Photo credit: Mark Viniello
Wildfires have wreaked havoc across Los Angeles, California, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 10 lives and forcing approximately 180,000 residents to evacuate their homes. Authorities are bracing for an increase in the death toll as flames continue to spread. Currently, five major blazes are active, including the Palisades Fire, which has scorched an astonishing 19,978 acres, leading the city’s fire chief to declare it “one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles.
” Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire has consumed 13,690 acres, and the Kenneth Fire erupted on Thursday in the scenic areas of Calabasas and Hidden Hills, expanding rapidly to nearly 1,000 acres within hours.In total, these relentless wildfires have devastated over 35,000 acres and obliterated an estimated 10,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and cherished landmarks.
Critical fire conditions are expected to persist into the weekend, raising alarm among officials and residents alike. In response to this catastrophic situation, President Joe Biden has announced that the federal government will cover all initial disaster response costs related to the wildfires in California. As California grapples with these overwhelming challenges, local communities are coming together to support one another in this time of crisis.
Here’s an update on the five active wildfires in Los Angeles, California, as of 3 a.m. Friday local time:
1. Palisades Fire: This fire has burned over 19,978 acres in Pacific Palisades and claimed at least two lives. It has destroyed around 5,300 structures since Tuesday and is currently 6% contained.
2. Eaton Fire: Located near Pasadena, this blaze has resulted in at least five fatalities and burned through 13,690 acres with no containment reported. An estimated 5,000 structures have been destroyed.
3. Kenneth Fire: First reported Thursday afternoon in the Calabasas and Hidden Hills areas, this fire quickly spread to 960 acres. Authorities have taken one person into custody on suspicion of arson related to this fire.
4. Lidia Fire: Starting in Antelope Valley on Wednesday, this fire is now 75% contained and has burned 394 acres.
5. Hurst Fire: Near San Fernando, this fire has covered 771 acres and is currently 37% contained as of Thursday night.
Fire officials are currently investigating the causes of several wildfires that are destroying homes and forcing thousands of people to evacuate in Southern California.The Palisades Fire began around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and has burned thousands of acres near the beach towns of Santa Monica and Malibu. Later in the day, at around 6:30 p.m., the Eaton Fire erupted in Altadena, close to Pasadena, spreading to over 10,000 acres. A smaller fire, known as the Hurst Fire, ignited around 10:30 p.m. in Sylmar, in the San Fernando Valley, and has consumed approximately 500 acres.
Cal Fire is still investigating the causes of these fires, but strong Santa Ana winds are likely contributing to their rapid spread. In an update, they noted that the combination of low humidity, dry vegetation, and shifting winds increases the risk of spot fires and rapid growth.
What causes wildfires?
Wildfires, which are uncontrolled blazes that occur on open land with vegetation, can be ignited by both natural and human-made causes.The most frequent natural cause of wildfires is lightning. In higher elevations, lightning can strike dry vegetation, igniting fires that can quickly become uncontrollable, especially when driven by dry winds.
