LA fires live: death toll in California wildfires rises to 24 as emergency chiefs warn winds could lead to rapid spread
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We would like to hear from people in the US about the impact of wildfires in and around Los Angeles. Have you been affected by the recent fires? How are you coping? We would like to hear about your experiences. Though we’d like to hear from you, your safety and security are most important. When recording or sharing your content with us, please put your welfare and the welfare of others first. Extreme weather events can be very unpredictable and carry very real risks.
If safe, please get in touch here. After the death toll from the LA wildfires rose to 24 over the weekend, authorities predicted it was likely to rise as sniffer dogs conducted systematic searches in neighborhoods flattened by fire. Eight deaths have been attributed to the Palisades Fire and 16 to the Eaton Fire, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.
The Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone has said 70 additional water trucks have arrived to help firefighters fend off flames spread by renewed gusts. “We are prepared for the upcoming wind event,” Marrone said. Fire retardant dropped by aircraft will act as a barrier along hillsides, officials said.
Firefighters across Los Angeles County are bracing for powerful winds to return that could threaten new areas and block efforts to contain existing blazes. “There will be the potential — especially late Monday night through Wednesday — for explosive fire growth as those winds pick back up,” said the National Weather Service’s Ariel Cohen. “In the case of an evacuation order being issued, you have to follow that immediately. Seconds could save your life.”.
