The number of people who have lost their lives in the United States, where fires are raging, has risen to 16.

The Los Angeles Regional Type Institution shared updated information regarding the number of fatalities in the fires. In a statement from the institution, it was noted that the number of people who lost their lives in the ongoing fires in the Palisades and Eaton areas has risen to 16.

MORE THAN 37 THOUSAND ACRES TURNED TO ASHES

The statement reported that 11 people died in the Eaton fire and 5 in the Palisades fire. The fires, which started on the evening of January 7 in various regions of Los Angeles and spread rapidly due to strong winds, have so far turned more than 37 thousand acres to ashes. More than 12 thousand structures have been damaged or rendered unusable in the fires.

SEARCHING FOR THE GUILTY IN THE USA

Americans are focusing on the negligence behind the fire. The lack of water in fire hydrants, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass's failure to return to the city immediately from her trip to Ghana, and Bass's cuts to the budget allocated for the fire department before the fires have become topics of discussion. Upon her return, Bass left unanswered the question from reporters at the airport, "Are you considering apologizing?"

DID RESCUE VEHICLES WORK FOR THE RICH?

One of the claims reported by the American media is that rescue vehicles belonging to the fire department were directed to areas where wealthy individuals' luxury homes are located. It was alleged that no rescue operations were conducted in some areas affected by the fire. On the other hand, wealthy individuals whose luxury homes turned to ashes are also complaining about the inadequacy of firefighting efforts. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley announced that there has been a 55% increase in the number of calls received by the department since 2010. Despite this, the American official emphasized that the number of firefighters has decreased.

180 THOUSAND PEOPLE EVACUATED

Due to the fires, more than 180 thousand people have been evacuated, hundreds of schools in the area have been closed, and widespread power outages are occurring in the city. Although thousands of firefighters are participating in the firefighting efforts from the air and ground, strong winds and high temperatures are making intervention difficult. While 150 km² of land has been destroyed, the extent of the devastation caused by the historic fire is expected to become clear within a few days.

The forest fires that started in the Pacific Palisades area quickly spread to residential areas where million-dollar mansions are located. According to data from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, control has been established or is being established in three out of five regions. While the public is searching for the guilty regarding the inability to control the fires, California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered a 'fully independent investigation' into why Los Angeles's public services have been inadequate. The lack of water flowing from fire hydrants has become one of the biggest topics of discussion. Fire officials claim that no fire department could stand against the fires spreading with strong winds. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley stated that due to funding cuts, the number of personnel and resources has been insufficient.

THE WORST IN HISTORY

Experts point to the climate crisis as a cause of the fires. According to scientists, global warming has led to a 172% increase in forest fires in the state since the 1970s, and this increase is expected to become even more widespread in the coming decades. Colorado University fire scientist Jennifer Balch noted that winter fires are much more destructive because they occur much faster. While AccuWeather estimates that the damage from the recent fires could reach $57 billion (approximately 2 trillion Turkish Lira), the company's chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter stated that this could be the worst wildfire in California's history based on the number of structures burned and economic loss.

TRUMP DEMANDED NEWSOM'S RESIGNATION

Donald Trump, the elected president of the USA, claimed that the fires in Los Angeles were caused by the poor management of current president Joe Biden and California Governor Newsom. Trump alleged that there was not enough water supply for intervention and also demanded Newsom's resignation.

"TRUMP IS STILL PURSUING POLITICS"

Newsom stated, "People are losing their homes, loved ones, and lives. Trump is still pursuing politics." Biden, who was informed about the fire by federal and state officials in the Oval Office, said he expects the death toll from the fire disaster to rise. While it is noted that the drought caused by global warming played a critical role in the Los Angeles fire, Trump's stance of not acknowledging climate change is also a subject of criticism.