The extremely gusty winds that plagued firefighters last week are returning on Tuesday to the Los Angeles area as several massive wildfires continue burning. Officials say the number is preliminary as they continue to search burnt out structures in the Los Angeles area. The Eaton Fire has consumed land in and around the Pasadena area, while the Palisades Fire is closer to the coast, burning parts of Pacific Palisades.
Extremely gusty winds could especially play havoc with the Eaton Fire on Tuesday as gusts could top 70 mph. The National Weather Service also warned that the potential for new fires remains a concern in Simi Valley, Northridge and surrounding communities west of Downtown Los Angeles. Although winds won't be as gusty near the Palisades Fire, officials are concerned that the fire could spread into residential parts of Brentwood.
During a press conference Tuesday morning, officials said power may be temporarily cut off in areas to lower the fire risk. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency is addressing the immediate needs of residents and area officials, whether the Los Angeles will get funds to help its rebuilding efforts remain in question. House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters on Monday that there might be potential strings attached to relief aid. I think there should probably be conditions on that aid," Johnson told reporters.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said that with thousands of people evacuating their homes, looters have sought to take advantage of the wildfires. When coupled with violations of the evacuation zone's curfew rule, Luna said 39 people have been arrested, most in the area surrounding the Eaton Fire evacuation zone. Three of those arrests were related to arson but they are not related to the ongoing wildfires, McDonnell said.
Some of those arrests included people allegedly impersonating police and firefighters, according to McDonnell. Actions Facebook Tweet Email. County officials say 25 people have died. The Los Angeles area remains on edge on Tuesday as extremely gusty winds return to the region, which could cause wildfires to quickly spread.
