LA fire death toll rises to 25 with another 84,800 placed on evacuation alert as dire new warning is issued for smoldering city
The death toll in the Los Angeles fires has risen to 25 as 84,800 people have been placed under a new evacuation alert and warned to brace for more dangerous firefighters.
Authorities warned anyone near the fires to flee quickly, fearing that increasing winds will spark new fires and fan the flames of those already burning.
On Tuesday, the National Weather Service said “we’re not out of the woods yet,” despite winds not reaching forecast intensity.
“Winds underperformed today, but there could be further improvement tonight and tomorrow,” NWS said in a statement.
This round of Santa Ana winds were not expected to be as strong as last week, but they could still carry fire-sparking embers miles away, causing new outbreaks in a decimated area where at least 25 people have already been killed.
The death toll is expected to continue to rise as authorities gain access to smoldering sites destroyed by the fires.
The coroner initially said two new bodies were discovered Tuesday — one near the Palisades fire that tore through the famed enclaves of Malibu and the Pacific Palisades — and another near the Eaton fire in Pasadena and Altadena.
But the death toll only rose by one after the coroner revealed that the remains of the Eaton fire were not human.
Authorities warned anyone near the fires to flee at a moment’s notice, fearing that increasing winds will spark new fires and fan the flames of those already burning.
A fire crew drives through a mobile home park that was destroyed by the Palisades Fire
On Tuesday, the National Weather Service said “we’re not out of the woods yet,” despite winds not reaching forecast intensity
Meteorologist Ryan Kittell warned that both fires – which are still burning and not yet fully contained – could flare up between Tuesday evening and Wednesday, and new ignitions could quickly become problematic.
Tuesday’s forecast included a rare warning that winds combined with extremely dry conditions created an “extremely hazardous situation,” the National Weather Service said.
The forecast was later updated to indicate gusts would gain strength early Wednesday.
About 88,000 tired and anxious residents remain under evacuation orders Tuesday morning due to the fires.
Another 84,800 people have been warned they may need to be evacuated at a moment’s notice.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna encouraged people to consider leaving if they receive a warning without waiting for a warrant.
Luna pointed out that his deputies had to rescue many people who waited until the last minute when evacuations were ordered last week.
Officials insist they are prepared for any new threats, especially around existing fire sites, after the hydrants dried up during the initial firefight.
The death toll is expected to continue to rise as authorities gain access to smoldering sites destroyed by the fires
About 12,300 structures were wiped out in the carnage
“Rest assured that the Los Angeles County area is prepared,” Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said.
“We checked the water system in the Eaton fire area and it is operational, meaning we have water and pressure.”
Gusty winds also kicked up toxic ash, with health officials urging everyone to wear masks.
“Ashes aren’t just dirt,” said Anish Mahajan of the LA County Public Health Department.
‘It is dangerous particulate matter that can irritate or damage your airways and other parts of your body where it ends up.’