Wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles confronts the return of dangerous winds, as officials vow firefighters are ready to combat any new blazes whipped up by furious gusts.
Despite massive firefighting efforts, the largest fire spread toward upscale Brentwood and the densely populated San Fernando Valley, as winds up to 80km per hour hit on Sunday, local time. These could fan flames and whip up embers from existing burn zones into new areas, firefighters warned. Los Angeles County Fire Department chief Anthony Marrone said his department had received resources including dozens of new water trucks and firefighters from far afield, and was primed to face the renewed threat.
Frustration mounted as evacuees waited all day at disaster zone perimeters, hoping to be allowed to visit their homes and try to retrieve vital medication and pets. But Sheriff Robert Luna said escorts into these areas were being suspended on Sunday with the return of high winds, dangerous conditions among the wreckage, and the need to retrieve victims' bodies.
Several more arrests of looters were made, including one burglar who had dressed as a firefighter to steal from homes. Night-time curfews in evacuated zones have been extended, and additional National Guard resources have been requested. The total number of residents under evacuation orders dropped to around ,, from a peak of almost , The sudden rush of people needing somewhere to live has posed a growing problem for the city, with reports of illegal price gouging from opportunistic landlords.
Officials including Mayor Bass said they had not personally spoken with the incoming President, but that potential timings for Trump to visit the disaster scenes were being discussed. President Biden was due to meet key officials later on Sunday for a briefing on efforts to suppress the wildfires, the White House said.
