Strong winds forecast for Los Angeles threaten area’s fight against fires

Fire officials advised residents in high-risk areas to just leave home – and not wait for formal evacuation orders - if they sense danger.

A worker surveys the damage from the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of LA. Picture: AP Photo/John Locher

Additional water tankers and scores of firefighters have arrived at the Los Angeles area ahead of fierce winds that were forecast to return and threaten the progress made so far on two massive infernos that have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people.

On Monday, planes doused homes and hillsides with bright pink fire-retardant chemicals, while crews and fire engines were being placed near particularly vulnerable spots with dry brush. Dozens of water trucks rolled in to replenish supplies after hydrants ran dry last week when the two largest fires erupted.