LOS ANGELES − Strong winds are forecasted to return on Monday, affecting areas already devastated by fires, blowing ash and smoke around and making it harder to control the deadly wildfires across Los Angeles County that have resulted in the loss of at least 24 lives and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.

Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna reported during a morning briefing that the number of evacuees has decreased to 92,000, down from nearly 200,000 just days ago. Furthermore, about 89,000 residents are still under evacuation advisories.

Sheriff Luna urged those who cannot return to their homes yet to be patient as teams carry out “grid searches” for possible victims, indicating that the death toll may rise.

“This is a very somber duty, and sadly, as we continue our search, we are discovering the remains of community members,” Luna said. “This is not easy work.”

He also noted that over 1,800 properties have been investigated, and 34 individuals have been arrested for various offenses including looting and violating curfews.

The incoming winds threaten the slow progress made by firefighters over the previous weekend against several blazes. Following a slight easing of winds on Sunday that allowed firefighting and rescue teams to make progress, strong winds were predicted to return on Monday, with coastal gusts potentially reaching 40-50 mph.

“By Tuesday morning, conditions are expected to deteriorate further, with gusts possibly rising to 70 mph,” warned National Weather Service Meteorologist Walter Otto in a Monday update. He pointed out that the combination of fierce winds, low humidity, and insufficient recent rainfall has led to extended Red Flag Warnings for extremely hazardous conditions across Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties from Monday night until Wednesday morning.

“These regions face an increased risk of large fires that could spread rapidly if new fires start,” cautioned Otto.

Key Updates:

∎ The “Super Scooper” firefighting aircraft, which was damaged by a drone while combating the fires, has been repaired and is scheduled to resume flights on Tuesday morning, according to County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone.

∎ Investigations into all ongoing fires are in progress, and officials have not ruled out arson as a possible cause, as stated by Los Angeles police official Dominic Choi.

∎ The Los Angeles Police Department has temporarily suspended a service aimed at helping residents return to their homes to retrieve pets, medications, and other necessities due to safety issues.

Hope Remains, but More Strong Winds Approach

In the renowned Topanga Canyon along the Pacific Coast Highway, meditation instructor Seth Monk assisted in providing coffee, fuel, and propane to residents who chose to stay despite evacuation orders. This tight-knit canyon community is nestled between the fires in Pacific Palisades and Malibu, with Monk describing the area as appearing “like a volcano” last week.

Topanga has long been home to many celebrities and longtime residents who have managed to evade Los Angeles’s urban expansion. Famous individuals such as Neil Young, Jim Morrison, and Danny Elfman have called Topanga home, along with actor Josh Jackson, whose residence was destroyed in the recent fires.

Monk shared a sense of hope as he noted the clear blue skies overhead.

“We feel as though we’re nearing the end of this, but because of the extensive dry brush surrounding us and the winds picking up, there’s a possibility of the fire reigniting,” he explained while residents expressed gratitude and enjoyed organic coffee provided by donors, complete with oat milk. “The situation appears to be improving.”

− Trevor Hughes

Cal Fire Mapping the Path of Damage

Over 12,000 homes, businesses, schools, and other structures have suffered from the intense wildfires that began ravaging the greater Los Angeles area last Tuesday. According to Cal Fire, as of Monday, approximately 40,300 acres have burned in various fires, including the Pacific Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire near Altadena, and the Hurst Fire close to Sylmar.

Los Angeles County has released preliminary damage maps for the Eaton and Palisades fires but advised that inspections are still ongoing and these maps are not exhaustive. Joshua Mott, a spokesperson for Cal Fire, noted that initial damage assessments are based on infrared imaging. More details can be found here.

− Karissa Waddick

Ukraine Offers to Send Firefighters to Assist LA

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the possibility of sending firefighters from Ukraine to help combat the wildfires affecting California after Donald Trump Jr. criticized the Los Angeles County Fire Department for donating supplies to aid Ukraine’s defense efforts. Zelenskyy instructed Ukraine’s Minister of Interior Affairs and diplomats to “prepare for the potential assistance of our rescuers in battling the wildfires in California,” highlighting that 150 Ukrainian firefighters are on standby.

“The situation in California is extremely challenging, and Ukrainians can assist Americans in saving lives,” he remarked. More information is available here.

− Cybele Mayes-Osterman

Three Major Fires Still Active

As of Monday, three out of the six significant fires that have erupted since Tuesday are still blazing. The Eaton Fire near Pasadena is reported to be 33% contained, while the Hurst Fire near Sylmar is 95% contained. The Pacific Palisades Fire, dubbed the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history, is only 14% contained and has burned 36 square miles, turning entire neighborhoods to ash.

Just west of Pacific Palisades, the UCLA campus in the Westwood area is currently under emergency conditions. The university faces “immense challenges” due to the nearby fires, as noted on its official website. Classes for over 45,000 students will be held online until Friday.

Cruise Lines Waiving Cancellation Fees

Multiple cruise lines are removing cancellation fees for travelers affected by the wildfires impacting the Los Angeles area. Norwegian Cruise Line has waived cancellation charges for passengers booked on cruises in January and February. Similarly, Princess Cruises, a local cruise company, announced a similar policy last week for sailings departing from Los Angeles.

“We understand the hardships many in our community are experiencing,” the cruise line communicated in an email announcement. “To support our guests living in evacuation zones or whose homes have sustained considerable damage, Princess Cruises is providing flexibility for canceling their planned cruises before February 1.” More details can be found here.

− Nathan Diller

Firefighters from Arizona Join the Effort

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management has sent 100 personnel to Southern California to assist with the ongoing wildfires, as reported by spokesperson Tiffany Davila. Two teams were deployed to Altadena, with an additional two stationed in the Cleveland and San Bernardino national forests, Davila noted.

Arizona’s firefighters are actively monitoring a neighborhood in Altadena, located north of Pasadena.

“We’re making every effort to secure the area effectively as possible.

“It’s crucial to act swiftly before the winds hit,” stated Captain Shaun Jones from Central Arizona Fire and Medical. Read more.

− Jose R. Gonzalez, Arizona Republic

Ongoing damage assessments from the Eaton Fire

On Monday, Cal Fire announced that it is engaged in thorough containment efforts, rescue operations, infrastructure checks, hazardous material interventions, and damage evaluations in areas impacted by the Eaton Fire. This blaze is linked to at least 16 deaths and has either damaged or destroyed over 1,600 properties including residences and businesses.

“The extent and magnitude of these efforts are unprecedented and essential for minimizing existing dangers, locating missing individuals, and evaluating structural damage,” the agency reported. They also cautioned that increased wind intensity “will escalate fire activity.”

Meals provided by World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen is stepping in to provide meals for firefighters battling the flames and for residents who have lost their homes, are experiencing power outages, or are otherwise in need due to the crisis.

“WCK will offer free meals throughout California for first responders and community members impacted by the Southern California wildfires,” the organization shared on social media late Sunday, along with details of where meals will be available. “Please pass this information to anyone in need in the area.”

WCK has sent teams across the region to deliver quick assistance in the form of sandwiches and water, with several members from the WCK Chef Corps standing by to prepare warm meals.

Founded in 2010 by acclaimed chef José Andrés, he continues to guide the organization.

Community rebuilding efforts commence as the fires dwindle

Neal Flesner observed something strange about the weather on the morning of January 7. After residing in Los Angeles for 25 years, he had never experienced winds so fierce and dusty. After leaving a Venice Beach gym around 11 a.m., he spotted smoke and flames nearing the hills close to his Pacific Palisades residence.

In the Alphabet Streets neighborhood where he lived with his wife, there had always been a sense of safety, feeling they were sufficiently distanced from fire-prone areas. However, upon his return home, he discovered that the entire neighborhood had been devastated.

“I want to be part of reconstructing not just the homes, but also the community, culture, and vibrant life we all cherished there,” Flesner shared. Read more here.

− Karissa Waddick and Sandy Hooper

Updated death toll from LA wildfires

As per the Los Angeles County medical examiner, at least 24 people have perished due to the Eaton and Palisades fires. The Palisades Fire is responsible for eight fatalities, while the Eaton Fire has caused 16 deaths.

On Sunday, California Governor Gavin Newsom informed NBC’s “Meet the Press” that “it’s probable that there will be even more” fatalities related to the ongoing wildfires affecting the Los Angeles area.

At least 16 individuals remain unaccounted for in the LA fires

Fire officials in Los Angeles have reported that at least 16 people are currently missing as they persist in search and rescue operations in regions heavily impacted by the wildfires.

Among the missing are 12 from the Eaton Fire and four from the Palisades Fire, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna on Sunday.