As of Thursday morning, two massive wildfires raging through Los Angeles remained uncontrollable, despite efforts from firefighting crews. The Palisades fire on the city’s western flank and the Eaton fire in the east have already burned nearly 28,000 acres, causing widespread devastation. These wildfires are now the most destructive in the city’s history, leaving at least five dead and thousands of homes destroyed.
The fires, which have been so large they are visible from space, are still completely uncontained. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass referred to this as the “big one” during a press conference after returning from an official trip to Ghana. Firefighters, assisted by helicopters, made some progress in controlling a smaller blaze in the Hollywood area, which had forced evacuations in iconic locations like Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame. Authorities reported that the fire had shrunk to about 43 acres, and most evacuation orders had been lifted.
However, the situation remains dire as more than 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes. The fires have consumed some of the most expensive real estate in the area, including properties owned by celebrities like Billy Crystal and Paris Hilton, who lost their homes in Malibu and Pacific Palisades.
The National Weather Service extended Red Flag warnings for the region, forecasting high winds and low humidity until Friday. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph continue to fuel the flames, making firefighting efforts even more challenging. Additionally, water shortages have caused some hydrants to run dry, further complicating the situation.
The Palisades fire alone has consumed over 17,000 acres, while the Eaton fire has claimed more than 10,000 acres. Both fires are continuing to spread, with authorities reporting the destruction of thousands of structures. Firefighters from across the country have been called in to help, with hundreds of personnel and engine companies being sent to the region.
As the fires rage on, many residents are left with nothing but the charred remnants of their homes. The damage is overwhelming, and for many, it feels like a scene from a disaster movie. Thousands of people have sought shelter in temporary evacuation centers, where they have received support from local volunteers.
Fire officials have emphasized that this is a historic natural disaster, and the battle to contain the fires continues. With little rainfall in the region and the Santa Ana winds continuing to blow, the situation remains critical.
