Wildfires continue to wreak havoc across Los Angeles County, leaving at least five people dead and officials bracing for the death toll to rise. Six separate fires have already consumed over 22 square miles (57 square kilometers), destroying more than 1,000 structures, displacing over 130,000 people, and plunging the city into chaos.
A City Under Siege
Firefighters from across California have been battling the flames, but the erratic winds and dry conditions make containment efforts challenging. Among the hardest-hit areas are the Pacific Palisades, where entire neighborhoods were leveled, and Pasadena, where the Eaton Fire, driven by hurricane-force winds, destroyed 200-500 structures overnight.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the difficulty of combating the fires, despite air operations and reinforcements. “This has been a harrowing time for our city,” she said. Meanwhile, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath expressed the emotional toll of the disaster: “It has been an immensely painful 24 hours.”
Celebrity Havens Reduced to Ashes
The fires have not spared the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood, home to many Hollywood stars. Celebrities such as Adam Brody, Leighton Meester, and Paris Hilton were among those affected, with their properties reduced to rubble.
Impact on Infrastructure
Beyond residential destruction, the fires have severely damaged infrastructure. Seven schools were either destroyed or rendered inoperable, and multiple businesses, including a Bank of America branch in Pasadena, were engulfed in flames.
Air Quality Concerns
The fires have blanketed Los Angeles in a thick layer of smoke and ash, prompting air quality advisories. Residents are being urged to stay indoors, limit physical activity, and heed evacuation orders.
A Long Road Ahead
With new fires breaking out in the Hollywood Hills and Santa Monica, the situation remains dire. Firefighters, though exhausted, continue to work tirelessly to protect lives and property.
Source: Euronews
Comments