Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles, Killing 5 and Destroying Hundreds of Homes

Raging wildfires engulfed Los Angeles on Wednesday, killing at least five people, destroying hundreds of homes, and forcing over 100,000 residents to evacuate. The fires, fueled by fierce winds, have burned unimpeded since Tuesday, with five separate blazes remaining 0% contained, according to state officials.

On the west side, the Palisades Fire consumed 15,832 acres and 1,000 structures in the hills between Santa Monica and Malibu, reaching the Pacific Ocean by Tuesday. To the east, the Eaton Fire claimed 10,600 acres and caused five fatalities, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed. Private forecaster AccuWeather estimated initial damage and economic losses at over $50 billion.

“We’re facing a historic natural disaster. And I think that can’t be stated strong enough,” said Kevin McGowan, director of emergency management for Los Angeles County, during a press conference. The skies above Los Angeles glowed red, and thick smoke blanketed the area, while nearly 1 million homes and businesses lost power.

Firefighters struggled with limited resources and water shortages, particularly in Pacific Palisades, where hydrants ran dry. “We pushed the system to the extreme. We’re fighting a wildfire with urban water systems, and that is really challenging,” said Janisse Quinones, CEO of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

President Joe Biden, who remained in Los Angeles after high winds grounded Air Force One, joined California Governor Gavin Newsom to assess the damage. Newsom declared a state of emergency, citing over 1,000 structures destroyed and 100,000 people evacuated. Biden pledged federal support, stating, “We’re doing anything and everything and as long as it takes to contain these fires.”

Residents described harrowing escapes, with some abandoning vehicles due to traffic jams. Shaun Tate, a 45-year-old Altadena resident, fled his home at 4:15 a.m. when flames approached. “I chose to save my laptop, my diabetic medication, and a little bit of food,” he said at an evacuation center in Pasadena.

The fires, exacerbated by Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought, highlight the growing threat of climate-driven weather extremes. Local officials warned that strong winds would persist, prolonging the danger. “We are absolutely not out of danger yet,” said Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley.