LA braces for stronger winds as fires continue to burn

Residents of Los Angeles are bracing for potential further devastation as weather forecasts indicate that winds fueling the fires may strengthen again. Currently, three fires are still raging. The largest of these, the Palisades Fire, has burned over 23,000 acres, with only 14% containment as of Monday evening.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated that "emergency preparations" are underway to address near-hurricane-force winds expected to peak on Tuesday. At least 24 people have died and 23 others are missing in the areas of the Eaton and Palisades fires. On Monday, authorities also announced the arrest of nine looters and one arsonist.

At a press conference, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hockman displayed videos of some of the looting and outlined the maximum penalties defendants would face if convicted. In some cases, repeat offenders could face 25 years to life in prison after a third conviction under California’s “three strikes” law. The arson suspect was arrested in Azusa, about 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of downtown Los Angeles. The arson was reportedly not related to any major fire, but occurred in a local park.

Law enforcement also warned the public to be wary of price gouging, online scams, and flying drones, as drones could interfere with firefighting aircraft operations. They stated that more charges could be filed as multiple investigations are ongoing. Blake Chow, Assistant Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department's Special Operations Office, issued a stern warning to looters: "You will not get away with it." Additionally, on Monday, two lawsuits were filed against the power company Southern California Edison (SCE) by homeowners who lost their homes in the Eaton fire. They accused the company of failing to cut power to its equipment despite receiving high wind warnings.

A company spokesperson said that SCE had not yet received the complaints but would review them once received. "The cause of the fires is still under investigation," the spokesperson said. The Eaton fire, the second largest of a series of fires that broke out across the city last week, has burned over 14,000 acres and is 33% contained. California Fire Deputy Chief Jim Hudson said that there was "very little fire growth" on the Palisades fire on Monday. The BBC Weather Centre stated that Santa Ana winds from the east or northeast could reach gusts of 70 mph (112 km/h) on Tuesday, potentially exacerbating the fires further. Weather officials said that winds are expected to diminish after Wednesday, offering an opportunity for firefighters to gain further control of the blazes. Evacuated areas remain under curfew between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. local time.

Newly elected California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff told the BBC that he hoped the incoming Trump administration would act quickly to provide disaster relief. When asked if wildfires were becoming increasingly politicized, Schiff said, "People have been doing that since the moment the fires started." "That's not helpful right now, let's focus on putting these fires out and getting people the help they need." President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly planning to visit the area in the coming days. Federal lawmakers are scheduled to meet on Tuesday morning to discuss disaster assistance for the state.

President Joe Biden stated that he had directed hundreds of federal personnel, air and ground support to California, and that his team would “respond quickly” to any requests for additional help. “Our hearts ache for the 24 innocent souls that have been lost,” he said. The National Guard is helping to patrol the Pacific Palisades area. Meanwhile, local residents have joined in the relief efforts as city fire crews continue to battle the blazes.

Actor and comedian Will Arnett told the BBC that he has friends who have lost their homes. "I think everyone should do what they can to help," Arnett said, who was helping to distribute water to those affected by the fires. "It's been amazing to see people come together and volunteer to help." Fardad Kayami, a 24-year-old restaurant owner in Pacific Palisades, is delivering hundreds of meals to people affected by the fires. He told BBC Newsday: "If you look outside, it seems to offer a normal city that we're in. But if you drive five minutes west, it looks like a different world." He hopes to provide 500 meals daily to local residents, "for as long as they need it."

Altadena resident Michael Stock, who lost his family home, said that "rents have gone up so much." "I was a poor kid renting growing up, so it’s a little disheartening to go back to renting," he said. His family wonders if they can ever rebuild on the land where their home once stood, he said. "We don't know if it will ever be safe," he told the BBC. While many expensive mansions were destroyed in the fires, Pacific Palisades local council spokesperson Pete Brown said that many homeowners purchased their homes about 50 years ago, some for around $25,000 (£20,500). These older homeowners now have nothing, he said. "Their wealth was in that house," Mr. Brown said.