned.
According to a report by the Associated Press, crews focused their efforts on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, home to Arnold Schwarzenegger and other celebrities where helicopters dropped water to prevent flames from reaching the Getty Museum and UCLA. Ground teams worked tirelessly, using hoses to combat leaping flames on smoke-covered hillsides.
County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath described the nights as “unimaginable terror,” with many more residents forced to evacuate due to the northeast expansion of the Palisades Fire, reported AP.
At a briefing, CalFire Operations Chief Christian Litz said a main focus Saturday was the Palisades Fire burning in the canyon area, not far from the UCLA campus.
“We need to be aggressive out there,” Litz said, according to AP.
Over 56 square miles have burned, destroying 12,000 structures, including homes, schools, and historic landmarks.
Recovery teams are also working to locate victims. Eleven fatalities have been confirmed so far, with cadaver dogs continuing searches in destroyed neighbourhoods. Survivors returned to sift through the ruins of their homes, salvaging keepsakes amidst heartbreak.
“We have people driving up and around trying to get in just to look. Stay away,”AP quoted Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna as saying.
The crisis has raised questions about leadership and resources. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley criticised city authorities for underfunding firefighting efforts and failing to maintain water supplies for hydrants. Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an investigation into these failures.
Amidst the devastation, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited evacuees, distributing food and offering support. Meanwhile, Disney pledged $15 million to assist in recovery efforts.
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