Aerial assault aims to stem LA Palisades fire eastward spread

JAN 12, KATHMANDU – Aircraft dropped water and fire retardant on steep hillsides to slow the eastward spread of the Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles on Saturday. Ground crews also intensified efforts as officials warned of strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour, which could worsen the situation. In the past 24 hours, the fire spread by an additional 1,000 acres and destroyed more homes.

Cal Fire official Todd Hopkins reported that while the fire is 11% contained, it has already burned over 22,000 acres (8,900 hectares). The fire has now reached Mandeville Canyon, threatening upscale Brentwood and inching closer to the 405 freeway, a key route in the area.

Evacuation orders have affected 153,000 people, with 57,000 structures at risk. Another 166,000 residents are on alert for possible evacuations, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.

In better news, progress has been made in restoring power to affected areas. Southern California Edison CEO Steven Powell confirmed that the number of customers without electricity has dropped to around 50,000, down from more than half a million just days ago.

PHOTO SOURCE: REUTERS