Los Angeles: The Medical Examiner's Office of Los Angeles city of America has confirmed that the death toll in the massive forest fire has now increased to 16. A total of 16 people have died, five of whom died in Palisades and 11 in the Eaton area, the office said in a statement last Saturday evening. Earlier, 11 people were confirmed dead, but officials had said that the death toll could increase.
The authorities have set up a center where people can lodge missing reports. Meanwhile, fire brigade personnel have intensified efforts to control the fire in view of the possibility of strong winds again. Firefighters are trying to control the fire at the world famous J. Do not extend to the Paul Getty Museum and the University of California. Major efforts are being made to extinguish the fire in Mandeville Canyon. Mandeville Canyon, located near the Pacific Coast, has been home to many celebrities, including famous actor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In this regard, Christian Litz, head of 'Calfire Operations', said in a briefing that during the fire extinguishing operation, special focus will be on the massive fire in the Palisades valley area near the University of California. Light winds are currently blowing across the fire-ravaged areas, but the National Weather Service warned that strong Santa Ana winds that could pose a threat to firefighters could soon return.
It is also being said that due to these winds, the fire is spreading rapidly, which has engulfed Los Angeles and the entire surrounding area and destroyed it. There has been no significant rainfall in Los Angeles for more than eight months. The fire also threatens Interstate Highway 405, a major transportation route through the area.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said work to stop the destruction continued Saturday and teams were conducting search operations with the help of sniffer dogs. A family support center also is being set up in Pasadena, Luna said. He urged residents to follow the curfew. The fire has engulfed an area of about 145 square kilometres. Thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate areas still affected by the fire. The fire, which spread across a 40-km stretch of densely populated area north of the city, has destroyed more than 12,000 buildings, including homes, apartment buildings, commercial buildings, etc.
However, the main cause of the fire has not been known yet. The fire is still burning and according to initial estimates it is the largest fire in terms of property damage. According to preliminary estimates by AccuWeather, losses so far range from US$135 billion to US$150 billion. Altadena resident Jose Luis Godinez said three homes of more than 10 members of his family were destroyed. “Everything is over,” he said. My entire family lived in those three houses and now we have nothing.”
The authorities have warned people returning to burnt houses. Some residents are returning from the debris to find their mementos. On Saturday, officials warned them that the ash could contain lead, arsenic, asbestos and other harmful substances. Thomas said residents will be allowed to return wearing protective equipment after an assessment of damaged properties. (with agency input)
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