As Los Angeles grapples with raging wildfires, at least 24 lives have been lost, and officials fear the toll may rise. With three major fires still active, California faces a critical battle against the blazes.
Three Major Fires Raging in Los Angeles County
The wildfires currently wreaking havoc in Los Angeles County are:
- Palisades Fire: Burning through 23,713 acres with just 14% containment.
- Eaton Fire: Spanning 14,117 acres with 33% containment.
- Hurst Fire: Covering 799 acres with 95% containment.
Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the flames before red flag warnings bring more dangerous wind conditions.
Red Flag Warnings and Pre-emptive Measures
The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings through Wednesday, citing “explosive fire growth” risks. Firefighters and resources have been pre-deployed across Los Angeles and nearby areas to respond to emergencies.
Mayor Karen Bass confirmed that fire engines are stationed near the Palisades fire and across the city, while California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the deployment of hundreds of firefighting assets throughout Southern California.
The National Weather Service urged residents to stay alert, prepare for evacuations, and avoid activities that could ignite fires.
Economic Impact: Could This Be the Costliest US Disaster?
Preliminary estimates suggest that the economic toll of the Los Angeles wildfires could reach $250–$275 billion, surpassing the damage caused by the 2018 Camp Fire ($30 billion) and the 2023 Maui fires ($5.7 billion).
AccuWeather reported that these wildfires could outstrip the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which resulted in $225–$250 billion in damages across six southern states.
Donald Trump Expected to Visit Los Angeles
President-elect Donald Trump is likely to visit Los Angeles to assess the wildfire damage. His trip, expected post-inauguration on January 20, follows an invitation from Governor Gavin Newsom. Trump has previously criticized California’s handling of wildfires, setting the stage for a potentially contentious visit.