LA braces for stronger winds as wildfires continue to burn

The Eaton fire, the second-largest in a series of blazes that broke out across the city last week, has burned more than 14,000 acres and is 33% contained, authorities said.

There was “very little fire growth” in the Palisades blaze Monday, said CalFire Deputy Chief Jim Hudson.

The BBC Weather Center says Santa Ana’s winds – blowing from the east or north-east – could reach gusts of up to 70 mph (112 km/h) on Tuesday, potentially fueling new fires.

Weather officials say lighter winds are expected after Wednesday, giving firefighters a chance to further contain the blazes.

At least 24 people have died in the fires, and 23 are missing in the Eaton and Palisades fire zones.

A curfew remains in effect in the evacuation areas between 18:00 and 06:00 local time.

Adam Schiff, the Democratic senator-elect for California, told the BBC he hoped the new Trump administration would act quickly to provide relief after the disaster.

Asked if wildfires have become increasingly politicized, Schiff said, “There have been people doing it since the fires started.”

“That’s not helpful right now, let’s just focus on putting these fires out, getting people the help they need.”

President-elect Donald Trump reportedly plans to visit the area in the coming days.

Federal lawmakers are scheduled to meet Tuesday morning to discuss disaster relief for the state.

President Joe Biden said he has sent hundreds of federal personnel, air and ground support to California, and his team will “quickly respond” to any request for more help.

“Our hearts ache for the 24 innocent souls we lost,” he said.