Firefighters have still not managed to gain control of two of the largest wildfires that have been ravaging the suburbs of Los Angeles in the US state of California for a week. By Sunday evening, at least 24 people had lost their lives due to the fires and at least 16 were missing, reported Associated Press. The flames have already destroyed thousands of homes and business buildings.
The US National Weather Service has warned that winds will pick up through Thursday, fueling the spread of the flames in the parched environment, which has not seen significant rainfall in more than eight months. The strongest winds are expected to be around 80km/h on Tuesday, with gusts up to 113km/h in the mountains.
Massive damage
The BBC reports that by taking advantage of a decrease in wind speed over the past few weeks, firefighters have been able to reduce the further spread of the Pelisades and Eaton fires on opposite sides of the city of Los Angeles. Officials from nine other US states, as well as Canada and Mexico, had gone to help local firefighters. Foreign fire brigades still continue to arrive.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has announced that 24 people have died due to wildfires. 16 people died in the area of the Eaton fire, eight in the area affected by the Pelisesides fire. Authorities warn that the death toll is likely to rise. Currently, teams of experts, using dogs, have started systematic fires
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