16 Dead In Los Angeles WildFire, Rare 'Firenado' Also Spotted As Blaze Continues

Wildfires in Los Angeles have killed 16, destroyed 12,000 structures, and displaced over 100,000 residents. Strong winds hamper firefighting efforts, with a "fire tornado" spotted near Palisades Fire.

The Los Angeles wildfires have destroyed over 12,000 structures. (AI image used for representation)

Source : ABPLIVE AI

The devastating Los Angeles wildfires have left at least 16 people dead and destroyed over 12,000 structures, as per the reports.

The firefighters are having a tough time in dousing the flames. The officials have warned that strong winds forecast overnight and early next week could jeopardize their progress, as reported by India Today.

The Palisades Fire has expanded by an additional 1,000 acres and has burnt down more homes. This has prompted the authorities to led an urgent evacuations. As the Eaton Fire in Altadena and other fires continue to rage, over 100,000 residents have been displaced from their place.

However, a recent video footage has captured a rare 'fire tornado' near the Palisades Fire. Fire tornado is also referred as fire whrils or firenados. These are spinning columns of hot air and gases rising up from a fire. When the air and gases rise, they also carry up smoke, debris and even fire.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, 13 people are still missing, they are being searched with the help of cadaver dogs.

Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said that the fires have been aggravated by hurricane-force Santa Ana winds. This, in some areas, have reached 100 miles per hour (mph). These dry winds, with gusts up to 70 mph, are expected to return, and combined with dry air and dry vegetation will keep the fire threat in Los Angeles County high.

The neighbouring states of the US, as well as countries like Canada and Mexico have sent firefighters and equipment to assist California to control the blazing fire.

According to The New York Times, Palisades fire has burnt over 23,600 acres of land and threatened about 12,000 strcutures. As of now, 11 per cent of this fire has been contained.

Talking about Eaton fire, it has burnt over 14,100 acres of area and threatened about 40,000 strcutures. Currently, 15 per cent of the fire has been contained.

Another fire, Kenneth fire, has burnt over 1,000 acres of land. However, 90 per cent of this fire has been conatined. While Hurst fire has burnt about 800 acres of land, 76 per cent of this fire has been contained.