As multiple wildfires continue to rage in Los Angeles (LA) for the seventh consecutive day, high wind warnings have been issued again, raising concerns about further damage. While city, county, and fire officials are dedicating all efforts to combat what has become one of LA's worst wildfire crises, authorities are also investigating the origins of the fires, with a focus on the possibility of human involvement.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a red flag warning for LA and Ventura counties on the 13th. While the wind had slightly eased over the weekend, the NWS reported that gusts were intensifying starting on the 13th. Winds between 55 and 70 mph were expected to sweep through some areas from 4 a.m. on the 14th until midday on the 15th. Given the tendency of the Santa Ana winds to peak during the night, the critical periods are likely to be the nights of the 13th and 14th into the mornings that follow.

The risk of new fires breaking out in addition to the ongoing wildfires remains high. At a press briefing, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone warned, “Severe fire weather conditions are expected to persist through the 15th.”

As of the 13th, approximately 40,000 acres have been scorched by wildfires across the LA area. The containment rates for the major fires include 14% for the Palisades Fire and 33% for the Eaton Fire, located north of Koreatown. While these rates show some improvement compared to the previous day, evacuation orders remain in effect for over 92,000 residents, with an additional 89,000 on evacuation warnings.

Confirmed fatalities have risen to 24, including 8 deaths from the Palisades Fire and 16 from the Eaton Fire. In addition, 23 people have been reported missing. The number of buildings destroyed by the fires is estimated at over 12,300. Officials predict it will take more than six months to clear the debris from the disaster.

Meanwhile, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is leading a joint task force of local, state, and federal officials investigating the cause of the fires. The investigation spans potential causes, including arson and electrical infrastructure issues, as identifying the origin is crucial for determining liability and compensation.

On the 13th, NBC News, citing multiple sources, reported that the Palisades Fire might have been caused by human activity. The sources indicated that investigators are not ruling out any possibilities, including accidental ignition or deliberate arson.

The Washington Post (WP) on the 12th analyzed video footage and satellite images, revealing that the wildfire's origin point closely aligns with the location of a fire extinguished by firefighters on New Year’s Day.

Residents in the area reported that the New Year’s Day fire was caused by fireworks set off during New Year’s Eve celebrations. One affected resident said, “An investigator told us this happened because of the idiots on New Year’s Eve. We heard the fireworks, and the fire started at around 12:20 a.m. on New Year’s Day.” The embers from that fire may have reignited and, combined with strong winds, escalated into what has become one of the most devastating wildfires in the region.

Earlier reports suggested that the fire in the hardest-hit Pacific Palisades area likely started behind a home on Piedra Morada Drive. The fire was believed to have been sparked by strong winds in dry brush, possibly caused by frictional heat.

— Reporter: Roh Se-Hee

<Sehee Roh>