Los Angeles has been struck by two of the largest wildfires in its history, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 10 lives and the destruction of around 10,000 homes and buildings. Officials are urging residents to adhere to evacuation orders as a new fire rapidly expanded in the area.
The Kenneth Fire ignited in the San Fernando Valley, alarmingly close to an evacuation shelter. Firefighters mounted an extensive and aggressive response, managing to contain the flames from reaching the neighboring Ventura County. Approximately 400 firefighters remained at the scene overnight to prevent further flare-ups.
Earlier, there was a slight glimmer of hope as firefighters, aided by milder winds and support teams from out of state, reported initial successes against the two catastrophic fires wielding havoc in the region.
The Eaton Fire, located near Pasadena and which began on Tuesday night, has already consumed over 5,000 structures, affecting homes, businesses, and vehicles alike. As of Thursday, containment efforts were starting to show promise.
Further west, the Pacific Palisades fire has become the largest active blaze in Los Angeles County, with more than 5,300 structures destroyed, leaving firefighters struggling to gain control.
These large-scale fires span a belt nearly 25 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, instilling fear and sorrow in the populous city. Authorities are working diligently to understand the causes behind these devastating incidents. According to various climate monitoring agencies, this year is on record to be the hottest on Earth.
Marshall Shepherd, a meteorology professor at the University of Georgia, pointed out that recent severe weather events—such as Hurricane Helene and floods in Spain—along with shifts in climate, are contributing factors to the wildfires in California.
The level of destruction witnessed is hard to comprehend, even in a state accustomed to wildfires. Entire neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades now lie in ruins, with blocks turned into piles of ash and debris. Malibu, once known for its scenic seaside homes, is now marked by charred palm trees standing amid the wreckage.
The losses have been extensive, with at least five churches, a synagogue, seven schools, two libraries, multiple restaurants, and more succumbing to the flames. Iconic landmarks like the Will Rogers’ Rancho Western House and the Topanga Ranch Motel, cherished by the community since the 1920s, were also destroyed.
As of now, the government has yet to provide details on the financial toll or the total number of structures lost. Private weather service AccuWeather raised its estimates for damages to between $135 billion and $150 billion.
Despite significant progress in slowing the spread of the fires, full containment remains elusive. With aerial support for water drops, crews have made strides in subduing flames in the Hollywood Hills, allowing for the lifting of some evacuation orders in that area. This fire was dangerously close to the Hollywood Bowl, a famous outdoor amphitheater.
Earlier in the week, hurricane-force winds spread embers and ignited flames across hills. The full scope of this destruction remains difficult to quantify, with Barbara Bruderlin, President of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, describing the scene as total devastation. In certain areas, “there is nothing left, not even a stick, just earth,” she said.
The rising death toll includes two individuals lost in the Palisades fire and five from the Eaton blaze. Rescuers are continuing their search for potential victims in the ravaged areas. Among those who perished were 67-year-old Anthony Mitchell and his son Justin, who could not escape the flames due to their physical difficulties. Another victim, Victor Shaw, chose to stay behind, attempting to fight the fire, and was later discovered with a garden hose in hand.
As the fires rage on, around 180,000 individuals are under evacuation orders, with the flames consuming roughly 45 square miles, making the Palisades fire the most destructive in Los Angeles history. Schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest in the country, were closed again on Friday due to the heavy smoke engulfing the city.
Reports of looting have emerged, leading to at least 20 arrests. The nearby city of Santa Monica has declared a curfew to maintain order amidst the chaos. National Guard troops arrived in Los Angeles to secure properties affected by the fires.
The celebrity community was not spared, as many stars have lost their homes, including Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, and Paris Hilton. Jamie Lee Curtis has stepped forward, pledging $1 million to establish a support fund for those affected by this disaster, which impacts all societal classes.
Experts warn that California’s wildfire season is beginning earlier and lasting longer, exacerbated by rising temperatures and reduced rainfall, a direct consequence of changing climate patterns. The Santa Ana winds have helped contribute to the dangerously dry conditions that Southern California is facing, which have seen minimal rainfall for months.
The emotional toll on victims is profound, with people like Robert Lara sifting through the ashes of his home, hoping to salvage a safe that held family heirlooms. “All of our memories, every sentimental connection, things passed down through generations, they’ve all vanished,” he expressed sorrowfully.
