100,000+ evacuated, 5 dead as deadly wildfires rages through Los Angeles | Watch

Raging wildfires in Los Angeles have caused at least five fatalities, forced more than 100,000 people to evacuate, and destroyed hundreds of homes across the region. The fires, igniting on January 6, have spread quickly due to the dry Santa Ana winds, exacerbating the situation for firefighters. Despite the deployment of more than 7,500 firefighting personnel, including resources from other states, multiple fires remain uncontained. Over 1,000 structures have been destroyed, and firefighting efforts continue in an attempt to prevent further destruction.

The Palisades Fire has become the largest and most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles County’s modern history, burning through 25 square miles. Significant buildings have been consumed, including parts of Pacific Palisades Charter High School, which is widely featured in Hollywood films and shows. Several businesses in Palisades Village, such as grocery stores and boutiques, have also been lost to the flames. The fire has caused severe traffic gridlocks in the region, with evacuees abandoning their vehicles on narrow roads as they fled the area. Emergency responders had to clear blocked routes to allow firefighting vehicles access.

In Hollywood Hills, the Sunset Fire has rapidly expanded, now covering over 50 acres. The fire is advancing southward, heading toward Hollywood Boulevard, and firefighters are working to control the blaze from both the air and the ground. Evacuation orders have been issued for surrounding areas, and a temporary evacuation center has been set up at the Pan Pacific Recreational Center. Ground crews are focused on securing the fire’s perimeter, while helicopters continue to drop water and fire retardant on the flames.

Notable celebrities have been affected by the fires, with several losing their homes. Mandy Moore, her husband Cary Elwes, Paris Hilton, Mark Hamill, and James Woods have all been forced to evacuate, with some confirming their homes have been destroyed. Actor Billy Crystal and his wife also lost their residence of 45 years in the Pacific Palisades. These high-profile residents, along with thousands of others, have been displaced, further highlighting the wide-reaching impact of the wildfires.

In total, more than 7,500 firefighters are working to contain the wildfires, utilizing over 1,162 fire engines, 23 water tenders, 6 air tankers, 31 helicopters, and 53 bulldozers. Firefighting efforts are complicated by severe water shortages in the affected areas, particularly in Pacific Palisades, where some fire hydrants have run dry. These shortages are straining local resources, even as efforts to replenish water supplies continue. The fires have spread through dry terrain, exacerbated by the region’s prolonged drought, and are threatening additional communities in Los Angeles County.

Air quality in Southern California has also been severely impacted, with smoke and ash spreading across vast areas. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a health advisory for 17 million residents across the region. In some areas, the air quality index (AQI) has surged to hazardous levels, particularly in East Los Angeles, where the AQI reached 173—well above the healthy threshold of 50. Exposure to the smoke poses significant risks to respiratory health, increasing the likelihood of asthma, heart attacks, and other serious conditions. Public health officials are urging residents to limit outdoor activity and to take precautions, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions.

Deadly wildfires rages through Los Angeles, 100,000+ evacuated, 5 dead

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— Taaza TV (@taazatv) January 9, 2025