Los Angeles officials have instructed most wildfire evacuees to stay away from their homes for at least another week as emergency responders work to remove toxic waste from incinerated neighborhoods and secure hazardous electricity and gas lines.
Despite challenging conditions, firefighters expressed relief over containing the two major fires without further growth, even amid high desert winds and low humidity. However, the National Weather Service warned that hazardous fire weather is expected to return by Sunday.
Frustrated evacuees, eager to assess damages and recover personal belongings, were told that it remains too dangerous to return. Firefighters and emergency responders continue to work amid the aftermath, which has claimed at least 27 lives.
The fires have burned 59 square miles (152 square kilometers) of land, an area larger than Paris, and left 82,400 people still under evacuation orders. Many homes have been destroyed, and the situation continues to worsen as authorities deal with toxic debris removal and recovery efforts.
With significant damage projected, private forecaster AccuWeather estimates losses at more than $250 billion, potentially making these fires the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history. The devastation also complicates preparations for major events such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, though a relocation of the Olympics is deemed unlikely.
