More strong winds forecast as wildfires continue to burn across LA
- Published
Weather forecasters in the US city of California are warning that strong winds are expected to return this week.
While fire crews have managed to start containing the largest fires, meaning they have successfully stopped them from spreading any further, authorities have said the new weather conditions could lead to "potential disastrous wind conditions."
The fire service is currently working on controlling three wildfires across the city, which first started nearly a week ago.
14,000 firefighters are tackling the blazes, including crews from across America, Canada and Mexico, who have arrived in Los Angeles to help with efforts.
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It is thought the first fire broke out last week in a back garden on Tuesday morning, and fanned by fast winds and dry conditions, it spread quickly through the foothills of the Pacific Palisades, an area where many celebrities have their homes.
Other fires then broke out across Los Angeles as the weather spread embers across the city.
Over the weekend, fire crews were able to make progress, stopping the fires from getting worse, as the winds calmed.
However, officials have now said that strong winds are expected to return until Wednesday, reaching speeds of up to 60mph (96km/h).
There are fears that the winds could make it difficult for firefighters to contain the three wildfires that are still burning on opposite ends of the city.
Pasadena fire chief Chad Augustin told the BBC: "Unfortunately, we're going right back into red flag conditions with some potential disastrous wind conditions between now and Wednesday, with the peak winds expected to be on Tuesday.
"While we're making some progress, the end is not even close yet," he added.
Despite the forecast, all schools except those in evacuation zones are expected to reopen on Monday.
Around 105,000 residents in the worst affected areas have been told to leave their homes.
24 people have died as a result of the wildfires and others are injured.