Fires can make drinking water, pipes and tanks unsafe. An environmental engineer explains why that’s so and what to do

Firefighters moved into the Los Angeles area Monday, as more powerful winds were expected to start new wildfires that could affect the recent progress made in containing blazes that have killed at least 24 people.

Wildfires are tearing through Los Angeles, forcing thousands to flee to safety and destroying modest homes and vast mansions. As the fires rage on, powerful images tell stories of fear, desperation and solidarity in the sprawling California city.