On January 14, local time, Robert Luna, chief of the Los Angeles County Police Department, said at the fire briefing that day that strong winds have made the Los Angeles wildfire situation severe, and the next 24 hours will be “very dangerous”. At present, about 88,000 residents have received mandatory evacuation orders, and more than 84,000 residents are under evacuation warnings. The following is the specific situation:
Overview of wildfires
Fire area and control: As of January 13, the “Palisades” wildfire and the “Eton” wildfire have burned about 96 square kilometers and 57 square kilometers respectively, with control rates of 14% and 33% respectively. As of January 14, the “Palisades” wildfire has burned 23,700 acres, with a control rate of 17%; the “Eton” wildfire in the Altadena area has burned 14,100 acres, with a control rate of 35%.
Cause of fire: The Palisade fire may be caused by arson. The expert team of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has conducted a field survey. Southern California Edison Electric Company said that in the mountains near Pasadena served by the company, its equipment was not found to be related to the Eaton Fire, but the fire point of the Palisade Fire was located behind a residential house on Piedra Morada Road. In addition, the extreme weather “Santa Ana wind” may contribute to the spread of the fire, and burning, fireworks and even accidental events may also become potential factors in causing wildfires.
Impact
Personnel safety: At least 25 people have been killed, many residents have been displaced, and many people have lost their homes and property and can only sleep in temporary shelters or on the streets.
Economic losses: A large number of houses, buildings, infrastructure, etc. were burned down, Hollywood landmark areas were affected to varying degrees, many film and television productions were interrupted, Universal, Warner Bros. and Disney are adjacent to the Hollywood Hills and Canyons, these studios and Universal Studios theme parks were also temporarily closed, and award season events such as the Oscars and Grammys were also affected, postponed or canceled.
Social order: Los Angeles County police imposed a curfew in the mandatory evacuation area and arrested 34 people for reasons including burglary, theft, illegal operation of drones and violation of curfew.
Response measures
Firefighting: More than 12,000 emergency rescue personnel fought the fire on land and in the air, including international support from Mexico and Canada.
Government assistance: California Governor Newsom said he would actively respond to the wildfire and provide necessary assistance and support to the affected people.
