LA Wildfires: A City Under Siege

Los Angeles grapples with devastating wildfires threatening landmarks like the Getty Museum and UCLA. Firefighters battle blazes fueled by potential Santa Ana winds. Evacuations, destruction, and accusations of leadership failures mark a crisis impacting tens of thousands, with damages estimated at $135-$150 billion.

Wildfires in Los Angeles continued to spread on Saturday, as firefighters raced to protect major landmarks, including UCLA and the Getty Museum, from the approaching flames. Potentially strong Santa Ana winds threaten to aggravate the situation, prompting evacuation warnings for residents.

The fires, particularly intense in Mandeville Canyon where celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger reside, have already burned over 145 square kilometers. Firefighters are battling the flames with helicopters and hoses while thick smoke covers the hillsides.

With over 12,000 structures affected and damages projected between USD 135 and 150 billion, the situation prompts criticism of leadership failures. Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass face scrutiny amidst investigations into water supply issues, while the death toll stands at 11 with expectations to rise.

(With inputs from agencies.)