Aircraft dispersed pink fire-retardant chemicals over residences and hillsides, whilst crews positioned fire engines near vulnerable areas with dry vegetation. Water trucks arrived to restore supplies after hydrants were depleted when the two major fires began last week.
Tabitha Trosen and her boyfriend expressed their constant anxiety about their neighbourhood being at risk. “Our cats are ready to go, we have their carriers by the door prepped with their little stuffed animals and things like that,” Trosen said, noting her continuous additions as she contemplates potential losses. “It’s like, how do I take care of myself, and what are the things that will ground me as a human and remind me of my background and my life and my family.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and officials, despite criticism over their initial response, expressed confidence about their enhanced preparedness with additional firefighters from across the US, Canada and Mexico.
Fire Chief Anthony Marrone confirmed improved readiness compared to a week ago when hurricane-force winds spread multiple fires across the parched region, which hasn’t experienced rainfall in over eight months.
Whilst winds aren’t expected to reach hurricane force, they could still restrict aerial firefighting operations. Marrone cautioned that 70 mph (112 kph) winds would seriously hamper containment efforts.
Officials advised residents in high-risk areas to evacuate proactively if they sense danger, without waiting for formal orders.
Tim Kang from La Crescenta followed this advice last Wednesday, relocating with his brothers to his girlfriend’s residence in Pasadena due to poor air quality and fire concerns.
Four fires near Los Angeles have burnt over 62 square miles (160 square kilometres) in less than a week. The National Weather Service predicts particularly hazardous conditions on Tuesday, with possible 65 mph (105 kph) wind gusts.
The Eaton Fire near Pasadena is approximately one-third contained, whilst the larger Pacific Palisades coastal fire remains largely uncontained.
Sheriff Robert Luna indicated the death toll might increase, with approximately two dozen people missing. He requested patience from residents eager to return, noting ongoing recovery operations.
Some evacuees returned during calmer weekend conditions. Jim Orlandini, whose Altadena hardware store was destroyed, found his home of 40 years intact.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley warned against entering burnt areas due to hazards from damaged gas lines and unstable structures. Currently, about 100,000 Los Angeles County residents remain under evacuation orders.
