The ferocious LA wildfires have devastated communities, claimed lives, and caused widespread destruction. Here are the latest updates:
- Wide-Scale Destruction
The wildfires swept across Los Angeles, affecting areas from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena. Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate as homes, businesses, and other properties worth billions were reduced to ashes. - Altadena Hit Hard
The Altadena neighborhood bore the brunt of the destruction, with around 250 homes completely destroyed. In Malibu, a stretch of 70 oceanfront homes saw fewer than 10 left intact. - Structures and Evacuations
Over 2,000 structures were burned, and approximately 130,000 residents were under mandatory evacuation orders. One resident described the situation as “a little bit like Armageddon.” - Winds Fueled the Blaze
Strong winds, reaching speeds of 137 km/h, accelerated the spread of the flames. Residents reported ash raining down, making breathing difficult and visibility poor. - Multiple Fires Burning
As of Thursday, at least six separate wildfires were active in Los Angeles County. The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and Sunset Fire were listed as “0% controlled”, adding to the challenge faced by firefighters. - Celebrities Affected
Numerous Hollywood stars, including Leighton Meester, Adam Brody, and Billy Crystal, lost their homes. Billy Crystal’s Pacific Palisades home, a residence since 1979, was destroyed. Paris Hilton expressed heartbreak after her Malibu home burned down. - Massive Displacement
Over 100,000 residents, including prominent figures like Jamie Lee Curtis and Mandy Moore, were forced to evacuate. Many sought refuge in emergency shelters as the fires raged on. - Power Outages
Around 250,000 people in Southern California were left without power due to the fires, adding to the logistical and emotional challenges faced by residents. - Emergency Response
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of 1,400 firefighting personnel from California. Additional support included 300 firefighters from Oregon and 146 personnel from Washington state. - Economic Impact
The wildfires have caused an estimated $57 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in Los Angeles’ history.
Los Angeles faces a monumental challenge in recovering from the wildfires. While calmer winds have provided some relief for firefighters, the road to rebuilding communities, restoring power, and aiding displaced residents will be long and arduous.