Los Angeles Wildfires Kill 2, Destroy 1,000 Structures and 70,000 Evacuated/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Wildfires fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds have devastated the Los Angeles area, killing two people, injuring many, and destroying over 1,000 structures. At least four fires are burning uncontained, with evacuation orders affecting 70,000 residents and 28,000 structures under threat. Firefighters face dangerous conditions as winds reach 100 mph, hampering efforts to control the flames.
Los Angeles Wildfires: Quick Looks
- Death Toll: Two people killed, numerous injuries reported.
- Widespread Damage: Over 1,000 structures destroyed, 28,000 threatened.
- Evacuation Orders: 70,000 residents evacuated, including Vice President Kamala Harris’ neighborhood.
- Major Fires: Palisades Fire (4.5 sq. miles), Eaton Fire (3.5 sq. miles), Hurst Fire (500 acres), Tyler Fire (15 acres).
- Weather Challenges: Santa Ana winds exceeding 100 mph complicate firefighting efforts.
Los Angeles Wildfires Kill 2, Destroy 1,000 Structures & Evacuate 70,000
Deep Look
The Los Angeles area is reeling as wildfires, driven by fierce Santa Ana winds, have left a path of destruction across the region. Four major fires—Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Tyler—continue to burn out of control, forcing mass evacuations and straining firefighting resources.
Death and Devastation
“We are prioritizing life over everything else,” said Sheriff Robert Luna, noting that hundreds of deputies were assisting in evacuations and emergency responses.
Evacuations and Celebrity Impact
At least 70,000 residents were ordered to evacuate, including Hollywood stars like Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, and James Woods. Vice President Kamala Harris’ Los Angeles home was also in an evacuation zone, though no one was present.
Palisades resident Kelsey Trainor described the chaos: “The fire jumped from one side of the road to the other. People were getting out of their cars with their dogs and babies, crying and screaming.”
Fire Locations and Containment Efforts
The fires remain at 0% containment:
- Palisades Fire: Burning 4.5 square miles in a wealthy coastal neighborhood.
- Eaton Fire: Covering 3.5 square miles in Pasadena, forcing citywide evacuations.
- Hurst Fire: Burning 500 acres in Sylmar, in the San Fernando Valley.
- Tyler Fire: A smaller fire near Coachella, spanning 15 acres.
Fire crews are struggling to contain the flames due to extreme wind conditions, with gusts reaching 100 mph in some areas. Aircraft were grounded early Wednesday, though officials hoped to deploy them later in the day.
Weather and Power Outages
The National Weather Service issued red-flag warnings, citing critical fire weather fueled by strong winds and low humidity. Southern California Edison preemptively shut off power to 120,000 customers, with another 500,000 at risk of outages depending on weather conditions.
Statewide, over 320,000 customers were without power as of Wednesday morning.
Governor and Federal Response
Climate Change and Year-Round Fire Risks
Once confined to a specific season, California wildfires now burn year-round due to climate change. Rising temperatures and delayed rainfall have created conditions for fires even in January.
“We now talk about ‘fire years,’ not fire seasons,” said David Acuña, a battalion chief with Cal Fire.
Community Devastation
Residents like Will Adams, a 56-year Palisades resident, described the unprecedented destruction. “It’s crazy. It’s everywhere, in all the nooks and crannies. One home’s safe, the other one’s up in flames,” Adams said.
Adams evacuated with his children while embers flew into his wife’s car as she escaped. Others fled on foot, carrying pets and essential belongings as roads became impassable.
Looking Ahead
With winds expected to continue into Thursday, firefighters face an uphill battle to contain the blazes. Officials emphasize the importance of preparation, urging residents to evacuate early and pack essential supplies.
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