USA L.A. firefighters make progress - high winds subside
The firefighters' large-scale operation in Southern California is paying off. The firefighting teams are slowly gaining the upper hand against the devastating fires, but the extent of the damage is hard to grasp.
16.01.2025, 05:40
SDA
Just over a week after the outbreak of the deadly "Eaton" fire near Pasadena, this major blaze is now almost half under control. According to the authorities, the extensive "Palisades" fire on the western edge of Los Angeles has also barely spread in recent days.
According to initial estimates, more than 12,000 buildings were destroyed or damaged in the region. The number of confirmed deaths has risen to 25, and some people are still missing.
Weather forecast gives hope
The weather forecast for the next few days - with calming winds and falling temperatures - finally gives hope for an easing of the acute fire situation. In most areas of the crisis zone, the "Red Flag" warning of increased fire danger would expire on Wednesday evening, according to the weather authority in Los Angeles.
Only a good 82,000 people were still affected by evacuations, said district sheriff Robert Luna. However, according to US media reports, resentment is spreading among residents, many of whom had to flee the flames just over a week ago with only a few possessions. The burnt-out areas are still closed and there is no date for their return.
According to the Los Angeles Times, police chief Jim McDonnell said he could understand people's frustration. But it is "not a safe environment", he warned. Among other things, McDonnell referred to toxic substances in the fire debris and the ongoing search by emergency teams for possible victims in the disaster zone.
Further arrests
The public prosecutor's office and police in Los Angeles once again referred to the most severe possible punishment for criminals who exploit the fire disaster. At the beginning of the week, District Attorney Nathan Hochman brought charges against ten suspected looters, burglars and an arsonist. Two other suspected arsonists were arrested, the authorities announced on Wednesday. According to Hochman, they had set fire to objects during the fire emergency east of Los Angeles, starting small fires.
Police Chief McDonnell reported two further arrests of suspected arsonists. One of the suspects stated that he liked the smell of burning leaves. According to the police, a woman who allegedly set fire to garbage said that she enjoyed causing "chaos and destruction".
Celebrity donations and aid
Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio, who is primarily involved in nature conservation projects with his foundation "Re:wild", is now also donating to the victims of the fire disaster. The Hollywood star announced on Instagram that one million US dollars would go to various organizations as emergency aid and for longer-term projects.
Meanwhile, several museums in Los Angeles announced an aid package for affected artists. The Los Angeles Times reported that the emergency aid fund already contains twelve million dollars and continues to grow. Foundations of filmmakers such as George Lucas and Steven Spielberg are also involved, it said.
Charity concert planned
At a concert called "FireAid" on January 30 in Inglewood, south of Los Angeles, donations are to be collected for those affected. According to the organizers, the money will be used to support people who have been displaced from their homes by the fires. The proceeds will also go towards rebuilding the infrastructure. The planned event was advertised as "a night of music and solidarity". The line-up will be announced in the coming days.
Trophy gala postponed again due to fires
The Critics Choice Awards have been postponed once again due to the fire crisis. The trophy gala originally planned for January 12 in Santa Monica, California, was initially postponed to January 26. However, this date was also canceled at short notice. The organizers of the prestigious critics' awards are now planning to hold the show in February, US media reported. With almost 600 members, the Critics Choice Association (CCA) is the largest critics' association for film and television in the USA and Canada.
