An urban search and rescue team from Mexico searched for victims in the rubble of an oceanfront home after a fire in Malibu Palisades, Calif., on Tuesday. Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images hide title
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Winds up to 65 mph are expected to hit the mountains of Los Angeles and Southern California's Ventura counties again on Wednesday, but weather is expected to become more favorable for firefighting operations soon.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued another red flag warning for the region just before 3 p.m. PST, warning of more high winds and dry conditions that have fueled raging fires for more than a week. Strong Santa Ana winds fueled deadly fires in suburban Los Angeles that killed at least 25 people and leveled expensive real estate in Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
In total, the fires have consumed more than 40,000 acres (more than 62 square miles), according to Cal Fire.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said of one of the largest fires: "The good news is that the Eaton Fire has not increased in size over the past two days and is still expected to be 14,117 acres with 35% containment. ".
The Palisades Fire covers more than 23,000 acres and is currently only 19% contained, according to Cal Fire.
On Tuesday, meteorologists initially expected particularly strong winds, but they turned out to be lighter than expected, NPR member station LAist reported.
But the strong winds are expected to ease from Thursday to Saturday. NWS meteorologist Ryan Kittell said the service is concerned about a "final (wind) increase" before Wednesday, when peak winds will be highest in Ventura County.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass struggled to describe the devastation in her city during a news conference Wednesday.
"The massive destruction. It's unimaginable unless you see it," Bass said. Even so, she said, now is the time to "start thinking about how we rebuild."
Rescue workers from across the United States, Canada and Mexico have rushed to Southern California since the fires broke out last week. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said: "Yesterday, I also had the opportunity to meet with our international partners from Mexico to express my sincere gratitude for their assistance. Let me tell you, the support from near and far has been absolutely overwhelming. Extraordinary."
Of the 25 dead, 17 died in the Eaton Fire and eight died in the Palisades Fire, LAist said. Of the 13 people still listed as missing, two bodies have been found but have not yet been identified, officials said.
More than 55,000 customers were without power in Los Angeles and Ventura counties on Wednesday, according to PowerOutage.us.
Resources to help stay safe:
➡️ As fire danger remains high, authorities are asking you to comply with evacuation orders
➡️ What to do and what not to do after returning home after a fire evacuation
➡️ Do you have cigarettes at home? Here's How to Make an Air Purifier from a Box Fan
➡️Trying to stay safe during a wildfire? There's an app that can help
Supported response and recovery methods:
➡️ Want to help fire victims? Here's what experts say is the most beneficial and where to find volunteers
➡️ Wildfire Donation and Volunteering: How and Where to Help
➡️ Share: These are the steps fire victims need to take to file an insurance claim
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