‘Apocalyptic’: Wildfires Claim 10 Lives, Leave Ghastly Remains of Malibu/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Los Angeles firefighters gained ground against massive wildfires as fierce winds subsided temporarily. The blazes have killed 10 people, destroyed over 10,000 structures, and prompted 180,000 evacuations. Officials warn that the respite may be short-lived, with Santa Ana winds expected to return soon.
Los Angeles Wildfires: Quick Looks
- Temporary Respite: Santa Ana winds eased, allowing firefighters to contain more of the fires.
- Devastation Toll: Over 10,000 structures destroyed, 10 lives lost, and countless neighborhoods flattened.
- Historical Losses: Malibu landmarks, schools, and businesses reduced to rubble.
- Climate Change Link: Longer fire seasons and hotter temperatures exacerbate wildfire severity.
- Community Impact: Celebrities like Billy Crystal and Mandy Moore lost homes; Jamie Lee Curtis pledged $1M in relief.
‘Apocalyptic’: Wildfires Claim 10 Lives, Leave Ghastly Remains of Malibu
Deep Look
Wildfires ravaging Los Angeles have claimed at least 10 lives, destroyed over 10,000 structures, and forced the evacuation of 180,000 residents. On Friday, firefighters welcomed a temporary break from the relentless Santa Ana winds, which have fueled the flames since Tuesday. Despite progress in containing some fires, officials caution that dangerous conditions may return as early as Sunday.
Fierce Winds and Destruction
The Santa Ana winds, known for their dry and powerful gusts, played a key role in spreading embers across a 25-mile expanse north of downtown Los Angeles. Entire neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades and Malibu were reduced to ash, with only blackened palm tree remnants marking former homes.
Fire crews, assisted by out-of-state reinforcements, slowed the spread of two major wildfires:
- The Eaton Fire near Pasadena destroyed over 5,000 structures.
- The Palisades Fire, Los Angeles’ most destructive in history, claimed over 5,300 structures, including schools, churches, and historic landmarks like the Topanga Ranch Motel and Will Rogers’ Ranch House.
Despite significant gains in containment, new fires continue to erupt, including the Kenneth Fire, which ignited Thursday in San Fernando Valley. A swift response kept it from spreading further into Ventura County.
Heartbreaking Losses
The fires have left a trail of devastation. Among the 10 confirmed deaths:
- Anthony Mitchell, a 67-year-old amputee, and his son, Justin, who had cerebral palsy, died while awaiting evacuation assistance.
- Victor Shaw, 66, refused to evacuate and attempted to fight the fire with a garden hose; his body was later found near his home.
Families sift through the ashes, mourning both lives and irreplaceable heirlooms. Robert Lara, whose Altadena home burned down, said, “Generational gifts and memories are now gone.”
Impact on Daily Life
The fires have consumed 56 square miles, an area larger than San Francisco. The smoke and ash forced the closure of all schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District, affecting millions of students. Meanwhile, the city of Santa Monica imposed a curfew following reports of looting, with at least 20 arrests made.
Celebrity Losses and Community Support
Several high-profile individuals lost their homes, including Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, and Paris Hilton. Jamie Lee Curtis pledged $1 million to establish a relief fund, highlighting the widespread impact across all socioeconomic levels.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Early estimates place the economic loss between $135 billion and $150 billion, according to AccuWeather. The wildfires underscore a disturbing trend: California’s fire seasons are growing longer and more destructive due to climate change.
Recent data reveals that 2024 was the hottest year on record globally, with rising temperatures and delayed rains extending fire risks into the winter. The infamous Santa Ana winds, combined with dry conditions, create a perfect storm for wildfires.
Looking Ahead
While winds are expected to remain calm through Saturday, they could intensify again Sunday, prolonging the fire threat. As firefighters continue their battle, the focus remains on containing the blazes and preventing further loss of life and property.
For evacuees and those who have lost everything, the road to recovery will be long, but the community’s resilience and support offer hope amid the devastation.
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