LOS ANGELES — Firefighters in the Los Angeles area are making headway against the devastating fires that have wreaked havoc early Thursday, aided by a decrease in the fierce winds that fueled the flames.
A significant threat that erupted in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday evening has been brought under control, allowing officials to lift the evacuation order for residents in the area, which is integral to the entertainment industry. As of Thursday morning, conditions appeared to favor firefighting efforts as the wildfires, which have claimed five lives and displaced thousands from their homes, continue to stretch from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena.
Flare-ups during the night lit up the Santa Monica Mountains above Pacific Palisades, with some residences still ablaze. However, the winds that previously sent flames racing through neighborhoods were less aggressive overnight, preventing new outbreaks and allowing the flames to rise rather than fan out. The Sunset Fire posed a significant threat, but with swift firefighting actions, Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott stated that their combined efforts and more favorable weather conditions from the day prior were instrumental in containing the fire.
Earlier in the week, powerful winds had propelled embers across the coastal area of Pacific Palisades and the nearby community of Altadena, igniting multiple structures and necessitating temporary grounding of aerial firefighting operations due to safety concerns. The destruction has been severe with nearly 2,000 homes, businesses, and other structures lost to the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have resulted in the death of five people, primarily from the Eaton Fire.
Currently, over 100,000 individuals are under evacuation orders, with flames consuming about 45 square miles — equivalent to the size of San Francisco. The Palisades Fire is now acknowledged as the most catastrophic fire in Los Angeles’ history. Amidst the chaos, Jose Velasquez managed to save his family’s home in Altadena from destruction while many neighbors faced the loss of their properties.
Pasadena’s Fire Chief Chad Augustin highlighted the challenges posed by the city’s water systems, which were further strained by power outages. The fierce winds caused embers to be blown far ahead of the fire, complicating efforts to combat the blazes effectively. There are ongoing concerns regarding why some hydrants ran dry and why the water system faltered when it was needed most. A stark contrast in satellite images before and after the fires illustrated the extensive damage, with areas in Altadena shown to be devastated and only a few homes remaining intact in Malibu.
Rapidly spreading fires thrived in densely packed communities where dry vegetation awaited ignition. Many residents had little time to evacuate and were forced to flee on foot, while police officers sought refuge in their vehicles. The flames also impacted prominent figures in California, as notable celebrities, including Mandy Moore and Billy Crystal, lost their homes in the fire. Crystal described their home, which they had lived in for 45 years, as filled with love and cherished memories.
In Palisades Village, several local businesses and landmarks, including the public library and grocery stores, were also destroyed. Residents like Dylan Vincent expressed feelings of disbelief as they revisited areas that were familiar but now barely recognizable due to the destruction.
Climate experts indicate that California’s wildfire season is becoming increasingly prolonged and intense as rising temperatures and reduced rainfall contribute to these natural disasters. With the Santa Ana winds exacerbating the conditions, Southern California has experienced minimal rain since early May, allowing the fires to grow unchecked.
On Wednesday, winds gusted up to 80 mph, and although conditions were expected to remain precarious, forecasts indicated a potential easing of wind speeds on Thursday. In response to the crisis, President Joe Biden approved a federal emergency declaration and joined Governor Gavin Newsom for briefings at a fire station in Santa Monica. Hollywood studios halted productions, and the iconic Universal Studios theme park also closed its doors to the public in light of the circumstances. Several landmarks, including the Reel Inn in Malibu, suffered significant damage but the owners expressed hope for rebuilding in the aftermath. The challenges remain vast, yet many survive to tell their stories, believing that as long as loved ones are safe, they still find reason for hope.
