Strong winds continue to cause wildfires to rage in Los Angeles

(CLO) Firefighters in Los Angeles (USA) are facing relentless dry and strong winds, continuing to fan two giant wildfires that have lasted for the past 8 days.

Local officials have urged residents to be ready to evacuate at any time, with forecasts of extremely high winds that could last until Thursday afternoon. About 6.5 million people are currently under a severe fire warning. The fires have burned an area nearly the size of Washington DC, killing at least 25 people.

“We want to emphasize that this is an extremely dangerous situation. Be prepared and ready to leave at any time,” County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath warned at a press conference Wednesday.

The scale of the wildfire in Los Angeles. Photo: Maxar

Although maximum winds of 112 km/h have not yet been recorded, firefighters have recorded winds of 48-64 km/h combined with extremely low humidity, which has fueled the fire. The area has also not had rain for the past 9 months.

The fires have destroyed or damaged more than 12,000 homes and other structures, forcing about 200,000 people to flee their homes. As of Wednesday, about 82,400 people were under mandatory evacuation orders, while another 90,400 were advised to prepare to evacuate.

Many residential areas were leveled, leaving only ashes and bare chimneys.

Some 8,500 firefighters from western US states, Canada and Mexico are working to contain the blazes. The Palisades Fire west of the city has now burned 96 square kilometres. The Eaton Fire in the hills east of the city has grown to 57 square kilometres.

Planes dropping water and fire retardant are constantly operating over the rugged terrain, supporting ground firefighting teams. “We have to rely entirely on experience and feeling,” said pilot Diego Calderoni.

While the fire remains uncontained, many have criticized the city for not being well prepared despite severe weather warnings from the National Weather Service.

The devastating wildfires have cast a shadow over Hollywood's annual awards season, with many red carpet events postponed, canceled or held on a smaller scale.

“This is a difficult time for our industry,” actor Adrien Brody said at the London premiere of The Brutalist. “I am heartbroken to see so many friends and colleagues in Los Angeles lose so much.”

A new fire has broken out in San Bernardino County, east of Los Angeles, burning 12 hectares. Two other fires in Southern California are now largely contained.

Cao Phong (according to NYT, LA Times, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/gio-manh-khien-chay-rung-tiep-tuc-hoanh-hanh-o-los-angeles-hang-trieu-nguoi-bi-anh-huong-post330610.html