Firefighters continued their grueling efforts Saturday night to contain massive wildfires raging across Los Angeles, as fierce winds fueled the flames, driving them toward previously unaffected neighborhoods.

The infernos have left at least 16 people dead, destroyed communities, and put millions of Californians on edge.

The relentless Palisades Fire grew to 23,600 acres by Saturday evening, threatening the Getty Center’s priceless art collections and pushing northward toward the densely populated San Fernando Valley.

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Despite aerial water drops and round-the-clock efforts, the fire was only 11% contained. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire spread to 14,000 acres with 15% containment.

“We’re a nervous wreck,” said Tarzana resident Sarah Cohen. “Every time they drop water, it gets better. But then it gets worse again.”

A lull in the wind Saturday gave firefighters a brief reprieve, but forecasters warned that dangerous gusts would persist for days.

The National Weather Service predicted “critical fire-weather conditions” through early next week, raising fears of further destruction.

Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed, including homes, outbuildings, and vehicles. Thousands of displaced residents now face an already tight housing market.

“I’m back on the market with tens of thousands of people,” lamented Brian, who lost his rent-controlled apartment. “That doesn’t bode well.”

Frustration has mounted among residents waiting hours to access disaster zones. “I just want closure,” said Janelle, whose home was confirmed destroyed. “I need to see it with my own eyes.”

With reports of looting, officials imposed nighttime curfews and deployed police and National Guard checkpoints. Residents have also voiced anger over hydrants that ran dry during initial firefighting efforts.

Amid rumors of discord, Mayor Karen Bass and Fire Chief Kristin Crowley presented a united front Saturday. “Our mission is to get us past this emergency,” Bass assured reporters, following reports of funding shortages within the fire department.

Among the victims was former Australian child star Rory Sykes, known for his role in the 1990s British TV show Kiddy Kapers. His mother, Shelley Sykes, mourned his loss on social media, writing, “I’m totally heartbroken.”

Cadaver dogs continued to search the rubble, with several people missing and fears that the death toll could rise.

Cause of the Fires Under Investigation
Authorities launched a large-scale investigation involving the FBI, ATF, and local agencies.

While natural causes or human error are common culprits, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized that any criminal intent would be thoroughly investigated.

“If this is a criminal act, we will hold those responsible,” Luna stated.

Climate Challenges and Urban Sprawl
Experts noted that climate change and urban sprawl exacerbate wildfire risks.

Drier conditions and higher temperatures, driven by fossil fuel use, have created an environment ripe for destructive fires.

In a tragic escalation of violence, a Myanmar junta air strike killed at least 15 civilians and injured 10 others in a market located in a gold-mining area in northern Kachin state, according to a spokesperson for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

The incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday in Tanaing Township, a region controlled by the KIA.

Colonel Naw Bu, the KIA spokesperson, disclosed on Sunday that the victims included gold miners and local shopkeepers, adding that all those killed were civilians.

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“The attack left a large crater and completely destroyed the area,” Naw Bu said, citing the devastating impact on the local community.

The Kachin Independence Army, which commands approximately 7,000 fighters, has been engaged in a decades-long struggle for autonomy and control over Kachin’s resource-rich lands.

The state is home to vast deposits of jade and rare heavy earth elements, much of which are exported to neighboring China.

Since the military coup in 2021, Kachin has witnessed intensified clashes between the junta and armed groups, with the military accusing the KIA of supporting and training People’s Defence Forces (PDF), which have emerged to resist junta rule.

In a separate incident on Saturday, the Arakan Army reported that junta forces conducted three bombing raids on a public market in the town of Kyauktaw in Rakhine (Arakan) State.

The attacks reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, although specific numbers remain unconfirmed.

The junta has faced widespread accusations of targeting civilians in its efforts to suppress resistance.

However, the military regime has yet to comment on the recent attacks, despite repeated attempts for clarification.

The latest strikes highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where ethnic minority regions like Kachin and Rakhine have borne the brunt of military offensives.

Human rights groups have repeatedly condemned the junta for alleged war crimes, including indiscriminate bombings and targeting civilian infrastructure.

Images from the scene of the Kachin attack reveal the market reduced to rubble, with survivors recounting harrowing tales of destruction.

A local resident who spoke anonymously reported that three of the wounded have since succumbed to their injuries, further amplifying the death toll.

A coordinated operation led by operatives from the Department of State Security (DSS) has resulted in the rescue of four kidnapped individuals in Sokoto State.

The victims were freed during a raid on the bandits’ hideout in Malafana Bush.

According to Garba Mohammed, Director of Press Affairs at the Deputy Governor’s Office, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N50 million, which was later reduced to N10 million.

One of the victims, Malam Umar Dankoli, revealed that the family managed to raise N1 million through contributions. The sum was taken to the kidnappers’ camp by Dankoli’s eldest son nine days ago.

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However, upon delivering the money, the bandits also detained Dankoli’s son, insisting on a N10 million ransom for their release. The victims remained in captivity until the joint security team successfully raided the camp, freeing them.

Colonel Abdulhamid Usman (rtd), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, commended the success of the operation and attributed it to the strong support provided by Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto to security agencies. He noted that significant progress has been made in tackling banditry in the state over the past 11 days.

Colonel Abdulhamid urged residents to continue assisting security agencies by providing valuable information to help combat criminal activities.