Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles Area, Killing 5 and Forcing Thousands to Flee

LOS ANGELES (AP) — At least five people were killed and thousands of structures were destroyed as wildfires tore through the Los Angeles area, officials said Thursday. Fast-moving flames, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, ravaged communities from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate their homes.

The Palisades Fire, which began Tuesday, has become the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history, burning nearly 27 square miles and damaging or destroying over 1,400 structures. The flames engulfed parts of Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood known for its celebrity homes and iconic landmarks, including Palisades Charter High School, which was featured in films like ‘Carrie’ and ‘Teen Wolf.’

Farther inland, the Eaton Fire burned more than 4,000 structures in Altadena, including homes, schools, and businesses. The fire also forced the evacuation of a senior living facility, where employees pushed residents in wheelchairs and hospital beds to safety. Meanwhile, the Hurst Fire in the San Fernando Valley prompted additional evacuations as it grew to 1 square mile.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and deployed more than 1,400 firefighters to battle the blazes. Assistance also came from neighboring states, including Oregon, Washington, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. President Joe Biden approved federal funding to cover 100% of firefighting costs for 180 days, calling the fires the ‘worst to ever hit Los Angeles.’

Strong winds, which gusted up to 70 mph earlier in the week, dropped slightly Thursday but remained a concern. The National Weather Service warned that even reduced gusts could spread flames rapidly, with another round of strong winds expected by Tuesday.

Air quality across Southern California plummeted as thick smoke and ash filled the skies, prompting health advisories for 17 million residents. In East Los Angeles, the air quality index reached an unhealthy 173, far above the ‘good’ threshold of 50. Dr. Puneet Gupta, assistant medical director for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, warned that wildfire smoke could exacerbate respiratory conditions and release toxic chemicals from burning homes.

As firefighters worked to contain the blazes, looters targeted evacuated neighborhoods, leading to at least 20 arrests. Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger condemned the thefts, vowing to hold perpetrators accountable. Officials also planned to implement a curfew and deploy National Guard members to protect affected areas.

The fires have disrupted daily life across the region, with schools, businesses, and landmarks closed. Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland canceled movie premieres and filming for popular TV shows, while the Los Angeles Unified School District shut down all campuses. The Oscars postponed its nominations announcement, and the NFL is monitoring conditions to determine if Monday’s playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings will proceed.

As the region grapples with the devastation, residents like Josh Lederer are left sifting through the ashes of their homes. ‘It’s heartbreaking,’ Lederer said as he retrieved his children’s clothes from his fire-ravaged property. ‘But we’re alive, and that’s what matters.’