**California’s Devastating Wildfires: The Worst is Yet to Come**
California’s devastating wildfires have claimed 11 lives and left thousands of people without homes, with the official death toll expected to rise as firefighters and cadaver dogs continue to search through flattened neighborhoods. The blazes have been raging for a fifth day, with the Palisades Fire only 8% contained and the Eaton Fire only 3% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The destruction is unprecedented, with more than 12,300 homes and structures on fire, and new evacuations ordered after fires broke out on the east side of the Palisades Fire. The fires have also destroyed landmarks such as Will Rogers’ Western Ranch House and the Queen Anne in Altadena Style House, which dates back to 1887.
**Experts: Grid Failures Surge Ahead of Los Angeles Wildfires**
Experts say that grid failures in the area may have contributed to the outbreak of the wildfires. Whisker Labs CEO Bob Marshall told Fox News Digital that the company experienced a sharp increase in power grid failures in the hours before the Eaton, Palisade, and Hurst fires.
“The failures are caused by branches coming into contact with power lines or wires being blown by the wind,” Marshall explained. “This creates a spark in the malfunction and we detect all these things.”
The grid failures were also linked to strong winds in the area, which helped spread the flames quickly.
**Damage and Economic Losses Estimated to Reach $135 to $150 Billion**
The estimated damage and economic losses from the wildfires have been put at $135 to $150 billion by AccuWeather, a private company that provides data on weather and its impacts.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed the National Guard to support law enforcement in the region, bringing the total number of field personnel to 8,000. Marines and other military personnel were on standby to assist with search and rescue operations.
**Looting and Unrest**
Looting has become a problem in the affected areas, with at least 20 people arrested on robbery charges. Sheriff Robert Luna warned potential imitators not to enter evacuated homes, saying, “It’s not a safe place to be.”
**Private Security Companies Struggle to Meet Demand**
Private security companies are struggling to meet the growing demand for services as fires and looters threaten upscale Los Angeles neighborhoods. Herman Weisberg, managing director of SAGE Intelligence, said, “We were slammed. Without being able to get people there, housing them is almost impossible.”
**FAQs**
Q: What is the current containment level of the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire?
A: The Palisades Fire is currently 8% contained, and the Eaton Fire is 3% contained.
Q: How many people have been arrested for looting?
A: At least 20 people have been arrested for looting.
Q: How much has been pledged for wildfire relief?
A: Volkswagen has donated $1 million to the American Red Cross’ California wildfire relief efforts, and Walt Disney Co. has pledged $15 million.
Q: What is the estimated damage and economic loss from the wildfires?
A: The estimated damage and economic losses have been put at $135 to $150 billion.
Q: How many people have lost their homes?
A: More than 12,300 homes and structures have been destroyed.
Q: How many people have been killed in the wildfires?
A: At least 11 people have been killed.
**Conclusion**
The devastating wildfires in California have left a trail of destruction and heartbreak in their wake. As the search and rescue efforts continue, the threat of new fires persists, and the nation’s second-largest city remains unsettled. The wildfires have also exposed weaknesses in the city’s power grid and response to emergencies. As the state and federal governments work to respond to the disaster, it is clear that the worst is yet to come, and the people of California will need continued support and assistance to rebuild and recover.
