Rescue teams are actively searching for survivors as wildfires rage across Los Angeles. On Thursday, thousands more residents were forced to flee as their neighborhoods were reduced to ash. In just the last two days, around 180,000 people evacuated their homes. As of now, five people have died, but authorities fear the toll will rise further.
Destruction Spreads Across the City
In particular, the Eaton Gire area near Pasadena has lost between 4,000 and 5,000 structures, including vehicles. Likewise, Pacific Palisades has witnessed similar devastation. Los Angeles County Sheriff officials have warned that the death toll is likely to increase as rescue teams continue their efforts.
Over 30,000 Acres Burned
Moreover, over 30,000 acres of land have burned across the city. A sheriff’s spokesperson mentioned that the challenging conditions are slowing down rescue efforts. To make matters worse, a new bushfire broke out Thursday afternoon, adding to the already overwhelming situation.
Historic Disaster
Despite some relief from strong winds, authorities expect the fires to intensify. As Kevin McGowan, emergency management director for Los Angeles County, stated, “We’re facing a historic natural disaster.” Firefighters also reported that the destruction was unlike anything they’d seen in their decades of experience. Sheriff Robert Luna commented that some areas “look like a bomb was dropped on them,” urging people to remain patient. He added, “Right now, frankly, we don’t know yet.”
Celebrity Homes Destroyed
In Pacific Palisades, a firefighter estimated that only one out of every five homes had survived. Tragically, several high-profile celebrities, including Anthony Hopkins, Billy Crystal, and Eugene Levy, lost their homes. Additionally, the fire has put a significant strain on the city’s water resources. Firefighters have struggled with reduced water pressure and fire hydrants that ran dry due to high demand. Chad Augustin, Pasadena’s fire chief, explained that strong winds were throwing embers miles ahead of the fire.
Progress in Hollywood Hills
By Thursday morning, all evacuation orders for Hollywood Hills had been lifted. Officials cautiously noted that the fire in the area was “under control.” Mayor Karen Bass, who returned early from Ghana, called the wildfires “the big one.” In fact, the Palisades fire has burned the most land of all five fires.