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 prepared to evacuate at any time, with the forecast 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 be 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 70 mph have not yet been recorded, firefighters have recorded winds of 30-40 mph combined with extremely low humidity, which has fueled the fire. The area has also not had rain for nine 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 flattened, leaving only ashes and bare chimneys.

Some 8,500 firefighters from western states, Canada and Mexico are battling the blazes. The Palisades Fire west of the city has burned 60 square miles (96 square kilometers). The Eaton Fire in the hills east of the city has burned 22 square miles (57 square kilometers).

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

While the fire remains out of control, 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 of my friends and colleagues in Los Angeles lose so much.”

A new fire has broken out in San Bernardino County, east of Los Angeles, burning 30 acres. 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