Los Angeles fire evacuees states no possibility of return until at least Thursday

Fire crews battle the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.

United States: Officials announced on Sunday that tens of thousands of individuals displaced by the massive fires sweeping through Los Angeles will be unable to return to their homes for a minimum of four days.

Frustrated evacuees have gathered at checkpoints, hoping to gain access to restricted areas affected by the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire. Many are anxious to return to their residences from which they had to evacuate with little notice, leaving behind essential items such as medications and clothing. Others are simply seeking to ascertain the status of their homes.

However, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone emphasized on Sunday that the forecasted gusty winds for the week indicate that the fire emergency is far from resolved. "They cannot return home, as it is not safe," he stated during a press conference. "Our primary objective is to facilitate the return of residents to their homes as swiftly as possible. However, discussions regarding this matter will not take place until the conclusion of the anticipated red flag event," he explained, referring to the strong winds expected to persist until Wednesday. "Please be assured that we will begin discussions about repopulation first thing Thursday."

Lines stretching several city blocks have seen individuals waiting for up to 11 hours for brief escorted visits to their homes within the evacuation zones. One evacuee, identified as Janelle, shared with broadcaster KTLA that she was aware her house had been destroyed, but she sought "closure." "I see the photos, I see the videos, and I just want to see it with my own eyes," she expressed, her voice trembling. "I know it's gone, but... I just want to see it for myself."

Editor Henry Levinson was attempting to reach his home in the Pacific Palisades area. "I wanted to retrieve my dad's ashes, which we had to leave behind, as well as my grandma's ashes, which we also had to leave behind," he conveyed to AFP on Sunday. However, even those escorted visits were halted on Sunday, as firefighters expressed concerns over the intensifying winds.