Winds and new fires in San Diego again complicate the extinguishing of the Los Angeles fires
Authorities raised the death toll to at least 28 and the number of destroyed structures to more than 15,000. Meteorologists have predicted rains for Saturday that could alleviate the situation.

Image of the fires started in San Diego
The devastating fires ravaging Los Angeles continue without respite and there are already at least 28 dead and more than 15,000 structures destroyed as a result of the fires. Winds continue to hamper firefighting efforts, while new outbreaks began in northern San Diego County on Monday. The good news is that forecasters announced the liklihood of rainfall beginning Saturday that could help ease the desperate situation.
The new fires are in addition to the two most devastating ones, which remain largely uncontrolled weeks after they began, leaving a grim toll of personal and material losses. According to official figures, the Palisades fire has already scorched more than 23,700 acres, claimed 11 lives, destroyed 6,380 structures, and damaged another 857. It is currently only 65% contained.
The second in size, but leader in destruction, the one declared in Eaton, has exceeded 14,000 acres ravaged, with 17 fatalities, 9,418 structures destroyed and another 1,071 affected. In this case, authorities consider it to be 89% controlled.
Red flag extended until Thursday due to winds
Although the worst of the Santa Ana winds appear to be over, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Nevertheless, the agency extended the red flag until at least Thursday because of the prediction that gusty winds will again increase in strength on Wednesday and peak Thursday morning.
In addition, moisture levels will remain extremely low—below 10%—creating a source of dry fuel that could increase the risk of intensifying ongoing fires or igniting new ones.
A problem that could see some relief starting Saturday, when the NWS forecasts the first rains in months for the Golden State. Although "less than a third of an inch of rain" is expected, meteorologists believe it will help ease the situation and suggest it could mark the beginning of a weather shift. However, Alex Tardy of the NWS cautioned that "this will not bring an end to the wildfire season."
Rain, relief or new danger?
Something that, paradoxically, may add other risks to the already dramatic current situation. As Councilwoman Traci Park, whose district includes Palisades, explained to Los Angeles Times, too much rain could trigger mudflows and landslides within the burn scars.
"I usually pray for rain. God knows, in general, we need it. The burn scar from the Palisades Fire is not only yards from the ocean itself, but on hillsides that are already prone to landslides and have already absorbed an enormous amount of water from firefighters, broken pipes and melted pools. Adding more water to this disaster is the last thing we need."