Deadly LA Wildfires Threaten Brentwood, Cost Billions

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — At least 24 people have died as two major wildfires continue to rage across Los Angeles, with the Palisades and Eaton fires threatening exclusive neighborhoods and causing billions in damage. Firefighters made progress over the weekend but warn that high winds forecast until Wednesday could reignite the blazes or spark new ones.

The Palisades fire, which has burned more than 23,000 acres, is only 14% contained and is moving east toward Brentwood, home to the Getty Center art museum. The Eaton fire, responsible for 16 deaths, has destroyed over 12,000 structures, including homes belonging to celebrities Mel Gibson and Paris Hilton. Tens of thousands of residents remain without power.

President Joe Biden has estimated rebuilding costs at “tens of billions” of dollars, while AccuWeather projects total damages could reach $150 billion, potentially making these fires the costliest in U.S. history.

Fire officials have ruled out lightning as a cause for the Palisades and Eaton fires. Legal cases have been filed against Southern California Edison Company (SCE), alleging negligence in maintaining overhead wires that may have sparked the Eaton fire. SCE has pledged to review the complaint and support affected communities.

California’s recent wet years followed by drought created abundant dry vegetation, fueling the fires. A combination of exceptionally dry conditions—downtown LA has received only 0.16 inches of rain since October—and powerful Santa Ana winds has exacerbated the crisis. A political dispute has erupted over the city’s preparedness, with Governor Gavin Newsom calling for an independent investigation into water supply failures.

LA Mayor Karen Bass, who was in Ghana when the fires began, has faced criticism for the city’s response. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley previously warned that budget cuts were hampering emergency readiness, though LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone denied claims of unpreparedness.

Experts attribute the increasing severity of wildfires to climate change, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration linking larger and more frequent fires to rising temperatures and extended droughts. Governor Newsom has declared, “There’s no fire season. It’s fire year.”

As red flag warnings remain in effect, Los Angeles braces for continued destruction, with strong Santa Ana winds expected to intensify on Tuesday.