
Firefighters in Los Angeles are battling wildfires that have killed 16 people, destroyed thousands of homes, and left at least 16 others missing.
Dangerous Santa Ana winds, expected to reach 70 mph, and dry conditions have prompted red flag warnings through Wednesday, with the most critical fire conditions predicted for Tuesday.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said additional water trucks and fire-retardant drops are in place to counter the renewed threat of gust-driven flames.
The Eaton and Palisades fires account for most of the destruction, consuming over 62 square miles, with containment efforts at 27% and 11%, respectively.
Around 150,000 residents remain under evacuation orders, with shelters housing over 700 evacuees as officials warn of toxic ash, broken infrastructure, and unstable structures.
Allegations of leadership failures have emerged, with LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley criticizing inadequate firefighting resources and a lack of water, while Governor Newsom has ordered an investigation into the state’s firefighting preparedness.