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At least 4 wildfires rage in Los Angeles, causing death, destruction, and evacuations across the city.
A state of emergency remains in effect across Los Angeles city and county as multiple wildfires rage through the area, fueled by strong winds. The fires have already caused widespread destruction, with at least four major blazes burning out of control.
One of the most threatening fires broke out on Wednesday evening in the Hollywood Hills, near iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Bowl. Known for its high-profile attractions, this fire is quickly approaching one of the most recognized areas of Los Angeles.
The fires have taken a deadly toll, with five confirmed deaths in the Eaton Fire near Altadena. This fire spread rapidly through neighborhoods, leaving homes reduced to rubble. Another major blaze, the Palisades Fire, which began on Tuesday, has wiped out an unknown number of homes in the Pacific Palisades, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate, including those in Malibu.
Evacuation efforts have been hindered by heavy traffic and road closures as people scramble to flee. Over 456,000 residents are without power, and schools across the region have canceled classes for the day. Officials are urging parents to check for updates with local districts, as changes may occur throughout the day.
The Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills, burning just a mile from the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, adds to the escalating danger. Despite some easing of the winds that fueled the flames on Tuesday, officials warn that conditions remain volatile. Hundreds of firefighters have arrived from across the state and beyond to assist with the crisis, but the erratic winds continue to make firefighting efforts difficult.
The destruction in the Pacific Palisades is among the worst in Los Angeles history, with more than 1,000 structures destroyed. The fire has completely decimated several blocks, leaving behind only charred remnants of homes. In some areas, swimming pools are filled with soot, and vehicles have melted into heaps of metal.
For residents like Jose Velasquez in Altadena, the fire came so quickly that many didn’t have time to escape. Velasquez managed to save his home and family business, but many of his neighbors were not so lucky. “We had to call a few people… asking if their house was still standing,” he said, only to deliver the heartbreaking news that many homes were lost.
The fires have also impacted some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, and Billy Crystal are among the celebrities who lost homes. Crystal, who had lived in his home for 45 years, expressed his heartbreak: “Every inch of our house was filled with love… beautiful memories that can’t be taken away.”
The fires have ravaged more than 42 square miles (108 square kilometers) — an area roughly five times the size of Honiara. The fires are moving so fast that many residents have had little time to react. Some have fled on foot after abandoning their vehicles, and even emergency responders have been forced to seek shelter.
The ongoing fires come amid a troubling trend of longer and more intense wildfire seasons in California, largely due to rising temperatures and changing climate patterns. Strong winds, including the Santa Ana winds, have intensified the flames, and officials warn that the dangerous conditions may continue until Friday.
In response to the crisis, U.S. President Joe Biden has signed a federal emergency declaration, while California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed National Guard troops to assist with firefighting efforts. The destruction has led to the suspension of several Hollywood productions, and Universal Studios has closed its theme park.
As the situation continues to develop, many families in the affected areas are seeking refuge, while local communities and responders work tirelessly to provide aid and support.
— Source: Associated Press (AP)
