LOS ANGELES – A series of wildfires continue to wreak havoc across the Los Angeles region, destroying homes and businesses, closing schools, and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. As of Thursday evening, approximately 180,000 residents were under evacuation orders.
Among the most destructive blazes is the Palisades Fire, which ignited Tuesday morning and has since torn through the Pacific Palisades, a coastal enclave known for its celebrity homes and picturesque vistas. Late Thursday, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed at least 10 fatalities linked to the fires.
Fires Spread Rapidly Amid High Winds
In addition to the Palisades Fire, several other fires are straining firefighting resources. The Eaton Fire erupted Tuesday evening near Pasadena, leading to the evacuation of nursing home residents and pets. The Hurst Fire, which broke out later that night in Sylmar, has rapidly consumed over 855 acres, prompting widespread evacuations.
On Wednesday, three more fires emerged, including the Tyler Fire in Riverside County, the Woodley Fire in Encino’s Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, and the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills. The fierce Santa Ana winds, with gusts exceeding 60 mph and forecasted to reach 100 mph in mountainous regions, have intensified the flames and hindered containment efforts.
State of Emergency Declared
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, underscoring the severity of the crisis. The Los Angeles Fire Department issued a rare call for off-duty personnel to assist, as strong winds have grounded firefighting aircraft. The Palisades Fire alone has burned over 17,000 acres with zero containment as of Wednesday.
Evacuations have been chaotic. In the Pacific Palisades, over 100 abandoned vehicles blocked Palisades Drive, delaying emergency response. Bulldozers were deployed to clear pathways for first responders.
Federal Assistance Mobilized
President Joe Biden pledged full federal support, announcing that the government will cover 100% of disaster response costs for six months. Resources, including 400 federal firefighters and 30 firefighting aircraft, have been deployed to aid containment efforts.
Individual Fires at a Glance
- Palisades Fire: Over 17,000 acres burned; 0% containment. Evacuation orders remain for Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Santa Monica.
- Eaton Fire: Near Pasadena, this fire has consumed 13,690 acres and destroyed over 100 structures.
- Hurst Fire: Sylmar’s largest blaze, spanning 855 acres, continues to spread.
- Tyler Fire: Contained at 15 acres but left two structures destroyed in Riverside County.
- Lidia Fire: Near Acton, this fire has burned 348 acres with 60% containment achieved.
- Sunset Fire: In the Hollywood Hills, now fully contained with all evacuation orders lifted.
Urgent Call to Action
Authorities are urging residents to heed evacuation orders immediately. LAFD Captain Erik Scott emphasized the need for early action: “If you see smoke or smell smoke, it’s time to go.”
The firefighting community, stretched to its limits, continues its valiant efforts to protect lives and property. With high winds expected to persist, officials warn that conditions may worsen in the coming days.
