The massive fire that has swept through the Los Angeles area has so far killed 24 people, forced thousands from their homes and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. The fire has incinerated an area larger than San Francisco.
The fire, which started last Tuesday, has been exacerbated by strong Santa Ana winds, which are expected to continue through midweek. The Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires have burned about 160 square kilometers, according to Cal Fire.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, but according to preliminary estimates, it may prove to be the costliest fire in America’s history. According to preliminary estimates by AccuWeather, damages and economic losses could range between $135 billion to $150 billion.
Thousands displaced, infrastructure damaged
Nearly 70,000 customers were without power in California as of Sunday morning, more than half of them in Los Angeles County. Officials reported extensive damage to the area’s sewer, water and electrical infrastructure.
Santa Ana winds increase devastation, red flag warning issued
The National Weather Service has warned that strong Santa Ana winds could return soon and has issued a red flag warning for severe fire conditions through Wednesday. Due to no rain in the last eight months, these winds are making the fire worse, which has destroyed many areas across Los Angeles.
Affected areas and cultural loss
The fire also damaged the homes of several Hollywood stars such as Billy Crystal and Mandy Moore, as well as the homes of Los Angeles Lakers coach J.J. Reddick’s house also burned to the ground. Additionally, the fire spread to areas of Altadena where black families had settled to escape discriminatory housing practices.
school closed
The California Department of Education announced Wednesday that 335 schools in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura and San Diego counties will be closed. There is uncertainty regarding the opening of schools on Monday also.