Deadly California Wildfires Threaten Los Angeles as Winds Return

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Firefighters battling deadly wildfires in Los Angeles are bracing for a return of strong winds Monday, Jan. 20, as the blazes have already claimed at least 27 lives and destroyed nearly 40,000 acres. California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed hope that this would be the “last” such episode of extreme weather to hit the coastal city.

The two largest fires, which have devastated entire neighborhoods in the nation’s second-largest city, are now more than 50% contained, authorities reported. A brief respite in wind conditions over the weekend allowed officials to lift evacuation orders in many areas, enabling thousands of residents to return home.

However, the National Weather Service predicts dry, windy conditions Monday, with gusts reaching up to 80 mph. “This is the last…we hope,” Newsom said Sunday on MSNBC, referring to the series of strong wind events that have fueled the fires.

President-elect Donald Trump announced Sunday that he would visit the area Friday, following an invitation from Newsom. The Democratic governor has faced criticism from Trump over his handling of the crisis. Newsom also condemned the spread of misinformation, including claims made by Trump and amplified by billionaire Elon Musk, about water shortages hindering firefighting efforts. “No municipal water system in the world could handle such a fire,” Newsom stated.

On the ground, canine units continue to search for victims in charred buildings and rugged terrain. The region is experiencing its driest start to the year since 1850, according to Newsom, who also warned of potential flooding in the coming weeks due to heavy rains. The governor has mobilized 2,500 National Guard troops to prepare sandbags and assist with flood prevention.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. Newsom emphasized that California is facing unprecedented challenges due to global warming, stating, “We are dealing with extremes never seen in the past.”