LOS ANGELES — Wildfires have devastated the Los Angeles region, resulting in at least five fatalities and the destruction of nearly 2,000 buildings, as officials report. Rapidly spreading flames have engulfed homes and businesses, forcing residents to evacuate from smoke-filled canyons and scenic neighborhoods, many of which are frequented by celebrities.
The major fires erupted on Tuesday, fueled by intense Santa Ana winds that recorded gusts exceeding 70 mph (112 kph) in specific areas. These dangerous winds continued into Wednesday, preventing aircraft from safely conducting aerial firefighting operations, which complicated efforts to contain the blazes. Fortunately, the winds began to subside by Thursday.
In response to the emergency, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the mobilization of over 1,400 firefighting personnel to combat the flames. In an unusual move, the Los Angeles Fire Department urgently requested assistance from off-duty firefighters. Firefighters from Oregon, Washington, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona are also on their way to assist in controlling the fires. AccuWeather has projected initial damages and economic losses due to the wildfires to be between $52 billion and $57 billion.
To oversee the federal response, President Joe Biden canceled a planned trip to Rome and the Vatican.
### The Most Destructive Fire in LA’s History
The Palisades Fire has emerged as the most devastating in Los Angeles history, claiming an estimated 1,000 structures within the hilly coastal area of Pacific Palisades. This level of destruction surpasses the Sayre Fire that occurred in November 2008, which destroyed 604 buildings in the Sylmar suburb, according to records maintained by the Wildfire Alliance.
Approximately 25 square miles (40 square kilometers) have been consumed by flames in Pacific Palisades, an area noted for its celebrity residences and immortalized in the Beach Boys’ classic song “Surfin’ USA.” The fire also affected Palisades Charter High School, notable for its appearances in various films and TV shows, including the 1976 horror film “Carrie” and the series “Teen Wolf.” Additionally, it has caused extensive damage to the community’s library, grocery stores, banks, and boutiques in Palisades Village. Notably, actor Billy Crystal and his wife, Janice, have lost their home of 45 years in the inferno.
The urgent evacuation led to gridlock, obstructing emergency vehicles. Crews had to utilize bulldozers to clear abandoned cars from the roads to allow first responders to access areas in need.
### Additional Fires Compounding the Crisis
Further inland, the Eaton Fire, situated north of Pasadena, has damaged between 200 and 500 structures and significantly impacted five school campuses in Altadena, consuming over 16.5 square miles (43 square kilometers). Staff at a nearby senior center were seen moving residents in wheelchairs and beds to safety in a parking lot.
Meanwhile, the Hurst Fire, ignited on Tuesday night, led to evacuations in Sylmar, expanding to cover one square mile (2.6 square kilometers). Another fire erupted in Hollywood Hills late Wednesday, near iconic locations like the Hollywood Bowl, named the Sunset fire.
### Mass Evacuations Ordered
At least 130,000 individuals have received evacuation orders, though this figure fluctuated as new orders were issued continuously. By Wednesday afternoon, several hundred evacuees, many of them elderly, gathered at the Pasadena evacuation center.
The flames posed a threat to densely populated affluent areas, including Calabasas and Santa Monica, home to many celebrities. Notable figures such as Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, and James Woods evacuated their residences—Moore reported the loss of her home in Altadena.
### Air Quality Concerns
The wildfires have resulted in a significant deterioration of air quality across Southern California, affecting over 17 million people. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued warnings as the air filled with smoke and ash. In East Los Angeles, air quality levels reached an unhealthy index of 173, with acceptable levels defined as 50 or below.
Dr. Puneet Gupta, an assistant medical director for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, warned that smoke from wildfires can lead to heart attacks and aggravate asthma conditions, while the burning of structures can release harmful substances such as cyanide and carbon dioxide.
### Events Postponed and Canceled
The NHL has postponed a game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Calgary Flames that was scheduled for Wednesday night. The Critics Choice Awards have been rescheduled to January 26, with the venue located only miles from the fires. The organization responsible for the Oscars has extended the voting period for nominations, delaying the announcement originally planned for next week.
Film studios have canceled two premieres as a result of the fires while the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park closed due to the hazardous conditions. Additionally, numerous television series, including “Hacks,” “Ted Lasso,” and “Suits LA,” have halted filming.
All schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District were ordered to close on Thursday.
### Power Outages
As of early Thursday, over 300,000 customers in Southern California experienced power outages, with the majority occurring in Los Angeles County, as reported by PowerOutage.us.
