LA fires: Forecasters warn of ‘extreme fire growth’ as winds threaten further damage

California firefighters are battling that have decimated parts of Los Angeles County. Experts warn that strong winds could exacerbate the situation significantly over the coming days. American have told millions to be on alert as wind, aridity, and parched vegetation may fuel “extreme growth” in the coming days, leaving residents fearing further devastation.

The fierce Santa Ana winds pose a to landmarks like the University of California, Los Angeles and the renowned art collection housed within the Getty Museum, per In an act of preservation, volunteers have removed underbrush and dampened the grounds around the museum to protect its trove of ancient artifacts from impending fire damage.

Despite these efforts, face an uphill struggle to contain the rapidly spreading fire. The conflagration has mandated mass evacuations surpassing 150,000 individuals, with the vast blaze in the upscale expected to push eastward.

The National Weather Service in LA issued a cautionary note on Saturday: “Moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds will affect the typical Santa Ana Wind Corridors on Saturday to Sunday and again Monday through Wednesday. These winds combined with dry air and dry vegetation will keep the fire weather threat in the area.

“Continue to practice fire safety by avoiding work that creates sparks, reporting any smoke, and staying informed. Gather items you will need, should you be evacuated.”

Firefighters battled against the flames in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday as the fires, which have claimed at least 11 lives, closed in on the home of Arnold Schwarzenegger and other celebrities, not far from the Pacific coast. Helicopters dumped gallons of water as the fire tore downhill, while firefighters on the ground used hoses in an attempt to beat back the fire as thick smoke blanketed the area.

LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said the area “had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak, and even more Angelenos evacuated due to the northeast expansion of the Palisades Fire.” But firefighters could soon face an even more serious scenario, as the light breezes of recent days are forecast to turn into strong winds – which have been described as the ‘nemesis’ of those tackling the blazes.

Those winds have been largely blamed for turning the wildfires into infernos that leveled entire neighborhoods around to city where there has been no significant rainfall in more than eight months. So far, the fires have consumed an area larger than the city of San Francisco, scorching over 145 square kilometres of earth.

The cost of the damage caused, with entire neighbourhoods reduced to ash, has been placed at between $135bn and $150bn.

In the wake of devastating wildfires in California, . The community spirit has been remarkable, with celebrities making generous donations to local charities and Paris Hilton establishing an emergency fund to assist victims.