As Southern California battles relentless wildfires, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a “particularly dangerous” red flag warning for the Los Angeles area, cautioning residents of potentially explosive fire growth due to strong winds.

Forecasters predict wind gusts peaking at 70 mph (110 km/h) on Tuesday, creating conditions ripe for rapid fire spread. Chad Augustin, Pasadena’s fire chief, described the situation as a critical turning point. “Once we get past Wednesday night, I’ll say, ‘Wooh, we made it.’ But until then, this fire could take off with these increased wind conditions,” he told the BBC.

The region is grappling with three active wildfires, the largest being the Palisades fire, which has scorched over 23,000 acres and is only 13% contained. The Eaton fire follows, consuming 14,000 acres with 27% containment. While firefighters have almost fully contained the smaller Hurst fire, at 95%, challenges remain.

Authorities have placed 105,000 residents under evacuation orders, with at least 24 people confirmed dead and 16 others missing. Firefighters are focusing efforts on hotspots in populated areas, with drones and infrared technology aiding in identifying hidden fire threats.

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Meteorologist Rich Thompson emphasised the severity of the situation, noting that “one of the strongest Santa Ana wind events in several years” had already created “critical fire weather conditions.” The red flag warning is expected to remain in effect until Wednesday, with gusts between 35-55 mph anticipated.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed an additional 1,000 National Guard members to assist, bringing the total to 2,500 personnel. Meanwhile, emergency services continue working tirelessly to contain the blazes and ensure the safety of residents.

Despite some progress, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone warned that all of LA remains under threat due to the incoming winds. “We are fully committed to ensuring readiness for the next event,” he said.

The Palisades fire incident commander, Jim Hudson, acknowledged the dynamic nature of the battle. “Firefighters are planning two to three ridges away from where the fire is and speaking to communities that could be impacted,” he said.

As efforts continue, the focus remains on safeguarding lives and preventing further destruction. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, adhere to evacuation orders, and prepare for challenging days ahead.

At least 16 people have died in the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, with authorities warning that the death toll may rise as the fires continue to spread.

The devastating blazes have claimed homes, memories, and lives, with many victims succumbing while trying to defend their properties or unable to evacuate in time.

Officials report that identifying victims may take weeks, as traditional methods like fingerprinting and visual recognition are being hampered by the intensity of the fires. Here’s what is known about some of the victims based on family statements and media reports:

Victor Shaw

Victor Shaw, 66, died while trying to save his family’s home in Altadena. His body was discovered near the property with a garden hose in his hand, suggesting his desperate attempt to fend off the flames. His sister, Shari, who evacuated due to the “firestorm,” mourned his loss, saying, “I’ll miss talking to him, joking about, travelling with him and I’ll just miss him to death.”

Randall “Randy” Miod

Randall Miod, 55, perished in his Malibu home. According to his mother, Carol Smith, he was determined to protect the house he had cherished for decades. “That’s the one and only house he ever owned,” she said, reflecting on the memories tied to the property.

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Anthony Mitchell and Justin Mitchell

Anthony Mitchell, 67, and his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy, died in their Altadena home as they tried to escape the encroaching flames. Mitchell’s daughter, Hajime White, recounted his final call, where he said, “The fire’s in the yard.” The family described the heartbreaking loss of a father of four, grandfather of 11, and great-grandfather of 10.

Rodney Nickerson

Eighty-three-year-old Rodney Nickerson also died at his Altadena home. Despite warnings to evacuate, he believed the fire would pass, telling his daughter Kimiko, “I’ll be here tomorrow.”

Annette Rossilli

Annette Rossilli, 85, refused to leave her Pacific Palisades home, staying with her five pets. Firefighters later found her body in her car. Her family and caregivers described her devotion to her pets and her reluctance to abandon the life she had built there.

Rory Callum Sykes

Australian citizen Rory Sykes, 32, died in the Palisades fire. His mother, Shelley, recounted their struggle to escape as she attempted to lift her son, who had cerebral palsy. “No mum can leave their kid,” she said, mourning the loss of her “baby” who had overcome significant challenges to inspire others as a motivational speaker.

Erliene Kelley

The family of 83-year-old Erliene Kelley confirmed she died after refusing to evacuate her Altadena home. Her granddaughter, Briana Navarro, shared the family’s grief, saying Kelley had believed the fire would not reach her house, as previous ones had not.

Growing Crisis

As firefighters battle the flames and search for survivors, the community is left grappling with immense loss. Officials continue to urge residents to heed evacuation orders, stressing that lives are more important than possessions.

Operations at Lagos Television (LTV), Eko FM/Radio Lagos, and Lagos Traffic Radio were disrupted on Monday as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State chapter, and workers staged a protest over the non-implementation of the N85,000 minimum wage.

The protest, organized in collaboration with the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), saw workers picketing the stations’ premises at the Agidingbi complex.

Demonstrators blocked all entrances and exits while displaying placards with messages such as “Give us Oracle and take the revenue generated,” “Oracle is the answer, it’s all we need,” and “Pay us Minimum Wage.”

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Recall that the workers had previously issued several notices to the management of the three stations, warning of impending industrial action if the minimum wage was not implemented.

Despite a 21-day ultimatum, followed by 14- and 7-day warnings, no agreement was reached, prompting the shutdown.

Comrade Funmi Sessi, Chairperson of the Lagos State NLC, led the protest, alongside union members chanting solidarity songs.

Speaking to journalists, Sessi described the protest as a peaceful demonstration against what she termed an “injustice” to the workers.

“We started peacefully, and we are going to end it peacefully. Nobody is going to push us through the wall,” she said.

“These workers are government employees in communication departments—LTV, Eko FM, and Traffic Radio. They work to the best of their abilities, yet they are being shortchanged by not receiving the new minimum wage approved by law.

Since the government began implementing the N85,000 minimum wage in November, these workers have not received it. They are also owed arrears for three months and the 13th-month salary. Why this disparity in treatment, especially in these difficult times?”

Sessi further called on Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the matter, commending his previous efforts to improve workers’ welfare.

“Though the governor has been showing empathy to workers, we are appealing to him to prevail on the management to do the needful. This situation could disrupt operations unnecessarily, and it’s in the best interest of all parties to resolve it swiftly,” Sessi added.

In addition to the minimum wage, the workers also demanded to be placed on the Oracle payroll system, which they believe would streamline salary payments and improve transparency.

“We have followed due process by engaging management at different levels, but our efforts have not yielded results. Now they are asking us to sheath our swords. How can we do that when our rights are being trampled upon?” Sessi said.

The workers have vowed to sustain the protest until their demands are met, emphasizing their resolve to fight for equitable treatment.

As the stalemate persists, the NLC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the protest remains peaceful while urging the Lagos State Government to act decisively to address the workers’ grievances.