For the past two weeks, Los Angeles has been devastated with fires, predominantly driven by high winds and dry air. The fires originally started on Jan. 7, due to a high windstorm in the area, causing mandatory evacuations in several different counties and thousands without power, the NYT reported. Over the past weekend, the evacuation orders were lifted with a curfew of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for anyone who is not a firefighter, law enforcement or utility worker, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) 4 reported.
According to the New York Times (NYT), Santa Ana winds reached over 100 miles per hour on some days. The NYT stated that over two dozen people have been reported dead as of Monday, Jan. 20.
As of 7 a.m. on Monday, the LA Times reported that the Palisades fire has remained 59% contained, burning more than 23,713 acres. The Eaton fire is 87% contained and has burned 14,021 acres. Between both fires, over 15,467 structures have been damaged.
A small amount of rain is in the forecast for this Friday and Saturday, which could help add some moisture, yet also something to be wary of. “Officials are concerned significant additional water could prompt land movement along unstable hillsides in the Palisades,” the LA Times reported.
