(Los Angeles) American firefighters battling the fires that have ravaged Los Angeles for days and killed at least 27 people are preparing for a return of strong winds on Monday, with the governor of California saying he hopes it will be the “last” similar episode.
Updated yesterday at 6:45 p.m.
WITH ANDREW MARSH
Agence France-Presse
The two main fires which destroyed nearly 16,000 hectares and wiped out entire neighborhoods of the second city in the United States are now more than 50% contained, according to the authorities.
The lull in winds this weekend allowed authorities to lift evacuation orders in many areas of the city, allowing thousands of residents to return to their homes.
PHOTO ROBYN BECK, ARCHIVES AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
The Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, California on January 18, 2025.
But the US weather service is forecasting dry and windy weather on Monday, with gusts up to 130 km/h. “It’s the last […] we hope” episodes of strong winds to hit the coastal city, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom said Sunday on MSNBC.
As thousands of firefighters continue to work day and night to control the devastating fires, President-elect Donald Trump told a rally on Sunday that he would visit the site on Friday.
Gavin Newsom invited the Republican, who attacked him for his management of the fires, to visit Los Angeles and see the damage.
PHOTO ROBYN BECK, ARCHIVES AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
-Homes reduced to rubble by the Palisades Fire are seen in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, January 18, 2025.
Fear of flooding
But the political controversy has not subsided, and Gavin Newsom regretted on Sunday that false information, some of which was taken up by Donald Trump, was circulating. “It’s really not helpful,” he said on MSNBC about speaking out about the lack of water available to fight the flames.
“No municipal water network in the world could cope with such a fire,” insisted the Democrat, accusing Elon Musk, the richest man in the world and very close to Donald Trump, of spreading disinformation.
In the meantime, dog brigades continue to inspect the disaster areas in search of victims, in charred buildings and even in certain steep areas.
PHOTO ROBYN BECK, ARCHIVES AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Utility crews perform repair work near Sunset Boulevard following the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, January 18, 2025.
The region suffered its driest start to the year since 1850, according to the governor.
He also warns that, “in the next two weeks”, heavy rains could cause flooding. “We are going to start laying sandbags,” he declared, adding that he had mobilized 2,500 national guards for this purpose.
Due to global warming, “we are facing extremes never seen in the past,” added Mr. Newsom.
Scientists regularly point out that climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events.
