The greater Los Angeles area resembles a war zone due to wildfires that have burned thousands of hectares of land, destroyed properties worth billions, and left 10 people dead. Despite relentless efforts by firefighters and California’s entire emergency apparatus—reinforced by over 800 volunteer firefighters—the weather forecasts remain ominous. According to experts, authorities will not be able to control the wildfires unless the weather conditions change.
Weather Conditions Favor Fires
The region is currently under a red alert due to extremely dangerous conditions that favor the outbreak of fires. Local media report that the alert will remain in effect until today, Friday. The Santa Ana winds, expected to reach speeds of up to 121 kilometers per hour, combine with exceptionally low humidity and high temperatures to create ideal conditions for the rapid spread of wildfires. The region is already experiencing severe drought, with minimal rainfall so far.
Meteorologists predict that winds may weaken slightly on Friday afternoon (Saturday morning in local time), but winds reaching speeds of 65 kilometers per hour will continue to pose a significant risk. On Saturday, winds are expected to diminish temporarily, but their intensity is predicted to increase again on Sunday and early next week. Additionally, there are no signs of rainfall, which means the situation will continue to worsen.
Firefighters Await Weather Changes
Firefighters in Southern California may have to wait for a change in weather conditions to bring the wildfires under control, according to Professor David Alexander, an expert in risk and disaster management at the Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction. In an interview with Sky News, Alexander explained that the strong winds, which fuel the spread of fires, are the main factor preventing effective extinguishment. “Most fires will persist until the wind dies down,” he stated.
Alexander emphasized that aerial firefighting methods, such as using helicopters and planes to drop water or chemical fire retardants, can only limit the spread of fires, not completely extinguish them. “Aircraft and helicopters drop water or chemicals on the flames to help reduce their intensity and slow the fire’s spread, but they rarely manage to put it out entirely. Right now, they are working non-stop to control the damage,” he said.
Destruction in Pacific Palisades and Beyond
Dozens of blocks were destroyed in the luxurious Pacific Palisades neighborhood, just minutes away from the homes of many Hollywood celebrities. Among the destroyed properties are those of Paris Hilton, Anthony Hopkins, Tina Knowles, John Goodman, Candy Spelling, Milo Ventimiglia, and Miles Teller.
Amid the destruction, small stories of hope have emerged. Rows of luxury beachside homes were reduced to ash as a devastating fire engulfed the area, leaving a single house standing amidst the smoky ruins.
Prisoners Join the Fight Against Flames
A source confirmed to the BBC that nearly 800 inmates have joined CalFire to help control the spread of wildfires as part of a voluntary program.
CalFire has now deployed around 4,700 first responders, so the participation of this large number of inmates is considered a significant contribution to the firefighting effort. The California Department of Rehabilitation operates firefighter training camps across the state for inmates, supporting authorities’ disaster response efforts.
100,000 Homes Without Power in Los Angeles
Nearly 100,000 homes and businesses in Los Angeles are without power, according to a website tracking power outages in the U.S.
Figures from PowerOutages.us show that around 60,000 customers of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power are without electricity. Additionally, nearly 40,000 customers of Southern California Edison are also without power as the fires continue to burn across the city.
