According to local authorities cited by news agency AFP, the number of people killed by the wildfires in Los Angeles increased to 16 on Saturday. According to the study, 11 of the victims were from the Eaton Fire zone, and five were found in the Palisades Fire zone. One of the largest fires, the Palisades, was moving northeast, forcing more evacuations in wealthy communities in Southern California, including Brentwood and Bel Air.
Firefighters in the greater Los Angeles area made a concerted effort on Saturday to contain wildfires that had burned homes. This occurred five days after strong winds caused destructive urban flames to spread throughout the arid terrain, causing havoc in several areas of the famous metropolis.
The Palisades Fire spread eastward on Saturday, posing a threat to the Getty Centre art complex and heading north into the San Fernando Valley despite intensive aircraft firefighting efforts. While the Eaton Fire had burned 14,000 acres and was 15% contained, the other fire spanned 23,600 acres and was 11% contained.
Six large wildfires in the Los Angeles area have burned nearly 40,000 acres: the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Kenneth Fire, Hurst Fire, Woodley Fire, Lidia Fire, Sunset Fire, and Tyler Fire. These flames have destroyed approximately 12,000 buildings, including homes and businesses. Because of the substantial damage they have caused, the Palisades and Eaton fires continue to be the main focus.
Following a brief calm, officials issued a warning of increased risks as dry winds threatened to worsen. Early on Saturday, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath spoke of "another night of unfathomable terror and sadness."
Rescue groups, veterinarians, and animal shelters have stepped in to assist displaced livestock, horses, and dogs and their owners. Volunteers who walk, feed, and clean up after the animals have been caring for them. Food and supplies for people and animals have been donated in large quantities.
There have been claims of inadequate resource management and leadership. Governor Gavin Newsom ordered an investigation into why some hydrants ran out of water and a 117-million-gallon reservoir was inaccessible. Kristin Crowley, the Los Angeles fire chief, blasted municipal officials for having insufficient water supplies and firefighting funding.
Authorities have set up roadblocks and enforced midnight curfews in response to reports of looting. Residents have been frustrated by these efforts, though, since they have had to wait up to ten hours to return home and evaluate the damage.
Although an official damage figure has not yet been released by the government, private assessments indicate that the total will likely amount to tens of billions of dollars. Several minor fires have been successfully extinguished, according to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who is facing a crucial leadership challenge during one of the city's biggest crises in decades.
