By Amy Graff, Jonathan Wolfe, Claire Moses and Yan Zhuang
Firefighters working furiously against the impending desert winds made some strides on Sunday against the two largest fires burning in Los Angeles, which have claimed at least 16 lives and obliterated entire neighborhoods stretching from the inland hills to the Pacific Coast.
Sheriff Robert Luna of Los Angeles County stated during a news briefing that at least 16 other individuals are reported missing in the vicinity of the two major fires, adding that he anticipates this figure will “absolutely” increase.
As of Sunday morning, crews have successfully contained more of the Eaton fire and had mainly halted the Palisades fire’s advance toward a housing area in Mandeville Canyon, part of the Brentwood neighborhood. However, the fire danger remains elevated in the region, with winds starting to pick up again on Sunday morning.
Forecasters indicated a short break from the wind was anticipated Sunday afternoon, but the kind of blustery desert winds that have fueled the fires were projected to return on Monday. “Elevated, critical fire weather conditions will persist through Wednesday,” stated Anthony Marrone, the fire chief of Los Angeles County.
The Eaton fire, which has taken at least 11 lives, is now listed among the 10 deadliest fires in California’s history. Officials have cautioned that the death toll is expected to rise, and the full extent of the devastation is yet to be determined as search teams with cadaver dogs comb through the scorched neighborhoods.
Approximately 29 individuals have been apprehended in the fire-affected areas, Luna reported — 25 near the Eaton fire and four in the vicinity of the Palisades. He mentioned that one man was disguised as a firefighter while burglarizing a residence.
Here’s what we’re covering:
— Gradual progress: Crews have contained 11% of the 23,700-acre Palisades fire and 27% of the 14,000-acre Eaton fire, located in the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of downtown Los Angeles, according to Cal Fire. Over 100,000 residents remain under evacuation orders, with tens of thousands more cautioned they may need to evacuate.
— Forecast: The National Weather Service indicated that Santa Ana wind gusts early Sunday could hit 60 to 70 mph in the mountainous regions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. These gusts were expected to lessen in the afternoon before stronger offshore winds develop Monday evening and persist through Wednesday.
— Criticism from Trump: President-elect Donald Trump, who has threatened to deny disaster assistance to California, referred to state officials as “incompetent” on Sunday. Trump has not yet responded to requests from Gov. Gavin Newsom and other officials suggesting he visit the area. During a news conference on Sunday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her belief that Trump would eventually visit, though she had not spoken with him directly. Newsom mentioned on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he extended the invitation “in the spirit of an open hand, not a closed fist.”
— Extent of destruction: The total area scorched by the fires in the past week exceeds the city limits of San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Boston, or Miami. Together, the Eaton and Palisades fires have damaged over 12,000 “structures,” which can include homes, vehicles, and outbuildings.
— The victims: The names of more victims who lost their lives in the fires have been disclosed.
