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By Martha McHardy
US News Reporter
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Los Angeles faces renewed wildfire threats as powerful winds are forecasted to intensify, potentially igniting fresh blazes. Despite recent strides in containment, the fires have already claimed at least 24 lives and destroyed thousands of homes.
Follow Newsweek's live blog for real-time updates on this developing story.
The situation remains dire, as officials brace for additional challenges in the days ahead.
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Los Angeles Fire Danger Live Tracker
Billions in Damage Anticipated
CoreLogic estimates the cost of rebuilding properties damaged in the fires could reach $14.8 billion. The figure includes over 16,500 homes and businesses affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires, though not all properties are presumed to be total losses.
Search for Missing Persons Continues Amid Dangerous Wildfire Conditions
Efforts to locate at least two dozen people reported missing in Los Angeles' two largest wildfires stretched into another day, as search teams face rapidly shifting conditions and ongoing threats of new blazes.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna underscored the unpredictable nature of the crisis, warning residents against complacency despite some progress in containment.
"I don't want people to start thinking everything's OK now. Everything's not OK yet," Luna said in a press briefing. "We'll get there together, but again the wind's blowing, and it's going to continue to blow."
Authorities emphasize the need for vigilance as high winds threaten to reignite embers and fuel fresh fires in the already devastated region. The number of missing persons fluctuates as new reports come in and others are resolved, adding another layer of urgency to the search efforts.
Officials continue to urge residents to stay alert and follow evacuation orders as conditions remain volatile.
Los Angeles Fire Warnings Live Tracker
Biden Calls for Congressional Action
President Joe Biden urged Congress to allocate billions to aid Los Angeles' recovery, emphasizing the federal government's 180-day commitment to covering most wildfire-related costs. At a White House briefing, Vice President Kamala Harris, a Los Angeles resident, described the devastation as "truly heartbreaking."
California Fires Extreme Forecast Live Tracker
Trump Eyes Los Angeles Reconstruction
President-elect Donald Trump described the fire-ravaged areas of Los Angeles as resembling the aftermath of a "massive bomb" in a Newsmax interview. While pledging to address the city's rebuilding needs, he offered few specifics and declined to confirm whether he would visit the region.
FEMA Warns of Misinformation Campaigns
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell flagged the spread of deliberate misinformation about federal assistance following the fires. Similar tactics were observed after Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, she noted during a White House briefing. Authorities are prepared to issue evacuation alerts if worsening winds exacerbate existing fires.
Embers: The Invisible Arsonists
Experts emphasize that most wildfire destruction stems from embers rather than direct flames. Wind-driven embers ignite new blazes in flammable materials like fences and shrubbery, often far from the main fire.
Update 1/14/25 14:10 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 1/13/25 10:57 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 1/12/25 12:02 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 01/12/25 9:16 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 01/11/25 4:37 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 01/11/25 11:10 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 01/10/25 3:16 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 01/10/25 6:34 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 01/09/25 9:06 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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