Los Angeles Wildfires: 5 Dead, 130,000 Evacuated in Devastation/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Firefighters are making progress as calmer winds help contain devastating wildfires across Los Angeles. The fires have claimed five lives, destroyed over 2,000 structures, and displaced 130,000 people. Affected areas include Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and the Hollywood Hills, with some iconic landmarks and celebrity homes reduced to ash.
Los Angeles Wildfires: Quick Looks
- Impact: Five fatalities, 130,000 evacuated, and 42 square miles scorched.
- Destruction: Over 2,000 structures destroyed, including homes, schools, and landmarks.
- Affected Areas: Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Hollywood Hills, and Sylmar among hardest hit.
- Celebrity Losses: Mandy Moore and Billy Crystal are among stars who lost homes.
- Climate Connection: Rising temperatures and dry conditions extend fire season.
- Response: National Guard deployed; federal emergency declared.
Los Angeles Wildfires: 5 Dead, 130,000 Evacuated in Devastation
Deep Look
The Los Angeles area is reeling from a series of wildfires that have swept through neighborhoods, killed five people, and displaced 130,000 residents. Fueled by hurricane-force winds and parched conditions, the fires have devastated communities from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena, leaving behind charred ruins and heartbreaking losses.
Taming the Flames Amid Calmer Winds
Firefighters on Thursday benefited from calmer weather, which offered a reprieve from the chaotic evacuation scenes of earlier days. The previous day’s gusts, which reached up to 80 mph, had sent embers flying for miles, spreading flames across densely populated areas. Despite the improvement, the fires have ravaged over 42 square miles—nearly the size of San Francisco.
Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott attributed progress to rapid firefighting efforts and more favorable conditions. “We hit it hard and fast, and mother nature was a little nicer to us today,” Scott said.
Lives, Homes, and Businesses Lost
The fires have destroyed nearly 2,000 homes and other structures. Pacific Palisades, known for its celebrity residents, saw entire blocks of iconic California Mission Style homes reduced to rubble. Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, and Billy Crystal were among those who lost their properties. In a heartfelt statement, Billy Crystal reflected on the memories tied to his home of 45 years.
In Altadena, resident Jose Velasquez managed to save his house by dousing it with water as embers rained down. However, many of his neighbors returned to find their homes reduced to ashes.
Public infrastructure was also heavily affected. Schools, nursing homes, and businesses suffered extensive damage, with UCLA canceling classes for the week.
The Role of Climate and Winds
Experts attribute the worsening wildfire conditions to climate change, which has led to drier vegetation, higher temperatures, and longer fire seasons. Southern California has received minimal rainfall since May, and strong Santa Ana winds have exacerbated the situation.
The fires are part of a troubling trend in California, where fire seasons are beginning earlier and lasting longer, even stretching into winter months.
Emergency Response and Landmark Damage
President Joe Biden issued a federal emergency declaration to support firefighting efforts, while California Governor Gavin Newsom deployed National Guard troops. Hollywood studios halted productions, and Universal Studios closed its theme park as flames approached urban areas.
Among the landmarks scorched was Malibu’s famed Reel Inn, a beloved seafood restaurant. Owner Teddy Leonard remains hopeful about rebuilding, noting, “As long as your family is well and everyone’s alive, you’re still winning.”
The fires have disrupted life across the region, with 250,000 residents left without power and many scrambling to find shelter amid the devastation.
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