What's the latest on Los Angeles wildfires and how did they start?

In Los Angeles, the wildfires have become a serious issue, leading to the tragic loss of at least 24 lives. The two main fires, known as the Palisades fire and the Eaton fire, continue to rage across the city, causing extensive damage. Over the weekend, firefighters made some progress in controlling the flames, but they are concerned that the return of strong winds could cause the fires to spread further. These wildfires are among the most destructive in the history of Los Angeles, with thousands of buildings and homes destroyed. The Palisades fire is the largest, having burned through more than 23,000 acres of land. As of now, firefighters have managed to contain about 11% of the fire, but it is moving eastward, threatening the affluent neighborhood of Brentwood. This area is home to the Getty Center, a renowned art museum, which has evacuated its staff for safety. A red flag warning has been issued, indicating a high level of fire danger, and it will remain in effect until Wednesday. The strongest winds are expected on Tuesday, which could exacerbate the situation. The Eaton fire has proven to be even more deadly than the Palisades fire, accounting for 16 of the 24 fatalities. Many individuals are still unaccounted for, and the destruction is staggering. More than 12,000 structures, including homes, outbuildings, and vehicles, have been lost, with approximately 7,000 of those being due to the Eaton fire alone. Experts predict that these fires could become the costliest in US history, with damages estimated to reach up to $150 billion. Several celebrities, including Mel Gibson, Leighton Meester, Adam Brody, and Paris Hilton, have lost their homes in the fires. Additionally, tens of thousands of residents are currently without power. Currently, there are three active fires in the Los Angeles area. The Palisades fire is the largest and has burned a significant amount of land. The Eaton fire is the second largest, affecting the northern part of LA, while a smaller fire known as the Hurst fire is nearly contained. Some earlier fires, such as Kenneth, Archer, Sunset, Lidia, Woodley, and Olivas, have been successfully put out. The situation remains critical, and many are questioning whether Los Angeles was adequately prepared for these fires. A political debate has arisen regarding the city's readiness, especially after it was revealed that some fire crews experienced a loss of water pressure. California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for an independent investigation into the reasons behind the loss of water supply to fire hydrants and the closure of the Santa Ynez Reservoir for maintenance when the fires broke out. Mayor Karen Bass, who was away on a trip to Ghana when the fires began, has faced scrutiny regarding the region's preparedness and the water supply issues. During a news conference, she emphasized that the priority is to assist the residents affected by the crisis. Prior to the fires, the LA fire chief had warned that budget cuts were hindering the department's ability to respond effectively to emergencies. However, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone has denied claims of unpreparedness, stating that he took all necessary measures to ensure adequate personnel and resources were available before the fires ignited. The investigation into the cause of the fires is ongoing. LA County Sheriff Robert Luna mentioned that detectives are exploring all possible causes. Lightning, which is a common cause of wildfires in the US, has been ruled out for both the Palisades and Eaton fires. There is also no official indication that arson or utility lines were responsible for the fires. The wet years of 2022 and 2023 led to significant vegetation growth, which dried out during last year's drought, creating ample fuel for the fires. A combination of extremely dry conditions, with downtown LA receiving only 0. 16 inches of rain since October, and powerful offshore winds known as the Santa Ana winds have created ideal conditions for wildfires. Experts have pointed out that climate change is playing a significant role in the increasing severity of wildfires. While strong winds and lack of rain are contributing factors, climate change is altering the overall conditions and raising the likelihood of such fires. The western United States, including California, has experienced a prolonged drought that only ended two years ago, leaving the region vulnerable to wildfires. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has stated that climate change, including rising temperatures, extended droughts, and a drier atmosphere, has been a key driver in the increased risk and extent of wildfires in the western US. Traditionally, fire season in Southern California is thought to last from May to October, but the governor has noted that wildfires have become a year-round issue. He stated, 'There is no fire season; it is a fire year.