Fire-scarred LA faces new destructive gusts

As the fire-ravaged Los Angeles area braced on Monday for threatening winds, criticism has mounted over the state of California's preparedness and response, while residents and volunteers have stepped up.

Those living in high-risk zones have voiced frustration over what they said were insufficient fire-prevention measures and delayed evacuations. Emergency shelters are at capacity.

"We've been here before, and it's devastating every time," an evacuee, John Allen, said on social media. "We need better infrastructure, better prevention and faster responses. This can't keep happening."

The Los Angeles area is struggling with three major blazes that have consumed more than 40,000 acres (62 square miles, 160 square kilometers) — an area larger than San Francisco — and claimed at least 24 lives. More than 150,000 people have been displaced.

The National Weather Service issued warnings on Monday for severe fire conditions the next two days, with sustained winds of up to 75 mph (120 km) across portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

"Extremely critical fire weather conditions continue across coastal Southern California through Tuesday," the weather service website said. "Not only will these extreme and dangerous conditions make fighting ongoing fires much more difficult, but these will make new ignitions much more likely. New fires that do develop will have the potential to grow and spread rapidly, adding to the danger of the situation."

As of Monday afternoon, the large Palisades Fire, which burned almost 27,000 acres, was 14 percent contained. The Eaton Fire, which burned more than 14,000 acres, was 33 percent contained, according to Cal Fire. The Hurst Fire, which burned 779 acres around Sylmar, was 95 percent contained as of Monday morning.

More than 3,000 firefighters are on the front lines, supported by aircraft dropping water and fire-retardant chemicals.

Investigations into the causes of the fires continue, with preliminary reports suggesting possible equipment failures or human activity as factors.

One man's desperate battle to save his home with a garden hose has drawn widespread attention.

John Carr, 65, defied evacuation orders to protect his Pacific Palisades home — a property his parents built and left him as an inheritance. With firefighters stretched thin and no resources available, Carr found himself fighting the advancing flames alone.

"Some things in life are worth fighting for," Carr said, telling how he climbed fences and hurt his rib while battling the blaze. The flames had reached his backyard, creeping close to his house.

While Carr's heroic efforts saved his house, many of his neighbors' homes were reduced to ashes. Residents fleeing the fire had to abandon their cars and evacuate on foot.

Experts have long warned that underfunding fire-prevention programs, delayed emergency responses, and insufficient resources in high-risk areas have compounded the devastation caused by wildfires.

A Chinese American couple, the Zhangs, lost their home to the Eaton Fire. They said that they had worked tirelessly their entire lives to finally afford a new house. After completing renovations, they had happily moved in, only to see their dream home destroyed by the massive wildfire.

"We moved in just two months ago," Zhang wrote on social media. "Now it's all gone. We are utterly heartbroken."

Local organizations and volunteers have mobilized to support those in need.

Cai Chenghua, president of the All-American Chinese Association, said his organization is raising donations for the disaster-stricken communities.

The Beijing Association has raised $15,000.

"Our efforts to spread love and support continue," Cai told China Daily.

Li Xiaoyan, president of the Southern California Chinese Women's Association and a regular volunteer distributing food every weekend in Monrovia and Arcadia, said that many of the volunteers themselves have been affected by the wildfires.

"Despite their own losses, they hold back their tears and continue to volunteer, dedicating themselves to helping those in even greater need," Li said.

The Santa Anita Park thoroughbred racetrack in Arcadia has been transformed into a donation center.

"The community has come together during this challenging time, and we've received a variety of supplies and food donations, which is incredibly moving," said Sophia Wang, a resident of Arcadia. "I hope we can rebuild our homes and lives soon."

Steven Cooper from the San Gabriel Area Food Bank reported a surge in demand for meals. "We typically provide food to around 200 families and 500 individuals in the community, but we're now distributing food to more than 800 people, with over 5,000 pounds (155.52 kg) of food in a single day," he said, expressing gratitude to the stores and individuals who have donated.

Authorities said that shifting weather patterns later in the week could offer some respite. Sea breezes and cooler temperatures may allow some evacuees to return to their homes, but a curfew remains in effect for now.