Thousands displaced by Los Angeles wildfires must wait until Thursday to return home as strong winds hamper firefighting efforts.
The devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles have left tens of thousands of residents displaced, with officials confirming on Sunday that evacuees cannot return until at least Thursday.
The fires, including the Palisades and Eaton blazes, have reduced entire neighborhoods to ash, claimed at least 24 lives, and left over 100,000 people under mandatory evacuation orders.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone explained at a press conference that strong winds predicted through Wednesday pose a significant risk of reigniting smoldering areas, making it unsafe for residents to return.
“They can’t go home, simply because it’s not safe,” Marrone stated. He assured evacuees that their safety remains a top priority and that discussions about repopulating affected areas would begin after the red flag weather conditions subside.
Desperate for Closure
Many evacuees have been seen queuing for hours at checkpoints, hoping for a brief escorted visit to collect essentials like medication or inspect their homes. Janelle, one of the evacuees, emotionally recounted her need for closure.
“I see the photos, I see the videos, and I just want to see it with my own eyes,” she told KTLA. “I know it’s gone, but I just want to see it for myself.”
Others, like Henry Levinson, are trying to recover irreplaceable personal items.
Levinson expressed his desperation to collect his late father’s and grandmother’s ashes left behind during the hasty evacuation.
Rising Challenges for Firefighters
Even escorted visits were halted on Sunday as firefighters focused on preventing the flames from spreading.
Marrone revealed that an online system is being developed to allow evacuees to check the status of their properties remotely.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles City Councilor Traci Park acknowledged the frustration of displaced residents but emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety.
“These are hard decisions, and I know my constituents are disappointed, but safety must remain our top priority,” she stated.
Devastation in the Fire Zones
The fire’s aftermath has been described as apocalyptic. Entire streets have been turned to cinders, and infrastructure, including electrical wires and gas lines, remains a hazard.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna warned that entering these zones is extremely dangerous.
“A lot of these areas still look like they were hit by a bomb,” he said. “We are empathetic to the needs of residents, but your safety comes first.”
Rising Death Toll
The official death toll from the wildfires stands at 24, but authorities expect it to rise as search teams with cadaver dogs comb through the debris.
Stay informed on the latest updates about the LA wildfires and other breaking news by visiting NIGPOST. Share your thoughts and support for affected families in the comments.
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