The number of people killed in the forest fires near the American city of Los Angeles has risen to sixteen. The Los Angeles Times Saturday. At least five people died in the fire in the Palisades neighborhood, and eleven in the fire in the Eaton neighborhood.
It was previously announced that at least thirteen people are missing. In total, more than 12,000 buildings have been destroyed or damaged by the fire. More than 150 thousand residents remain evacuated for the time being. Authorities fear that the death toll could rise further because many areas cannot yet be searched for possible victims.
Due to the persistent drought and wind, the fire in the American city is difficult to extinguish. Winds are expected to increase towards the end of the weekend, potentially fanning dormant fires.
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Neighboring countries
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced during a press conference on Saturday to send aid to California. This concerns 72 people, including firefighters, from the Mexican forest management agency Conafor and a team from the Mexican army that is deployed in natural disasters. “We are a country of generosity and solidarity,” Sheinbaum said.
Canada also announced on Friday that it would send aid to its southern neighbors. Firefighting planes and dozens of forest firefighters, among other things, are being sent to Los Angeles.
More personnel and equipment from Ontario, Quebec and Alberta are ready to be mobilized, according to government officials. “We both know that Canada and the United States are more than just neighbors,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday on X. “We are friends, especially when times get tough. California has always had our backs as we fight wildfires in the North. Now Canada has yours.”