A terrifying new fire is raging north of Los Angeles, around Santa Clarita and Castaic Lake. The flames began to break out on Wednesday January 22 at 11 a.m. and within a few hours, 10,000 hectares of forest went up in smoke. Fortunately, no homes have been destroyed so far, but the Los Angeles Times reports that more than 31,000 people have been ordered to evacuate and warnings have been issued to 23,000 others. The 476 inmates at the Castaic prison complex were also moved to another prison.
More than 4,000 firefighters are assigned to this new fire, only 14% contained at the latest report, but for which the strong Santa Ana winds raise fears of the worst. Firefighters received help from canadairs, while some are suffering from “fire fatigue” after more than two weeks fighting the devastating fires which have already reduced several neighborhoods of Los Angeles to ashes. Hope now lies in the storm expected this weekend, which should bring some moisture to the arid landscape of Southern California.
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Meteorologists have nevertheless warned that it will not end the fire season and fears of debris flows and landslides due to rain are high.
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At least 28 deaths
The Palisades Fire, which broke out more than two weeks ago, destroyed much of Pacific Palisades, burning nearly 100 square kilometers and destroying at least 6,662 structures, according to Cal Fire. The fire was 70% contained on Wednesday evening, January 20. The Eaton Fire, which ravaged the Altadena and Pasadena areas, destroying 9,418 structures, was 95% contained. Officials have confirmed 28 deaths, 11 in the Palisades fire and 17 in the Eaton fire.
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