LA fire officials say the area isn't out of the danger zone even as people begin to survey the horrific damage

• aren't over yet.
• There will be a decrease in wind this week, but forecasts indicate that the winds could strengthen again next week.
• The fires have moved through 40,000 acres and could lead to up to $275 billion in damages.

conquering the area would slow down the devastation from spreading - but they cautioned that the region is still at risk.

The National Weather Service reported that extreme fire danger conditions were expected to continue at least through Wednesday evening local time. They added that conditions may improve by Thursday.

The wildfire has already consumed 40,000 acres and destroyed over 12,300 homes and other buildings.

Over 8,500 firefighters have been deployed to combat the fires, resulting in at least 25 reported fatalities.

Wildfires in Los Angeles continue to burn for a ninth consecutive day.

Local authorities stated that over the past 24 hours, wind speeds were not as severe as predicted, but the affected area is still facing hazardous conditions.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department stated on Wednesday morning that a "red flag" warning had been extended for the Eaton Fire, one of the largest blazes, into the evening. They said that the Santa Ana winds will gradually slow down during the day, but dry conditions are expected to continue through Thursday.

It's still a possibility for us to see 70-mile-per-hour winds, although it hasn't happened yet," said Anthony Marrone, chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, at a Wednesday press conference. "But we are still vulnerable, as the situation could change at any time.

Critical fire weather conditions are expected to begin again in the middle of next week.

The Palisades and Eaton Fires, the two largest, spanned 23,712 and 14,117 acres, respectively. As of Wednesday evening, the Palisades and Eaton Fires were 19% and 45% contained, respectively, according to CalFire. The 799-acre Hurst Fire was nearly fully contained.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said that by Wednesday morning, the number of people under evacuation orders had decreased, with 82,400 affected. Evacuation warnings had increased slightly due to the winds, totaling 92,400.

Crime waves, thefts, vandalism, and price inflations are happening in the area

of their lives, others have taken advantage of the situation for their own gain.

LA officials have reported suspected instances of looting, burglary, and other crimes in wildfire-ravaged areas.

Sheriff Luna said Wednesday that his officers had made 44 arrests related to the Eaton and Palisades Fires, including for suspected burglary, trespassing, curfew violation, possession of guns and narcotics, and impersonating a firefighter.

In addition to those arrests, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell stated on Wednesday that his department had made 14 arrests in connection with the fires - for alleged crimes such as felony vandalism, impersonating a firefighter, possessing tools for breaking and entering, and shoplifting.

There have been a few instances of suspected arson, according to officials.

A bystander witnessed someone starting a fire near the Hurst Fire zone on Tuesday evening. They stopped the person until police arrived, and by the time officers got there, the bystander had already put out the fire. The suspect was arrested and reportedly told police that he started the fire because he "enjoyed the smell of burning leaves."

Another individual was taken into custody on suspicion of arson that day after authorities reported that she confessed to setting multiple garbage and trash fires because she stated that "she enjoyed causing chaos and destruction."

.

.

The damage from the Los Angeles fires is increasing.

It is starting to become clear.

Preliminary estimates from AccuWeather indicate that the total damage and economic losses due to the Southern California wildfires could reach up to $275 billion.

which caused $225 to $250 billion in damages, as estimated by AccuWeather.

AccuWeather's estimate takes into account a wide range of costs, including not just damage to buildings and infrastructure, but also the financial impact of evacuations, and the long-term expenses of rebuilding or relocating homes that were destroyed.

In terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in the overall framework of the US in economic history.

For loans, home insurance, and fire insurance, even in areas that aren't typically considered to be at high risk.

.

There is nothing provided for me to paraphrase. Can you provide the text you'd like me to paraphrase?

Los Angeles officials are already looking ahead to after the fires, despite firefighters still having trouble putting out the larger blazes completely.

On Tuesday, Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, issued an executive order to expedite the city's building permit review process. The order requires reviews to be finished within 30 days from the date of submission.

The executive order also aims to simplify the process for removing debris.

.

"This is a crime that can be prosecuted," he said on X.

on Microsoft Start.