LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles area is facing a crisis as two massive wildfires have devastated over 10,000 homes, businesses, and other structures, authorities reported on Thursday. In response to an escalating situation, officials have urged residents to adhere to evacuation orders, especially after a new wildfire called the Kenneth Fire ignited in the San Fernando Valley and rapidly spread toward Ventura County by evening.
Earlier in the day, there was a flicker of hope as firefighters managed to slow the advance of the ongoing fires with the assistance of calmer winds and crews from other states. However, this optimism was tempered by warnings from Mayor Karen Bass, who predicted that high winds could exacerbate the fires’ spread.
The Eaton Fire, which began near Pasadena on Tuesday night, has caused significant damage, burning more than 5,000 structures, while the Palisades Fire has destroyed a staggering 5,300 structures to the west. With all major fires occurring within a 25-mile radius north of downtown Los Angeles, fear and despair have settled over the city.
In Pacific Palisades, entire blocks have crumbled into ash, leaving only the outlines of structures and chimneys in their wake. The destruction extended to Malibu, where only charred palm remains were seen above the debris of once-luxurious oceanfront homes. Various community institutions, including five churches, a synagogue, seven schools, as well as shops and restaurants, have also fallen victim to the flames. Additionally, historical landmarks dating back to the 1920s, such as Will Rogers’ Western Ranch House and Topanga Ranch Motel, were among those lost. The full extent of financial damages is still being assessed, but estimates from AccuWeather suggest losses could range between $135 billion and $150 billion.
Firefighters made some progress in containing the blazes on Thursday, but many areas remain vulnerable. Notably, aircraft helped to quell a fire in the Hollywood Hills, allowing for the lifting of evacuation orders. This fire, which erupted close to Hollywood Bowl, posed a threat to one of the city’s most famous venues.
Although the exact causes of the wildfires remain under investigation, the severity of the damage is becoming clearer. In the days leading up to the fires, hurricane-force winds spread embers across the Southern California hills. Barbara Bruderlin, the head of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, described the scene as “total devastation and loss,” noting entire areas had been reduced to mere dirt.
The death toll stands at seven, with two fatalities linked to the Palisades Fire and five attributed to the Eaton Fire. Recovery teams are actively searching through the smoldering remains, with cadaver dogs assisting in the grim task. Stories of tragic losses have emerged, highlighting the human cost of the disaster. Anthony Mitchell, a 67-year-old amputee, and his son, who had cerebral palsy, were reported to have perished while waiting for an ambulance. Similarly, Shari Shaw attempted to convince her brother to evacuate but tragically lost him when crews later found him with a garden hose still in hand, trying to save his home.
As evacuations and school closures continue, over 180,000 individuals are currently under evacuation orders, with the fires having ravaged an area equivalent to 45 square miles, an expanse larger than San Francisco. The ongoing Palisades Fire has become the most destructive of its kind in Los Angeles history. In light of the heavy smoke and ashes pouring over urban areas, the Los Angeles Unified School District has opted to close schools until air quality improves.
To address rising concerns over looting amidst the chaos, at least 20 arrests have been made, and a curfew has been declared in Santa Monica. The National Guard has been deployed to assist local law enforcement in safeguarding properties in affected areas.
Several notable figures, including celebrities like Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, and Paris Hilton, have also lost their homes to the flames. In a show of solidarity, actress Jamie Lee Curtis announced she would contribute $1 million to establish a “fund of support” for those whose lives have been disrupted by the fires, affecting residents across all socio-economic backgrounds.
Compounding the crisis is the understanding that California’s wildfire seasons are becoming longer and more intense, a trend linked to climate change and increasingly dry conditions. With no significant rainfall since early May and hot winds contributing to an already tense environment, the potential for further devastation looms large.
As individuals sift through the ashes and rubble of their former lives, the emotional toll is palpable. Robert Lara, who began his day recounting the loss of his home in Altadena, expressed deep sorrow as he searched for cherished family heirlooms that had been lost to the fire. “All our memories, all our sentimental attachments… are now gone,” Lara lamented, showcasing the heart-wrenching impact these fires have had on countless families and communities.
