Winds decline in Los Angeles… and criticism of the response to the fires

The many fires that have been raging in Los Angeles for several days have resulted in at least 11 deaths, but the winds that fuel them have begun to subside while criticism grows about the effectiveness of rescue teams.
In light of the widespread looting in the affected or depopulated areas, the authorities imposed a strict curfew that applies between 18:00 and six in the morning, in the most affected areas of Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

Shortage of water supply

In light of the extent of the damage, California Governor Gavin Newsom requested, on Friday, a “comprehensive independent review” of the city’s water distribution devices, and described the lack of water supply and the loss of pressure in fire hydrants in the first moments as “very disturbing.”
At least 11 people died in the fires, according to a new toll reported by the authorities, and massive destruction occurred in entire parts of the second largest city in the United States, with more than ten thousand buildings collapsing, while the fires consumed more than 14 thousand hectares.
US President Joe Biden said during a meeting at the White House that the scene was “more like a war zone and bombing operations.”

The main fire, out of five fires still ongoing, has consumed more than eight thousand hectares on the coast of Malibu and the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood, where firefighting teams confirmed that they had begun to control the flames.

The wind receded

The winds began to decrease on Friday, making it easier for fire crews to work. However, new evacuation orders were issued on Friday evening in the Pacific Palisades area.
The number of people who were asked to evacuate their areas is estimated at hundreds of thousands, and military reinforcements were also deployed, while dozens of people were arrested.

“There is a continuing shortage of crews, resources and funds,” said Christine Crowley, fire brigade official.
The authorities called on California residents to conserve water because three tanks supplying firefighting stations were empty.
The cost of these fires may be the highest recorded so far, and AccuWeather estimated the damage and losses at between 135 and 150 billion dollars.