Los Angeles, CA — Los Angeles County has been engulfed by one of the most severe series of wildfires in its history, causing widespread destruction and claiming at least ten lives. The intense blazes, notably the Palisades and Eaton fires, have devastated over 9,000 structures, officials reported Thursday, marking a tragic milestone in property damage.
The Palisades fire alone has obliterated approximately 5,300 homes, businesses, and other buildings, while the neighboring Eaton fire has damaged or destroyed an additional 4,000 to 5,000 structures in the Altadena area. These estimates were determined through aerial infrared technology, though officials emphasize that these numbers are preliminary and may rise.
Kristin Crowley, the Los Angeles Fire Chief, described the Palisades fire as “one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles.”
Efforts to contain the fires have seen varied success. L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone indicated early Thursday that the spread of the Eaton fire had been significantly halted. However, by the afternoon, the fire had expanded by over 3,000 acres, reaching 13,690 acres with zero containment as it moved toward the historic Mt. Wilson area.
Despite the challenging conditions, protective measures for the Mt. Wilson area have been effective so far. Don Fregulia, an operations section chief with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, confirmed, “We’re feeling good about what we have to do up there tonight to keep that site secure.”
As the fires continue to rage, a new wildfire emerged Thursday afternoon. The Kenneth fire, which started in Woodland Hills, rapidly spread to approximately 1,000 acres.
In response to the escalating situation, local authorities have implemented safety measures, including a curfew ranging from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Friday in the affected areas. This measure aims to deter looting and ensure public safety without penalizing residents, as explained by L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
The scope of the fires has prompted L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna to request additional support from the California National Guard for traffic control, infrastructure protection, and looting deterrence. Governor Gavin Newsom approved this, adding to the 8,000 National Guard personnel already assisting with the regional wildfires.
Local weather conditions continue to pose challenges. Although wind speeds have diminished slightly, Los Angeles remains under a red flag warning due to critical fire weather expected to persist through Friday night. Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, noted, “We’ll get a little bump up in winds as we get another little push of offshore flow.” This pattern of on-and-off high winds is expected to continue until the middle of next week, exacerbating the fire risks.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass conveyed the gravity of the situation, asserting, “This is absolutely an unprecedented, historic firestorm. But we are all hands on deck.”
As the community grapples with loss and destruction, the resilience of emergency responders and local officials continues to be tested by one of the most challenging natural disasters the city has ever faced. The need for vigilance and preparedness remains paramount as Los Angeles confronts the prospect of further fires in the days ahead.