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Los Angeles is facing one of its worst wildfire crises, with at least five major fires raging across the region.
The largest, the Palisades Fire, has consumed over 17,234 acres, while the Eaton Fire has scorched 10,600 acres. Both fires remain at 0% containment, raising concerns about their potential to spread further.
The fires have left a trail of destruction, claiming the lives of at least five people and forcing the evacuation of over 137,000 residents. Pacific Palisades alone saw more than 60,000 people displaced, and nearly 2,000 buildings have been destroyed. Iconic locations such as the Hollywood Hills and Sunset Boulevard have suffered significant damage, with some buildings reduced to rubble. Paris Hilton and Ricki Lake are celebrities who have lost their homes in the fires.
“This is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my 25 years on the fire department,” said Adam Vangerpen, a Los Angeles Fire Department captain, while speaking to CBS News.
The economic toll of the wildfires could reach a staggering $57 billion.
As of Thursday, over 330,000 homes and businesses in Southern California remain without electricity. Poweroutages.us reported that 138,000 properties experienced deliberate power shutoffs to mitigate risks, while extreme weather conditions caused outages for another 230,400 customers.
The fires have also disrupted education, with more than 15 school districts announcing closures due to unsafe conditions, including the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Some districts have extended closures through Friday.
Dry conditions and strong winds fueled the fires, reaching up to 80 mph (130 km/h) on Wednesday. While winds have temporarily calmed, allowing firefighters to make progress, red flag warnings remain in effect until Friday at 6:00 PM local time (02:00 GMT Saturday). Officials warn that wind gusts could intensify, creating a risk of further fire growth.
Brent Pascua, battalion chief with California’s fire authority, expressed cautious optimism: “If it stays like this, we can actually turn a corner on these fires and make some good progress today… In case [winds] pick up again later tonight, we’ll have something to anchor into.”
Governor Gavin Newsom revealed that over 7,500 firefighting personnel and nearly 1,200 fire trucks have been deployed across Southern California. Helicopters and planes also assist in con
In Hollywood Hills West, where the Sunset Fire has burned 43 acres, evacuation orders have been lifted for approximately 15,000 residents. However, the area remains hazardous, with authorities urging caution as residents return home.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass assured the public of long-term recovery plans: “Los Angeles will rebuild.”
For many, the wildfires have brought unimaginable loss. One resident described the scene to the BBC as “like Armageddon,” while another stated, “The whole Palisades is done.”
The fires have disrupted the lives of hundreds of thousands and highlight the need for swift action and collaboration to combat natural disasters of this magnitude.
Current Status of Fires
According to the California Fire Authority, the status of active fires as of Thursday is as follows:
- Palisades Fire: 17,234 acres, 0% contained.
- Eaton Fire: 10,600 acres, 0% contained.
- Hurst Fire: 855 acres, 10% contained.
- Lidia Fire: 348 acres, 40% contained.
- Sunset Fire: 43 acres, 0% contained but shrinking.
Two smaller fires, the Woodley and Olivas Fires, have been fully contained.
While firefighters have made some progress, the situation remains volatile. Officials are urging residents to stay vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and prioritize safety as efforts to contain the blazes continue.
Ongoing Los Angeles Wildfires Burn Over 27,000 Acres, Kill 5, and Displace 137,000 Residents
