While aircraft were deployed to provide support from above, firefighters on the ground also stepped up their efforts, facing warnings of strong winds of up to 112km/h, which threatened to make the situation worse.
According to Reuters, in just the past 24 hours, the Palisades fire has spread by more than 404 hectares, bringing the total burned area to more than 8,900 hectares, while the control level is currently only 11%. The fire has spread to the Mandeville Canyon area and threatened high-end residential areas such as Brentwood as well as the San Fernando Valley.
Evacuation orders are now in place for 153,000 residents in Los Angeles, with more than 57,000 structures at risk. Another 166,000 residents have been warned they may need to evacuate. Meanwhile, power restoration efforts have made progress, with the number of customers without power falling from half a million to 50,000.
The biggest challenge, however, remains dealing with the severe weather conditions. Forecasts show Santa Ana winds will continue to strengthen through midweek, making it more difficult to control the wildfire.
Since the outbreak, six major wildfires have destroyed 12,000 structures and killed at least 13 people. The number of missing people is currently estimated at 13, and economic losses are estimated at $135-150 billion.
Residents in hard-hit areas like Altadena and Pacific Palisades have been forced to flee their homes. Many have returned only to find their homes in ruins. Others have expressed concern that government aid will be focused on wealthier areas and that insurance companies may refuse to cover losses.
US President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster, clearing the way for authorities to provide aid ranging from home repairs to essential supplies. Neighboring countries, including Canada and Mexico, have also sent rescue workers and equipment.
