Major wildfires raging across Los Angeles County have killed at least five people and destroyed over 1,100 buildings, authorities reported on Wednesday. The fires, driven by powerful winds and dry vegetation, have forced thousands of residents to flee as firefighters struggle to contain the blazes.
Palisades Fire Spreads Rapidly, Threatens Iconic Landmarks
The Palisades Fire, which started on Tuesday in Pacific Palisades, has burned through 15,800 acres (63.9 square km) as of Wednesday afternoon with zero containment, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
Cal Fire described the situation as dire, stating, “Extreme fire behavior, including short and long-range spotting, continues to challenge firefighting efforts for the Palisades Fire.”
The fire has destroyed approximately 1,000 structures, including luxury homes located between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Thousands have been evacuated, with new warnings issued for Malibu. Landmarks such as the Getty Villa museum, showcasing Greek and Roman antiquities, and the Eames House, a celebrated mid-century modern structure, remain under threat.
Additionally, three schools in the Palisades area have sustained significant damage due to the fire.
The Eaton Fire, which ignited on Tuesday evening near Altadena and Pasadena, has devastated over 10,600 acres (42.9 square km). Officials confirmed that the fire has claimed five lives and left many others seriously injured.
Cal Fire emphasized that crews are working tirelessly to slow the fire’s spread and protect critical infrastructure under extreme conditions.
Meanwhile, the Hurst Fire in Sylmar spread quickly overnight, fueled by powerful winds, and had scorched over 700 acres (2.83 square km) by Wednesday afternoon. Firefighters are battling challenging conditions as they work to contain the fire.
Authorities attributed the wildfire crisis to a combination of strong winds, very low humidity, and dry vegetation. Winds reached speeds of up to 160 kph overnight, significantly exacerbating the fires.
A Particularly Dangerous Situation red flag warning remains in effect across Southern California through Thursday afternoon. A high wind warning is also active, intensifying concerns about the spread of the fires.
Local media reported widespread power outages across Southern California. Wildfires have disrupted electricity in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties, leaving over 4 million customers without power as of Wednesday afternoon.
State Of Emergency Declared
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Tuesday due to the rapidly spreading wildfires. Tens of thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate as firefighters continue to battle the blazes under extreme conditions.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, heed evacuation orders, and prioritize safety as wildfires continue to ravage the region. The combination of weather conditions and the scale of destruction poses an ongoing threat to lives, property, and critical infrastructure.
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