The death toll from the large-scale wildfires ravaging Los Angeles (LA) has risen to 25.

Although forecasts of winds reaching up to 113 km/h on the 14th proved inaccurate, new strong wind alerts have been issued starting early on the 15th, keeping residents on edge. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that insurance losses from these wildfires could reach historic highs.

According to WSJ and CNN, one additional fatality was reported, bringing the total number of deaths to 25 due to the LA wildfires.

Several new fires broke out on the same day in Ventura County, northwest of LA, and Riverside, southeast of the city.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) reported that the Ventura County fire has burned an area of 226,000 square meters (56 acres), with containment at 25%.
Meanwhile, the fire in Riverside has spread across 8,093 square meters (2 acres) with a 0% containment rate.

Containment rates remain low for many ongoing wildfires. The Palisades fire, which has scorched 93.07 million square meters (23,000 acres), is only 17% contained.
The Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena has burned through 56,650 square meters (14,000 acres) and is 35% contained.

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts renewed strong winds starting early on the 15th, with gusts potentially reaching speeds of 80–96 km/h in mountainous areas.

The NWS maintains a "Particularly Dangerous Situation" (PDS) red flag warning, urging residents to stay on high alert. Winds are expected to subside from late Thursday through the weekend.

The initial forecast for winds reaching 113 km/h on the 14th, which could have caused explosive wildfire spread, did not materialize, offering temporary relief.

Firefighters have been preparing defensive fire lines in areas like Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Pasadena. In anticipation of potential wind-driven spread toward Brentwood and Bel-Air, dozens of fire engines have been deployed to the Riviera neighborhood in Pacific Palisades.

Experts predict that the LA wildfires may result in record-breaking insurance losses. The WSJ noted that insurance brokers are revising loss estimates upward, while U.S. investment firm Evercore ISI projects total losses at $25 billion (approximately 36.5 trillion KRW). This could make it the costliest wildfire in modern history.

Due to air pollution from the wildfires, LA health officials are advising residents to wear respirators.

Anish Mahajan, LA County Public Health Director, stressed the importance of wearing proper respirators like N95 or P100 masks to prevent potential health issues caused by the ash and smoke.

"Smoke and ash can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause severe health problems," Mahajan said, adding that masks designed to block harmful particulate matter should be used.

In response to the wildfires, California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order banning exploitative real estate practices targeting affected residents.

The order prohibits real estate agents from pressuring fire victims to sell their homes at significantly lower prices than market value.

Source: Yonhap News Agency