California braces itself against wildfires.

The death toll and damage to homes in Los Angeles, California, are rising amid what is being described as the worst wildfire in the state's history.

As of yesterday (January 10), Los Angeles County authorities announced that the death toll from the wildfires had risen to 10, while at least 10,000 homes were destroyed, including residences of many prominent figures in the American arts industry, according to AP.

5 fires at the same time

The wildfires broke out on January 7th and spread rapidly due to hot, dry Foehn winds blowing at speeds of 160 km/h in some areas. Rainfall in Southern California since the beginning of May 2024 has been less than 2.5 mm. According to statistics, at least five fires are currently burning, affecting an area of ​​142 km². The Pacific Palisades fire, located along the coast, destroyed more than 5,300 homes, becoming the deadliest fire in Los Angeles history, according to AP. The Eaton fire north of Pasadena burned more than 5,000 homes.

The devastating wildfire destroyed the million-dollar homes of many Hollywood stars.

All the fires are located in an area about 40 kilometers north of downtown Los Angeles, raising concerns among residents of America's second-largest city. California Governor Gavin Newsom deployed more than 1,400 firefighters to combat the blazes, while other states and Canada also sent forces to assist. Aircraft dropped fire retardant and water continuously. A Super Scooper firefighting aircraft leased from Canada malfunctioned and ceased operation after colliding with an unauthorized civilian drone near the Palisades fire.

Firefighters during a fire in the West Hills on January 9.

At least 180,000 people were ordered to evacuate, and all schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest in the nation, closed starting January 10 due to smog. Air pollution and smog warnings were issued for the area home to 17 million people in Southern California. More than 285,000 customers in Southern California experienced power outages, while electricity, water, and drainage systems across the region suffered significant damage. Numerous events in the area were postponed. On January 9, Los Angeles County authorities mistakenly issued an evacuation notice to all 9.6 million residents, but later clarified that it only applied to the Kenneth Fire area near West Hills.

Firefighting helicopters in the West Hills area of ​​Los Angeles on January 9.

A loss of $150 billion?

US President Joe Biden described the wildfires in California history on January 9th as the most devastating in the country's history, according to AFP. The leader pledged to use every means possible to control the fires and announced that the federal government would cover 100% of the costs for cleanup of hazardous materials, temporary shelter, salaries for first responders, and life-saving measures for the next 180 days.

Many buildings in Pacific Palisades were destroyed by fire on January 9.

Meanwhile, National Guard members were deployed in Los Angeles starting the evening of January 9th to patrol and ensure order and protect people's property while a curfew was in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Officials announced that at least 20 people had been arrested for taking advantage of the situation to shoplift.

Although the wind subsided on January 9th, the area is forecast to receive no rain, and the fires are likely to expand. Authorities have not yet estimated the damage, but weather data company AccuWeather predicts that the economic damage and losses from this fire could reach $150 billion.

According to AP, investigators are looking into the cause of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Lightning is considered the most common cause of fires in the U.S., but investigators quickly ruled this out as there were no reports of lightning strikes at the two largest fires currently burning. Arson or electrical faults could also be possible causes, although authorities have not seen any evidence of either. In addition, burning trash and setting off fireworks are other common causes.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/california-cang-minh-chong-choi-bao-lua-185250110220242446.htm