Strong Winds Return to Whip Up Los Angeles Fires

AFP/APP

Los Angeles: Wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles faced the return of dangerous winds on Sunday, as officials vowed that firefighters were ready to combat any new blazes sparked by the furious gusts. At least 16 people have been confirmed dead from the infernos that have engulfed the city for five days, leaving whole communities in ruins and thousands without homes.

Despite massive firefighting efforts, the largest fire continued to spread towards upscale Brentwood and the densely populated San Fernando Valley, as winds reached up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) per hour on Sunday.

Conditions are expected to worsen dramatically, with “extreme fire behavior and life-threatening conditions” predicted to peak on Tuesday, when winds could reach 70 miles per hour. The National Weather Service issued a rare “particularly dangerous situation” (PDS) alert for early Tuesday.

These powerful winds could fan existing flames and spread embers into new areas, firefighters warned. Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said his department had received reinforcements, including dozens of new water trucks and firefighters from across the country, in preparation for the renewed threat.

When asked whether hydrants could run dry again, as they did during the initial outbreak of fires last week, Mayor Karen Bass assured, “I believe the city is prepared.”

Frustration mounted among evacuees who waited all day at the disaster zone perimeters, hoping to return to their homes to retrieve vital medication and pets.