Wildfires that have devastated the most picturesque areas of Los Angeles continue to spread. According to emergency response firefighters, at least 5 people have died in three major uncontrolled fires.
When the winds calmed and firefighters from across the state arrived to relieve exhausted teams, many thought the situation had been brought under control. However, it turned out that the danger was far from over. A sixth fire erupted in the Hollywood Hills, prompting evacuation orders for thousands of residents, which also extended to some areas of neighboring Santa Monica.
Authorities report that over 1,000 structures, primarily homes, have been destroyed, and approximately 130,000 people are subject to evacuation, with this number continuing to change as new fires break out.
Thick smoke hangs over many areas of Los Angeles. At least seven schools have been damaged or destroyed.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated that firefighters from different parts of California have come to assist local units, supported by aerial firefighting resources.
Bass warned that firefighters continue to face "erratic winds," although they are much calmer than on Tuesday evening, which causes the fire to spread more rapidly.
In Pasadena, one of the affected areas, Fire Chief Chad Augustine reported that an estimated 200 to 500 structures were damaged or destroyed due to the Eaton fire, which began Tuesday evening under hurricane-force winds.
On the Pacific Coast, west of downtown Los Angeles, a major fire in the Pacific Palisades area has leveled entire neighborhoods, reducing them to ash. Authorities estimate that over 1,000 structures have burned in the Palisades, making this fire the most destructive in modern Los Angeles history.
Images coming from Los Angeles show the burning ruins of collapsed luxury homes and swimming pools blackened by soot.
The affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles has long been a favorite spot for celebrities. Many Hollywood stars have been forced to evacuate or have lost their properties due to the fires. Among them are Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, who lost their home, as well as Paris Hilton, whose Malibu beachfront house was completely destroyed.
"This morning we woke up to a dark cloud over all of Los Angeles. But the worst is for those who have been directly affected by these fires. It has been an incredibly painful 24 hours," said Lindsey Horvat, head of Los Angeles County.
In just one day, the fires have consumed a total of approximately 22 square miles (57 square kilometers). Smoke and ash have spread far beyond Los Angeles County, reaching communities to the east and south.
Authorities say air quality has significantly deteriorated. Residents are urged to stay indoors whenever possible, limit physical activity, stay updated on developments, and heed evacuation orders if they are issued.