Death toll rises to 10 in Los Angeles, wildfire causes catastrophy

A devastating series of wildfires has been ravaging Los Angeles County since Tuesday, leaving at least 10 people dead and destroying thousands of structures. As of Thursday, five significant fires are actively burning in the region: Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, and Kenneth. The total area burned has surpassed 35,000 acres. The Palisades Fire, which is the largest and most destructive, has burned over 19,978 acres, while the Eaton Fire has consumed at least 13,690 acres. Together, these fires have destroyed more than 10,000 structures, including homes and businesses.

The fires are being driven by hot, dry conditions and strong winds, particularly the notorious Santa Ana winds. These winds, which are known for their ability to rapidly escalate wildfires, have intensified the flames, making firefighting efforts more difficult. Firefighters have managed to contain approximately 6% of the Palisades Fire, but significant portions of the fire remain out of control. Firefighting resources, including helicopters and ground teams, are focused on limiting the spread of the blazes. The ongoing high winds continue to challenge containment efforts as they push the flames into neighboring areas.

Evacuations have been ordered across multiple areas of Los Angeles County, particularly in upscale regions like Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Altadena, and parts of the Hollywood Hills. Thousands of residents have been forced to flee, with evacuation orders still in effect as the fires spread. Air quality has significantly deteriorated due to smoke and ash, leading to health advisories for the public. Local hospitals have reported an influx of patients due to burn injuries and respiratory problems caused by smoke inhalation.

In response to the fires, the U.S. military has been activated to assist in firefighting efforts. The United States Northern Command has deployed eight C-130 military transport planes, equipped with Modular Aerial Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS), to help control the fires. These planes are being supported by additional aircraft from Nevada, Wyoming, and Colorado. Despite the substantial resources being mobilized, containment efforts remain ongoing, and it is anticipated that the fires will take weeks to fully control.

The fires have also prompted concerns over looting, particularly in the affected neighborhoods. In response, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has imposed a curfew and deployed National Guard troops to patrol the area. The National Guard’s presence is intended to safeguard evacuated homes and prevent theft. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a stern warning after a firefighting aircraft collided with an illegally-operated drone in restricted airspace over the Palisades Fire. The FAA has emphasized the serious nature of these violations and the immediate enforcement actions that will follow.

As the fires continue to devastate large areas of Los Angeles County, emergency services and local authorities are focusing on maintaining safety, coordinating evacuations, and working to control the expanding blazes. The full extent of the damage remains unclear, and it is expected that the number of casualties and destroyed structures may rise as investigators are able to access affected areas once it is safe.