The search for the 16 people who went missing during the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, California in the United States of America (USA) continues. The death toll as a result of the raging fires in the Palisades on the Los Angeles County coast and the Eaton Fire in the northeast has now also risen to 24.

While the search for the missing persons is underway, authorities fear that many more are unaccounted for. Families and friends have therefore been called on to report any person known to them that is believed to be missing in connection with the fires.

Less than a week has passed since the first wildfire of the year ignited in Los Angeles, fueled by hurricane-force Santa Ana winds that spread embers, sparking some of the deadliest wildfires the state of California has ever faced.

The Palisades Fire began on Tuesday, and by Wednesday evening, it had already scorched more than 17,000 acres. Since then, citizens have come together to support those who lost everything, while remaining on high alert, knowing that more strong winds could bring more disaster.

As firefighters continue to battle multiple wildfires in Southern California, we are making progress toward containment.
Here is a summary of the major fires burning in Southern California, including the #PalisadesFireand #EatonFire #LAFires pic.twitter.com/B4Z3L2aFga

— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 13, 2025

The weather forecast will play a crucial role in determining the immediate future of the wildfires burning around Los Angeles County, including the Palisades and Eaton fires in the coming weeks.

According to local news outlets, a Red Flag Warning, indicating “critical fire weather conditions,” is in effect for Los Angeles and Ventura counties until 6 pm on Wednesday. According to the USA Weather Services, the heightened threat is driven by “moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds.

“The worst of the winds are coming tonight”: Meteorologist @RobMarciano gives an update on the latest weather affecting the California wildfires.

Officials have issued a new round of red flag warnings with another round of Santa Ana winds once again expected to slam the region. pic.twitter.com/XTDAY6MRgo

— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) January 13, 2025

Meanwhile, residents of California whose houses are in neighbourhoods who have been evacuated as a result of the wildfires have been warned not to return to their homes even if they know the fire on their street or in their neighbourhood has been extinguished.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire, says risks remain in areas where the fires aren’t actively raging.

Speaking to local news outlet CNN, Cal Fire chief David Acuna says authorities have downed power lines which are potentially live but there is an unknown status of gas lines.

” – and every bit of that ash that is out there is toxic with petroleum products from the houses that burned, so it is an unsafe place for families to be,”

With the USA Weather Service warning of “extremely critical” conditions that could spread the fires, Acuna added that no one should let their guard down, but should rather prepare to evacuate.