High winds are expected to hit the Los Angeles area this morning, posing a significant challenge to firefighters battling ongoing wildfires. The winds, with gusts up to 70 miles per hour in the mountains and 30 to 50 miles per hour along the coast, could exacerbate the fires that have already claimed at least 25 lives and destroyed thousands of homes. Red flag warnings are in effect until this afternoon.
The Eaton and Palisades fires are among the most destructive in Southern California history, burning over 60 square miles. Firefighters are struggling with staffing shortages, making it difficult to contain the blazes. As CNN reports, the Los Angeles Fire Department is less staffed than other major cities, complicating efforts to combat the fires.
Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to prevent predatory real estate offers to wildfire victims, ensuring they are not taken advantage of during this crisis. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles City Council has adopted measures to help residents recover, including speeding up federal emergency funds and protecting evacuees from evictions and price gouging.
As firefighters continue their efforts, the National Weather Service warns that winds will remain strong, keeping the region under a critical fire threat. Conditions are expected to improve by the weekend, with cooler and more humid air moving in, but no significant rainfall is forecasted in the coming days.
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