LA braces for stronger winds as fires continue to burn

The Eaton Fire, the second-largest of the series of blazes that broke out across the city last week, has burned more than 14,000 acres, and is 33% contained, authorities said.

There has been “very little fire growth” of the Palisades blaze on Monday, said Jim Hudson, deputy chief of CalFire.

The BBC Weather Centre says Santa Ana winds – blowing in from the east or north-east – could reach gusts up to 70mph (112km/h) on Tuesday, potentially stoking further fires.

Weather officials say lighter winds are forecast to develop after Wednesday, bringing an opportunity for firefighters to further contain the blazes.

A curfew remains in place in evacuation areas between 18:00 and 06:00 local time.

Adam Schiff, the newly elected Democratic senator for California, told the BBC that he hoped that the incoming Trump administration would move quickly to provide disaster relief.

When asked whether wildfires had become increasingly politicised, Schiff said: “There has been people doing that since the moment the fires started.”

“It’s not helpful right now, let’s just focus on putting these fires out, getting people the help that they need.”

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly planning to visit the area in the coming days.

Federal lawmakers are set to meet on Tuesday morning to discuss disaster aid for the state.

President Joe Biden said he has directed hundreds of federal personnel, aerial and ground support to California, and his team will “respond promptly” to any request for more help.

“Our hearts ache for the 24 innocent souls we have lost,” he said.