Los Angeles: Firefighters in Los Angeles fought a relentless battle early Thursday as they tried to contain multiple large wildfires that have claimed at least five lives, charred thousands of acres, and forced the evacuation of over 130,000 people.
What we know so far:
- Fires stretched from Pacific Palisades to Pasadena, spreading rapidly due to ferocious winds.
- Winds that fueled the fires calmed somewhat by Thursday, offering hope for firefighters to control the blazes, including major fires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
- New flames broke out in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday, threatening iconic landmarks. Despite high winds, firefighters made progress on the Sunset Fire, after hitting it “hard and fast,” as described by L.A. Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott.
- Nearly 2,000 structures, including homes and businesses, have been destroyed, with the majority of damage from the Palisades and Eaton Fires. These fires have consumed approximately 42 square miles, nearly the size of San Francisco.
- The five deaths reported so far are linked to the Eaton Fire, a particularly devastating blaze.
- Around 130,000 people were forced to flee. In some areas, residents had little time to escape, and many abandoned their cars, fleeing on foot as flames encroached. Over 300 people, including nursing home residents, were evacuated.
- Satellite images show entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. In Pacific Palisades, celebrity homes were destroyed, and Malibu suffered significant damage with very few homes intact.
- Celebrities like Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, and Billy Crystal lost homes. Crystal described the loss of his 45-year family home as devastating yet focused on cherished memories.
- Over seven schools were destroyed, and iconic locations, including the Palisades Village, were heavily damaged, including a public library, grocery stores, and banks.
- Climate change is lengthening California’s fire season, exacerbating the intensity and frequency of wildfires, as dry winds and record temperatures continue to affect Southern California.
- President Biden declared a federal emergency, and Governor Newsom sent National Guard troops to aid firefighting efforts. Power outages affected around 250,000 residents.
- Hollywood studios, including Universal Studios, suspended operations, while some landmarks like the Reel Inn restaurant in Malibu sustained damage.
- As conditions are expected to improve on Thursday, authorities continue to fight fires, which may last through Friday, with hopes of recovery amid widespread devastation.
