By Claire Moses, Sharon Otterman and John Yoon
The perilous winds eased in the Los Angeles region on Thursday, providing a boost to firefighting operations while displaced residents expressed growing frustration over their inability to return home after more than a week of severe wildfires.
Nine days post-ignition of the fires, which have forced tens of thousands of Southern California residents to evacuate, officials stated at a Thursday press briefing that it would take at least another week before some evacuation orders could be rescinded. Firefighters continued their efforts to control the largest fires in the area, particularly the Palisades and Eaton fires. Additionally, even in regions that appear secure, homes and businesses must be inspected for hazardous materials, and restoration of electricity and other public services is required.
“Everyone is eager for a timeline, and we want to provide one,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. “However, we must ensure that our work is conducted properly.”
The anticipated change in weather on Thursday is expected to offer some much-needed relief to residents in valleys and coastal locations, with gentle breezes expected from the ocean throughout the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Nonetheless, the air in mountainous areas will continue to be dry, maintaining a high fire risk there.
Firefighters also achieved advancements against the Eaton fire overnight, which had affected over 14,000 acres and was 55% contained by Thursday morning. Cooler temperatures and increased humidity are projected to persist into the weekend. However, this reprieve in conditions is expected to be short-lived, with another wind event projected for late Monday and Tuesday, according to the weather service.
Here’s what we are reporting:
— Containment status: The Hurst fire, which charred 800 acres in the San Fernando Valley, was fully contained, as announced by officials from the Angeles National Forest on Thursday morning. The Palisades fire, the largest in the region, has scorched nearly 24,000 acres and was 22% contained as of Thursday morning, per Cal Fire.
— An arrest: San Bernardino police officers, while looking into a brush fire that affected 34 acres, the Little Mountain fire, reported that a man had been arrested on two felony counts, including reckless burning. Authorities confirmed that the fire’s spread has been halted, and there have been no reported injuries or structural damage.
— Reduced fire threat: A series of red-flag warnings, signaling heightened fire risk, have lapsed in Southern California. However, warnings remain active for the Santa Susana Mountains, the western San Gabriel Mountains, and the Interstate 5 corridor, where meteorologists predicted gusts of up to 40 mph into Thursday afternoon.
