At least 16 people have died in the Los Angeles fires since Tuesday, as the flames continue to rage in Southern California. However, meteorologist Rich Thompson said at a briefing on Saturday evening that the winds will not be as strong as those that previously fueled the fires.
According to The Washington Post, four active fires in Los Angeles have burned more than 160 square kilometers — an area larger than San Francisco. According to Cal Fire, the flames destroyed more than 12,000 structures and displaced tens of thousands of people.
Thousands of firefighters have made some progress in battling the two largest fires — Palisades and Eaton. Battalion Chief Cal Fire Brent Pascua told CNN that Saturday was a "very productive day." The channel ABC 7 reported that several evacuation orders in cities east of Pasadena, near the Eaton fire, were canceled or eased.
Nevertheless, threats remain, and the situation is uncertain and rapidly changing. The largest Palisades fire was contained at 11 percent as of 10:00 PM Saturday local time. As the flames approached Mandeville Canyon, the fire threatened to reach the 405 freeway — a major highway, east of which are even more densely populated areas of Los Angeles. "Los Angeles County had to endure another night of unimaginable horror and heartache," said County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
Photo: Reuters