Strong winds return to whip up LA fires; officials vow firefighters ready for new blazes

Additional arrests were made of looters, including a burglar who had disguised himself as a firefighter to break into homes and steal.

On Sunday, a Los Angeles severely devastated by wildfires faced the threat of intense winds, with authorities assuring that firefighters were prepared to tackle any new fires potentially triggered by the strong gusts.

Raging infernos that have ravaged America's second-largest metropolis for five days have brought entire neighborhoods to a state of scorched devastation, leaving thousands without residences.

On Sunday, massive firefighting efforts took place, but the biggest blaze continued to spread towards the upscale neighborhood of Brentwood and the densely populated region of the San Fernando Valley, as strong winds of up to 80km/h (50mph) developed.

Our new platform features a carefully selected collection of content, including explanatory articles, frequently asked questions, in-depth analyses, and visual data displays, all provided by our team of accomplished experts who have received prestigious awards.

Forecasters have predicted that the situation will deteriorate significantly, with "extreme fire behavior and life-threatening conditions" expected to reach their zenith by Tuesday with gusts of wind measuring around 113 km/h (70 mph), prompting a rare "particularly dangerous situation" designation by the National Weather Service's meteorologist, Rose Schoenfeld.

These could fan flames and whip up embers from existing fire zones into new areas, firefighters have cautioned.

Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone stated that his department had acquired numerous resources, including water trucks and additional firefighters from other areas, in preparation for the renewed threat.

Asked if hydrants again ran out of water like they did during the recent fires, Mayor Karen Bass said: "I believe the city is prepared."

Frustration grew as evacuees spent the entire day at the disaster zone boundaries, hoping to be permitted to visit their homes and attempt to collect essential medication and pets.

Sheriff Robert Luna stated that escorts into affected areas were suspended on Sunday due to the return of strong winds, hazardous conditions caused by the debris, and the necessity to recover the bodies of victims.

Search-and-rescue operations for fatalities are just starting, and "as these searches continue, I fear that those numbers will rise," he said.

Additional looters were apprehended, including one individual who disguised themselves as a firefighter in order to burglarize homes.

This evening, curfews in evacuated areas have been prolonged. Furthermore, and supplementary National Guard reinforcements are being asked for.

Blocked from entering an evacuation zone due to a barrier or restriction, a 42-year-old resident of Altadena named Bobby Salman said: "I have to be there to protect my family, my wife, my kids, my mother and I am unable to even visit them."

In the destroyed Pacific Palisades neighborhood, a handwritten sign saying "looters will be shot" was nailed to a tree outside a home, alongside the American flag.

The Palisades Fire increased overnight to 23,700 acres (9,500 hectares) burned, and was still 11 per cent contained.

Footage displayed "fire whirls" – fiery, crimson helices that form when a blaze is extremely intense, producing its own environmental system.

The intense fire also left tracks of molten metal streaming from the burnt-out vehicles.

The containment of the 14,000-acre Eaton Fire in Altadena has roughly doubled according to new data, with 27 percent of its perimeter now being controlled.

The number of residents under evacuation orders decreased to approximately 100,000, down from its peak of nearly 180,000.

The sudden influx of individuals requiring housing has created a pressing issue for the city, with reports emerging of exploitative landlords engaging in price gouging tactics.

I'm back on the market with tens of thousands of people," said a man who wished to remain anonymous, whose rent-controlled apartment had been destroyed by fire. "This doesn't look good.

.

A briefing on actions taken to combat the fires was scheduled for later on Sunday, according to the White House.

A massive joint investigation by federal and local law enforcement was underway to identify the source of the outbursts.

The television programme also includes news of a "Marshall Plan" being launched to aid in rebuilding efforts.

"There's already a team working on revamping LA," he said.

He also emphasized the pressing concern of the weather, stating "the challenge is the winds. We are expecting these winds to return this evening, on Sunday night. We will see peak winds on Monday".

Wildfires can be ignited intentionally, but they are often sparked naturally and play a fundamental role in the cycle of life for a particular ecosystem.

Urban sprawl exposes people to a greater risk of harm, and the worsening climate conditions, driven by the excessive use of fossil fuels, are intensifying the circumstances that contribute to devastating fires.

More Articles from SCMP

Hong Kong faces difficult decisions on how to address its budget deficit.

China has pledged all-out efforts on trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) to boost its economic growth as part of a fresh bid to revive its slowing economy.

'McDonald's Quarter Pounder recalled amid E. coli outbreak'

Space debris is becoming a significant concern for planned missions beyond the moon. The growing accumulation of junk and remnants from previous space flights poses a threat to the safety of future space travel and exploration.

This article was first published in The South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), a prominent news source that provides comprehensive coverage of China and Asia.

Copyright 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.