Many have seen their homes burn on TV since the fires broke out on Tuesday. At least 12,000 buildings have been destroyed in the five fires that are still raging, according to the local fire department.
The fires have, by Saturday morning local time, consumed an area of approximately 14,500 hectares – larger than the city of San Francisco.
On Friday, weaker winds made it easier for the fire department, but only a few percent of the two largest fires are under control. The other fires are fully or partially under control.
Stronger winds are expected to return over the weekend.
Political Criticism
Authorities have blamed the strong winds and prolonged drought for the spread of the fires, but political criticism is brewing from several quarters. On Friday, California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered an investigation into why a large water reservoir was out of operation and some fire stations were dry.
When a firefighter arrives at a fire station, we expect there to be water, says Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who has also criticized cuts to the fire department.
So far, 13 people have been confirmed dead in the historically devastating fires, according to a coroner in Los Angeles. As many are missing. The last two deaths were confirmed on Saturday afternoon, but the death toll is feared to rise further when the affected areas can be properly investigated.
We unfortunately expect the figure to rise due to the massive destruction. It's still not safe to enter, says Los Angeles Police Chief Robert Luna to the Los Angeles Times.
Major Economic Losses
About 180,000 people have received an evacuation order.
The largest fire is raging in the Pacific Palisades area, which is home to, among others, dollar millionaires and celebrities. The authorities have not yet released estimates of the economic losses, but according to the forecasting company Accuweather, it could be up to 150 billion dollars, equivalent to approximately 1,700 billion kronor.
