California – Southern California is currently facing its most destructive and lethal winter fires in over 40 years.
The devastating fires erupted on Tuesday.
Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, described the aftermath of the fires and the winds affecting the region as “devastating.”
The Palisades fire is now the largest fire in the area and is on track to become the most destructive in the state’s history.
This was succeeded by the Eaton fire, which has impacted the northern parts of Los Angeles and remains uncontrolled.
Conversely, authorities have confirmed that the Hurst fire, located just north of San Fernando, has been contained.
The wildfires have swept through parts of Los Angeles, resulting in at least five deaths, damaged infrastructure, and forced the evacuation of over 130,000 individuals.
Reports suggest that several famous Hollywood figures have lost their homes to the intense wildfires that have wreaked havoc across much of southern Los Angeles.
Among those affected are Leighton Meester, Adam Brody, and Paris Hilton.
Paris Hilton shared on X: “Heartbroken beyond words. Sitting with my family, watching the news, and witnessing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is an experience no one should ever have to endure. This home contained countless treasured memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps.”
CalFire has reported that hundreds of structures have been destroyed so far, and resources are significantly stretched as firefighters continue their efforts to combat the flames.
Nonetheless, aid is being sent to California; LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone stated: “Firefighting units from Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona are responding to the Southern California wildfires in Los Angeles.”
Brian Rice, president of the statewide California Professional Firefighters, cautioned, “If you do not need to be in that area and breathe in the air, don’t. It’s dangerous.”
According to PowerOutage.us, over 1.5 million homes are currently without power, with nearly a million of those in Los Angeles County.
Meanwhile, the new Sunset Fire, which broke out on Wednesday evening, poses a risk to the Hollywood Hills area and is currently at zero percent containment.
On Wednesday evening, the National Weather Service issued a warning of north to northeast wind gusts reaching 30 to 50 mph expected on Thursday.
The Los Angeles Times referred to the city of Los Angeles as having endured “a two-day nightmare” and highlighted the necessity for residents to prepare for several more days of fire weather.
The US National Weather Service has released a forecast today indicating an ongoing “critical risk of fire weather over parts of southern California on Thursday.”
