Los Angeles Faces Escalating Wildfire Threats as Santa Ana Winds Intensify

In the USA, firefighters in Los Angeles are battling multiple blazes as officials warn of strong winds that could fuel rapid fire growth. Southern California also faces extremely critical fire conditions as strong Santa Ana winds threaten new wildfires and hinder recent firefighting progress. A new blaze, the Auto Fire, also broke out late yesterday in Ventura County, part of an area under the highest fire threat as winds pick up. Local media reported that the Eaton and Palisades fires are likely the second and fourth most destructive in California history.

The total area burnt by the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires is about 60 square miles—an area larger



than Paris. AccuWeather has estimated the fires could be the costliest ever seen in the U.S. It has made an early estimate that total costs could top 250 billion dollars.

Meanwhile, major Hollywood studios are announcing millions of dollars in aid to support disaster relief for Los Angeles wildfire victims. Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery each pledged 15 million dollars, Amazon, Comcast, and Netflix 10 million dollars each, and Sony 5 million dollars. These funds will aid groups like the California Fire Department and the Red Cross. Amazon also offered drones, food, cots, and hygiene products to responders.