Wildfire Smoke Blows Into US

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The death toll rose to 25 in the Los Angeles County Fires, with 16 deaths being blamed on the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire responsible for nine. Red flag warnings remain in place for the region through much of Wednesday afternoon, meaning dangerous fire conditions are expected.

Four active fires remain burning:

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• T​he Palisades Fire is now 18% contained according to a CalFire update Tuesday morning. The fire has consumed more than 37 square miles and more than 5,000 structures.
• T​he Eaton Fire, which has consumed more than 22 square miles and more than 7,000 structures, is 35% contained.
• T​he Hurst Fire is now 97% contained after burning through a little more than one square mile.
• T​he Auto Fire, which burned about 61 acres, is 47% contained.

In total, more than 63 square miles have been burned by these and other fires that have since been contained. More than 12,000 structures have gone up in flames.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's office, missing persons reports have been filed for 24 individuals.

T​he National Weather Service issued a "Particularly Dangerous Situation" for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties through 3 p.m. Wednesday. The Los Angeles County Fire Department urged residents in these areas to be ready to evacuate if told to do so.

Red flag warnings have been posted through much of Wednesday, meaning severe fire conditions are expected. Gusts from 50 mph up to 70 mph are expected in mountainous areas throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

F​irefighters dropped fire retardant on homes and hillsides via airplanes in preparation for new blazes due to the heavy winds. Fire trucks were stationed in vulnerable areas, ready to battle any flames that creep up, The Associated Press reported. Dozens of additional water trucks were sent in to areas where hydrants ran dry during the firefight last week.

(​MORE: Intense 'Firenado' Spawned By Palisades Fire)

“We’re absolutely better prepared,” LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone told The AP.

More than 15,000 personnel have been responding to the fires, including firefighters from nine other states and Mexico.