Los Angeles fires: Hope amid devastation as winds calm

The fires engulfing Los Angeles County since Tuesday have already claimed at least 11 lives. According to local authorities the situation remains serious, although the calmer winds give firefighters a chance for more effective efforts against the blaze.

Reuters reports that firefighters are beginning to gain control over two major fires in Pacific Palisades and Eaton, located on the outskirts of Los Angeles. The change in weather, including the decreased wind speed, is aiding firefighting efforts. Wind speed on Saturday is expected to remain below 9 km/h, with gusts reaching a maximum of 31 km/h.

However, residents of the region must contend with thick smoke, leading to a declaration of a public health emergency. The number of fatalities may increase, and at least 200,000 people have lost their homes. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported that over 150,000 people are under evacuation orders, and another 150,000 have been warned they may need to leave their homes.

The head of the Los Angeles Fire Department, Kristin Crowley, criticized the city council's decision to reduce the fire department's budget by $24 million CAD. "We can no longer sustain where we are. We do not have enough firefighters," said Crowley in an interview with CNN. Since 2010, firefighting operations have increased by 55%, while the number of firefighters has decreased.

Firefighter units from other US states and Canada have arrived to assist Los Angeles County. The support also includes specialized aircraft for dropping water and fire retardants.

Residents of the areas most affected by the fires are beginning to assess their losses. The meteorological service AccuWeather estimates that losses could reach up to $210 billion CAD. Outgoing President Joe Biden called the fires "the worst in California history." He also declared that the federal government will fully cover the reconstruction costs.