Massive wildfires erupted across the Los Angeles area on Wednesday night, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate as firefighters battled multiple blazes that have already claimed at least five lives.
The fast-moving Sunset Fire ignited in the Hollywood Hills near the iconic Hollywood Bowl, threatening famous landmarks and densely populated neighborhoods. As winds began to ease, firefighters from across California arrived to relieve exhausted local crews, but officials warned that the danger was far from over.
During a press briefing, authorities extended evacuation orders to include Santa Monica as a new blaze broke out in the Hollywood Hills. Over 130,000 people are currently under evacuation orders across the metropolitan area, a number that continues to fluctuate as fires spread.
In Pasadena, the Eaton Fire that started Tuesday night has damaged or destroyed between 200 and 500 structures. On the Pacific Coast west of downtown Los Angeles, a major fire devastated entire blocks in the Pacific Palisades, reducing grocery stores, banks, and homes to rubble.
More than 1,000 structures have been destroyed in the Palisades Fire alone, making it one of the most destructive in Los Angeles’s modern history. The scope of the destruction is staggering: block after block of California Mission-style homes and bungalows have been reduced to charred remains, with only stone fireplaces and blackened archways standing amid the ashes.
Apocalyptic scenes stretch for miles—swimming pools blackened with soot, luxury cars melted down to their frames, and streets cloaked in thick, acrid smoke. Residents in surrounding areas wear N95 masks, struggling to escape the toxic air that has settled over vast sections of the city.
As firefighting efforts continue, officials urge everyone in affected areas to follow evacuation orders and stay informed through local news and emergency services.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
