At least 11 people have lost their lives, and 180,000 residents have been evacuated as wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area for the fifth consecutive day. The fires, fueled by extreme dry conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds, have caused widespread destruction.
Key Fires and Impact:
- Palisades Fire: This fire has consumed over 21,000 acres and is still expanding, leading to extended evacuation orders. It is currently 11% contained. City Fire Chief Kristin M. Crowley described it as “one of the most destructive fires in the history of Los Angeles.”
- Eaton Fire: Burning through more than 14,000 acres, this fire is 15% contained. L.A. County Fire Chief Deputy Jon O’Brien reported that over 5,000 structures have been destroyed.
- Hurst Fire: This fire has destroyed 771 acres and is 70% contained.
- Lidia Fire: Near Acton, this fire has swept through 395 acres and is 98% contained.
- Kenneth Fire: Starting Thursday afternoon in Woodland Hills near Calabasas, this fire has razed over 1,000 acres and is 50% contained.
- Archer Fire: Sparked on Friday, this fire has burned 19 acres and is 0% contained.
Several emergency alerts were mistakenly sent to millions of L.A. residents who were not in immediate danger, causing widespread panic. Despite hopes that weaker winds on Friday night would slow the fires, the Palisades Fire continued to spread, moving closer to residential areas. Strong gusts are expected to resume later on Saturday.