LOS ANGELES — Authorities reported that at least five individuals lost their lives and thousands of properties were devastated as intense wildfires surged through the Los Angeles region. Rapidly spreading flames engulfed residences and businesses, forcing residents to escape from smoke-choked canyons and lush neighborhoods that host numerous celebrities.
The towering infernos that ignited on Tuesday were significantly intensified by powerful Santa Ana winds, which recorded gusts exceeding 70 mph (112 kph) in certain areas. While the winds diminished by Thursday, the National Weather Service cautioned that the remaining gusts could still exacerbate fire spread.
The exact count of casualties remained uncertain as of Thursday morning. Governor Gavin Newsom indicated that the state had dispatched over 1,400 firefighting personnel to combat the raging flames. In an unusual and urgent request, the Los Angeles Fire Department called upon all off-duty firefighters within the city to assist. Oregon contributed 300 firefighters, while Washington state sent 146 personnel. Additional teams from Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona were also on their way.
Preliminary estimates from AccuWeather indicated that damages and economic losses from the fires could range from $52 billion to $57 billion.
A closer look at the situation reveals that the Palisades Fire has become the most devastating in Los Angeles history. Thousands of structures have either been damaged or completely destroyed in the affluent coastal neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, officially marking it as the worst fire on record in the city.
This catastrophe surpassed the Sayre Fire from November 2008, which claimed 604 structures in Sylmar, per records maintained by the Wildfire Alliance. Approximately 25 square miles (40 square kilometers) were scorched in Pacific Palisades, known for its celebrity homes and made famous by the Beach Boys in their iconic song “Surfin’ USA.” Notably, part of Palisades Charter High School, a location featured in various Hollywood projects, sustained damage from the flames.
The fire ravaged significant community assets, including the public library, multiple grocery stores, two banking institutions, and several boutiques within Palisades Village. Among those affected were actor Billy Crystal and his wife Janice, who lost their residence of 45 years.
The chaos caused by residents fleeing created severe traffic congestion, hindering emergency vehicles’ access. Crews had to utilize bulldozers to shift abandoned vehicles off the road, leading some witnesses to describe the scene as apocalyptic.
Other nearby fires posed challenges as well. The Eaton Fire north of Pasadena inflicted damage on between 200 and 500 structures, severely impacting five school campuses in Altadena, while consuming over 16.5 square miles (43 square kilometers). Employees at a senior facility were seen relocating dozens of residents in wheelchairs and hospital beds to safer ground.
The Hurst Fire, which started on Tuesday night, resulted in evacuation orders in Sylmar within the San Fernando Valley, growing to encompass 1 square mile (2.6 square kilometers). Another fire, named the Sunset Fire, ignited late Wednesday near prominent sites in Hollywood but was successfully contained to less than 1 square mile (2.6 square kilometers).
The scope of evacuations required nearly 180,000 residents to leave their homes, with the number fluctuating as new orders were issued. By Wednesday afternoon, hundreds gathered at the Pasadena evacuation shelter, with many attendees being elderly individuals.
The flames threatened densely populated and high-end communities, including Calabasas and Santa Monica, often housing prominent figures in Hollywood. Notable celebrities such as Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, and James Woods were forced to leave, with Moore later revealing the loss of her home in Altadena.
Poor air quality impacted millions in the area, as the fires released vast clouds of smoke and ash, prompting advisories affecting 17 million residents across Southern California. The South Coast Air Quality Management District reported that the worst conditions were localized near the fires, with East Los Angeles registering an unhealthy air quality index of 173—whereas levels under 50 are considered good.
Health experts, including Dr. Puneet Gupta from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, warned that wildfire smoke can lead to heart attacks and exacerbate respiratory conditions, while the combustion of homes can release harmful substances including cyanide and carbon dioxide.
Various events have faced cancellations and postponements due to the crisis. The NHL called off the Los Angeles Kings’ scheduled game against the Calgary Flames, and the Critics Choice Awards pushed their ceremony to January 26. The Oscars voting period was extended, and next week’s nominations announcement was delayed. Several film premieres were canceled, Universal Studios Hollywood temporarily closed due to the hazardous conditions, but Disneyland in Anaheim, situated further from the fires, remained operational.
In addition, Universal Studios halted filming for numerous series due to the situation, and all schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District were closed on Thursday.
Power outages also plagued the region, leaving over 420,000 customers without electricity in Southern California, with roughly half of those in Los Angeles County alone. Furthermore, authorities confirmed that looters exploiting the wildfire disaster would face prosecution, with at least 20 arrests made. “This is simply unacceptable,” stated Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “I promise you, you will be held accountable.”
