Dangerously high winds are set to return to Los Angeles, threatening efforts to extinguish a wildfire that has destroyed neighborhoods and killed at least 24 people.
“We’re not in the clear yet,” Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said. “We must not let our guard down,” he said.
Dry Santa Ana winds of up to 70 miles (112 kilometers) per hour are predicted to resume Monday and continue through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service, which issued a “particularly hazardous conditions” red flag warning. Is of.
Firefighters are working to contain three active fires in the Los Angeles area ahead of winds predicted to return.
Provide pre-positioning of fire brigade
US officials said they were confident they would be prepared to deal with the new round of winds.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said, “I believe the city is prepared,” when asked if hydrants could run out of water again, as happened last week when similarly powerful winds lashed the city. I had gone.
California has set up a mobilization area to organize resources to respond to any new fires.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marone said additional firefighting aircraft were available, but they could be grounded if winds became too strong.
He stressed that residents should be prepared to evacuate if instructed to do so.
Officials say thousands of firefighters are working to bring the wildfire under control. However, with stronger winds expected to return, the risk of more destruction looms.
limit of destruction
At least 24 people have died in the flames. The death toll is expected to rise as authorities search the debris.
Officials said at least 12,000 structures were damaged or destroyed throughout the Los Angeles area.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said the wildfires could be considered the most devastating natural disaster in American history.
Fire investigators are still trying to determine what caused the Los Angeles fire.
Oscar nomination postponed
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has postponed the announcement of this year’s Oscar nominations for the second time due to the fire.
The nominations for the film industry’s highest honor will now be announced on January 23 after being postponed from January 19.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said, “Due to the fires still active in the Los Angeles area, we feel it is appropriate to extend our voting period and date to announce our nominations to give our members additional time. It is necessary to move forward.” Said in a statement.
ess/lo (AP, AFP, dpa, Reuters)
