Sun rises over the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of west Los Angeles, in the aftermath of devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area forcing people to evacuate, in California, U.S., January 9, 2025. REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona
Unchecked Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles as Thousands Flee
Two massive wildfires continued to ravage Los Angeles on Thursday, marking the most destructive blazes in the city’s history. The Palisades Fire in the west and the Eaton Fire in the east have together scorched nearly 28,000 acres, destroying thousands of structures and claiming at least five lives.
Progress Against Smaller Fires
Firefighters made overnight progress on a smaller blaze in the Hollywood Hills, reducing its size from 60 to 43 acres with no buildings lost. Despite this success, more than 100,000 residents remain under evacuation orders as high winds and dry conditions continue to fuel the larger fires.
Destruction and Impact
- Palisades Fire: The western blaze has burned 17,234 acres, consuming hundreds of structures from the hills of Topanga Canyon to the Pacific Ocean. High-profile homes, including those of Billy Crystal and Paris Hilton, were among the losses.
- Eaton Fire: To the east near Pasadena, the fire has claimed 10,600 acres, 1,000 structures, and five lives.
A City Under Siege
Red Flag warnings remain in effect through Friday evening as humidity levels fall to 10%-20%, with some areas experiencing single-digit dryness. Winds of up to 50 mph are expected, exacerbating the risk.
Efforts to battle the fires have been hampered by water shortages, forcing firefighters to shuttle in water where hydrants have run dry.
“We’re fighting a wildfire with urban water systems,” said Janisse Quinones, CEO of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Affected Communities
- Residents returned to neighborhoods reduced to ash and rubble, with chimneys standing as the only remnants of homes.
- Thousands sought refuge in temporary shelters, supported by neighbors who provided essential supplies and local businesses offering free meals.
- Some evacuees, like Kevin Williams, described the harrowing scenes of gas canisters exploding and flames towering 30-40 feet high.
Emergency Response
With local firefighting resources stretched thin, reinforcements from six other states and 250 additional engine companies from Northern California are being dispatched to assist.
Kevin McGowan, director of emergency management for Los Angeles County, called the situation a “historic natural disaster.”
Weather Conditions and Challenges
The powerful Santa Ana winds, a hallmark of Southern California’s fire season, have worsened the crisis. Blowing dry desert air from the east toward coastal mountains, these winds fanned the flames while propelling them through canyons and over hilltops.
Federal Response
President Joe Biden was briefed Thursday morning on the situation and is expected to meet with administration officials to coordinate federal support.
A City in Crisis
As Los Angeles battles the deadliest wildfires in its history, the combined toll of lives lost, properties destroyed, and communities displaced underscores the immense challenge of combating nature’s fury. The city’s resilience will be tested further in the days to come as firefighting crews race against time and nature to prevent further devastation.
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