Los Angeles, Jan 13 (V7N) — Wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles as firefighters struggle to contain the flames, which have raged for six days. Authorities warn that conditions could worsen on Tuesday or Wednesday due to strong winds, raising fears of an escalation.

The US National Weather Service and Pasadena Fire Service issued a red alert for Ventura and West Los Angeles on Sunday, warning of dangerous fire conditions driven by strong winds that could create "explosive fire" scenarios. Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustine cautioned that the fire’s direction could change rapidly, necessitating heightened vigilance.

Death Toll and Damage: At least 24 people have died, with 16 others missing. Over 40,000 acres have burned, destroying more than 12,000 homes and structures and displacing over 100,000 people.

Major Fires: Four wildfires remain active, with the Palisades Fire being the largest. It has burned 22,000 acres and grown by an additional 1,000 acres, with only 13% containment. Other fires, including those in Eaton, Kenneth, Lydia, Hearst, and Archer, have collectively burned 145 square kilometers—an area two and a half times larger than Manhattan.

Evacuations: Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for 153,000 residents, with another 166,000 under pre-evacuation alerts.

The Santa Ana winds, notorious for fanning wildfires, are expected to intensify, with gusts reaching 60 mph in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. These winds, described as a "giant hair dryer," are forecast to persist through Wednesday morning. Fire officials warn that the Palisades Fire, which has already reached the 405 Freeway, could spread further.

The wildfires have severely impacted air quality, prompting the closure of schools and colleges. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and wear masks. Air pollution levels in Los Angeles have exceeded safe limits, adding to the challenges faced by the city.

Forty rescue teams, including specially trained dogs, are conducting searches in affected areas to locate bodies and assist residents. Despite some progress in containing parts of the fires, firefighters face an uphill battle due to shifting winds and dry conditions.

The National Weather Service has extended its fire warning for the region, and authorities are urging residents to stay informed and prepared for sudden evacuations. With 57,000 structures still at risk, the situation remains critical.

The ongoing wildfires highlight the devastating impact of climate and weather patterns in Southern California, as communities brace for further challenges in the days ahead.

END/RH/AJ