Deaths in California fires reach 24; winds are expected to increase today

At least 15 people are missing, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. He says it is not yet possible to link all disappearances to the fires.

Winds make it difficult for firefighters to work. The Palisades Fire, the largest to hit Los Angeles, is spreading east and now threatens the Brentwood and Encino neighborhoods.

Neighborhood with luxury homes was one of the hardest hit. The fire destroyed thousands of properties in Pacific Palisades, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, including the homes of celebrities such as actor Mel Gibson.

Firefighters are fighting four fires simultaneously in Los Angeles, and only two are under control. Now, teams are trying to contain the spread of the flames in Mandeville Canyon, where several celebrities have homes, such as actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

At least 153,000 Los Angeles residents left their homes. The local government declared a public health emergency, warning that smoke and particulate matter could pose immediate and long-term threats.

Mexico will send reinforcements to the USA. The city of Los Angeles is close to the border between the two countries and is where many Mexicans live. “We are a generous and supportive country,” said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on a social network.