The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) warned on Sunday that lingering dry weather and strong winds in Southern California will hamper firefighting efforts against the devastating disaster which has killed 16.
Extremely dry vegetation, combined with prolonged fire weather conditions, could cause the rapid spread of both new and existing wildfires, further exacerbating instability, the NWS said.
Los Angeles and Ventura counties have issued a red flag warning through Wednesday evening, indicating that local weather conditions could lead to extreme fire risk.
The NWS predicts cooler temperatures, increased humidity, and possibly light rain by next weekend, which could help alleviate fire conditions.
On Sunday, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said law enforcement has confirmed 14 deaths and also received 16 reports of missing people in the county, adding the number would differ in other departments' calculation.
A total of 192,000 residents may have to leave at a moment's notice -- with evacuation orders in place for 105,000, and 87,000 in evacuation warning zones.
Data released by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection on Sunday showed 105 wildfires of varying sizes were reported across California, sweeping through more than 163 square kilometers.
According to local fire control authorities on Sunday, containment of the deadly Eaton Fire, which has claimed 11 lives so far, has increased from 15 percent to 27 percent.
Meanwhile, the Kenneth Fire is fully contained, and the Hurst Fire has reached 89 percent containment, authorities said.
The Palisades Fire has burned 96 square kilometers from 87 the previous day and remains at 11% containment, according to official release on Sunday.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said in an interview on Sunday that disaster relief efforts will be completed within the next few weeks to assist residents with processing insurance claims. He added that major contracts will be signed to remove debris and manage hazardous materials.
California fires remain unstable as dry, windy weather persists: authority
California fires remain unstable as dry, windy weather persists: authority
California fires remain unstable as dry, windy weather persists: authority
