LOS ANGELES — Firefighters expressed hope for a lull in the fierce winds that have been driving massive wildfires across the Los Angeles area, which have resulted in the tragic loss of 10 lives, destroyed entire neighborhoods, and left the nation’s second-largest city on high alert.
Since the fires ignited on Tuesday, over 10,000 homes and various other structures have been consumed by the flames in a densely populated area stretching 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of downtown Los Angeles. The cause of the largest fires remains unknown.
This catastrophic situation has shocked residents, even in a state accustomed to significant wildfires. Entire blocks of the picturesque Pacific Palisades have been reduced to charred ruins, while in nearby Malibu, only scorched palm tree remains serve as a reminder of oceanfront residences that once stood proud.
As the weekend approached, Los Angeles County and its 13 million residents braced themselves for ongoing fire-threatening winds with the potential for new outbreaks. However, forecasts indicated that the gusts would likely ease by the evening, which had already lessened compared to the hurricane-force winds that swept through earlier in the week, setting off new fires in the hilly terrain.
Forecasters noted that this window of calmness might not last long. “We expect a brief respite from the Santa Ana winds on Friday and Saturday, but we anticipate their return on Sunday and continuing into much of next week,” meteorologist Rich Thompson stated.
In the meantime, additional fires have emerged. For instance, the Kenneth Fire flared up Thursday afternoon in the San Fernando Valley, just a short distance from an evacuation shelter set up for another blaze. Thankfully, prompt and vigorous firefighting efforts managed to contain its spread into Ventura County.
Earlier that day, officials had reported progress in battling the two major wildfires thanks to favorable winds and the assistance of firefighting crews from out-of-state.
In a concerning incident, a firefighting aircraft was grounded after being struck by a civilian-operated drone. The Los Angeles County Fire Department emphasized that flying drones during firefighting operations is illegal and can be life-threatening.
While firefighters succeeded in slowing the advance of the significant blazes, total containment was still elusive. Robert Lara, who was sifting through what was left of his Altadena home, shared his despair, searching for valuable family heirlooms lost in the ashes.
“All our cherished belongings, passed down through generations, are now gone,” Lara lamented.
The Eaton Fire, which ignited Tuesday night, has devastated over 5,000 structures, encompassing homes, businesses, and vehicles. Firefighters have noted some progress on containment of this particular fire as of Friday.
The larger fire in Pacific Palisades has destroyed over 5,300 structures, marking it as the most destructive fire in the history of Los Angeles. Fire crews have managed to achieve some containment, but the scope of the devastation remains heart-wrenching.
In Hollywood Hills, firefighters successfully fought a blaze that erupted late Wednesday, preventing it from reaching notable landmarks like the Hollywood Bowl.
The destruction has affected numerous establishments, including at least five churches, a synagogue, seven schools, and several local businesses, as well as historic sites like the Will Rogers’ Western Ranch House and the Topanga Ranch Motel.
Although the government has yet to provide damage estimates, private weather data firm AccuWeather has raised its forecast of the financial toll from the blazes to between $135 billion and $150 billion.
Bridget Berg, upon witnessing her home engulfed in flames live on television while at work, returned to the ashes with her family. They searched through the charred remains of their 16-year residence, hoping to salvage memories.
“It’s not just our loss; it’s a community loss,” Berg noted solemnly.
Barbara Bruderlin, head of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, explained the unimaginable extent of the destruction: “There are places where nothing remains; not even a stick of wood, just bare earth.”
Among those who lost their lives, it was confirmed that two fatalities were linked to the Palisades Fire, while five were associated with the Eaton Fire. The heartbreaking stories involve Anthony Mitchell, a 67-year-old amputee, and his son Justin, who faced the flames without a chance to escape.
In addition, efforts to combat California’s increasingly prolonged wildfire seasons show alarming trends, with higher temperatures and less rainfall attributed to climate change. Recent information confirmed that 2024 marked the hottest year on record.
As these fires raged on, approximately 150,000 individuals were subject to evacuation orders, with the infernos consuming around 56 square miles (145 square kilometers), an area larger than San Francisco.
Due to heavy smoke blanketing the city, schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District were again shuttered on Friday.
The California National Guard was deployed in Altadena to aid in safeguarding properties within evacuation zones, instituting evening curfews to deter looting following several incidents of theft.
Wildfire destruction has touched many prominent figures in the entertainment community, including celebrities like Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, and Paris Hilton, who lost their homes. Actor Steve Guttenberg reported that his residence in Pacific Palisades survived but noted the scene’s drastic alteration.
“Right now, there’s a great deal of pain in our community,” he shared. “I’ll do everything I can to assist in recovery efforts.”
