Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles, Killing Five and Destroying Over 1,000 Structures

Wildfires fueled by hurricane-force winds tore through Los Angeles County on Wednesday, killing at least five people, destroying over 1,000 structures, and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. The blazes, including the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires, have left neighborhoods in ruins and prompted a massive emergency response.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Nicole Nishida confirmed the death toll, which rose from two earlier in the day. Officials have not released details about the victims. The fires, driven by winds exceeding 75 mph, have burned more than 10,000 acres, with the Palisades Fire alone consuming over 11,000 acres and destroying 1,000 structures.

Residents in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and other areas were forced to flee as flames engulfed homes and businesses. David Hansen, a resident, described the scene as an “inferno,” recounting how he rescued his mother from her home just before flames blocked their escape route. “I was probably the last car to cross the fire road as the flames were about to touch it,” Hansen said.

Firefighters from across California, as well as from Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, have joined the battle against the blazes. The Los Angeles Fire Department issued an emergency call for all available personnel, the first such request in 19 years. Despite their efforts, the fires remain 0% contained, with strong winds and dry conditions complicating containment efforts.

President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for California, unlocking federal resources for recovery efforts. During a briefing in Santa Monica, Biden expressed his support for affected residents, saying, “We’re in it, here to stay.” Vice President Kamala Harris, a California native, also offered her condolences, emphasizing the long-term impact of wildfires on communities.

The fires have caused widespread power outages, with over 200,000 customers in Los Angeles County left without electricity. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power urged residents to conserve water to ensure firefighters have enough resources to combat the flames.

Evacuation centers have been set up across the region, including the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, which is housing large animals. The Pasadena Humane Society is caring for smaller pets. Meanwhile, the Screen Actors Guild postponed its SAG Awards nominations announcement due to the wildfires, citing safety concerns.

As the fires continue to rage, officials are urging residents to heed evacuation orders and warnings. “If you are told to evacuate, there is nothing worth your life,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. The region faces a long road to recovery, with AccuWeather estimating preliminary damage and economic losses between $52 billion and $57 billion.