Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - January 13, 2025 - Los Angeles is facing worsening conditions due to strong Santa Ana winds, which are forecast to spread flames.

The fires have burned through over 40,000 acres in Los Angeles County, displaced hundreds of thousands of residents, and killed at least 24 people.

Over 12,300 structures have been destroyed. Firefighters have made some progress containing the blazes, with the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire being 14% and 33% contained respectively.

The National Weather Service warns that these high winds could cause widespread power outages, worsen firefighting efforts, and make the ignition of new fires more likely.

The fires are predicted to become the worst natural disaster in US history, and the death toll is likely to rise.

Around 92,000 people near the Palisades and Eaton fires are under evacuation orders, while another 89,000 are under evacuation warnings.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has reported instances of price gouging for medical supplies and hotels, as well as landlords overcharging above the legal limit during a state of emergency.

Businesses are prohibited from raising prices on essential goods and services above 10% beyond what is normal.

Hochman urged residents to be vigilant against scams related to recovery efforts, such as possibly fake GoFundMe fundraisers and insurance scams.

The devastating fires this week will likely worsen California's ongoing insurance crisis, as many homebuyers struggle to get approved for loans, home insurance, and fire insurance.

Some companies are hiring private firms to protect their policyholders' homes, both before and after a fire.