Los Angeles firefighters are making modest headway against several major wildfires ravaging the region, but strong winds forecast for Friday could reverse their hard-won progress. The blazes have already claimed 10 lives and forced over 150,000 people to evacuate.
The two largest infernos - the Palisades and Eaton fires - remain largely uncontained, with containment levels at just 8% and 3% respectively. Together they have burned through over 34,000 acres of land. Meanwhile, crews have achieved better results with the Lidia fire near Acton, now 75% contained, and partial containment of the Hurst and Kenneth fires.
Adding to firefighters' challenges, a new blaze dubbed the Archer fire erupted Friday in Granada Hills in the San Fernando Valley. The National Weather Service warns that wind gusts up to 60 mph expected through Friday evening could fan the flames and test containment lines.
About 8,000 personnel from multiple agencies are battling the fires, with California requesting additional resources from neighboring states and international partners. Nearly 800 incarcerated individuals are also assisting in firefighting efforts.
The fires have taken a devastating toll, with officials estimating around 10,000 properties damaged or destroyed. AccuWeather projects the economic impact could reach $150 billion, potentially making these the costliest wildfires in U.S. history.
Complicating response efforts, a firefighting aircraft was grounded Thursday after colliding with a drone, sustaining wing damage. Officials are also investigating water pressure issues affecting local hydrants and investigating an error that sent evacuation alerts to millions of residents unnecessarily.
A curfew is now in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in evacuation zones around the Palisades and Eaton fires to prevent looting, with 20 arrests reported so far. Local schools remain closed, and several professional sports games have been relocated or postponed.
As crews work to protect lives and property, California's Insurance Commissioner has barred insurance companies from canceling or failing to renew policies for affected homeowners over the next year.