The devastating fires around Los Angeles have killed at least 16 people and destroyed more than 15,000 hectares. Authorities warn of toxic fumes threatening health, prompting the city to declare a state of health emergency.
The fires which killed at least 16 people in Los Angeles continued to gain ground on Sunday and could strengthen in the coming hours, with the anticipated return of violent winds. Besieged by flames since Tuesday, the American megacity continues to count its dead: the toll increased on Saturday evening and could further evolve, the authorities have warned.
“The situation is still critical”warned Deanne Criswell of the federal disaster response agency (FEMA) on Sunday. “The winds risk becoming dangerous again”she explained to the ABC channel, calling on the population to remain extremely vigilant.
After a brief lull in the winds, the authorities expect them to return in force on Sunday. “These winds, combined with dry air and dry vegetation, will keep the fire threat in Los Angeles County high”warned Anthony Marrone, the county fire chief.
A threat that persists
Despite the efforts of thousands of firefighters on duty, the “Palisades Fire” spread to the northwest of Los Angeles on Saturday. It now threatens the densely populated San Fernando Valley, but also the Getty Museum and its priceless works of art.
Among the 16 dead, eleven bodies were found in the area ravaged by the Eaton Fire near the town of Altadena, and five people died in the Palisades Fire around the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood, they said. his services, two fires still in progress. A previous report reported 11 deaths.
Health authorities on Saturday alerted residents of the health risks posed by the smoke caused by the vast fires which are devastating entire sections of the Californian city, asking them to stay inside buildings.
Massive fires are ravaging the second largest city in the United States, sending toxic clouds into the air.
“We all face wildfire smoke, which is a mixture of small particles, gases and water vapors”said Anish Mahajan, of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, during a press conference. “It’s these small particles that get into the nose and throat and cause sore throats and headaches.”.
“In areas where smoke is visible or there is a smell of smoke, and even where you don’t see it, we know that air quality is poor, so you should limit any exposure to smoke. outside as much as possible.he added.
Mahajan says even healthy people should stay indoors as much as possible, using an air filtration system. Those who must work outdoors should wear a mask that filters micro-particles, he recommended. Young people, the elderly and the sick should be particularly careful.
The multiple fires that broke out around Los Angeles ravaged large areas, reducing homes, businesses, cars and vegetation to ashes. During these fires, plastics, chemicals, fuels and construction materials were burned, dispersing toxic particles into the air of the densely populated region.
On Friday, Los Angeles County declared a state of health emergency due to the smoke and banned the use of machines such as leaf blowers, which can disperse the dangerous fumes.
In five days, the fires have caused at least eleven deaths. More than 12,000 buildings and more than 15,000 hectares went up in smoke.
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