A relentless wildfire crisis continues to grip Los Angeles, as six separate blazes encircle the city on multiple fronts. Fuelled by dry, hurricane-force winds and parched terrain, the fires have consumed thousands of acres, destroyed homes of Hollywood celebrities, and threatened world-famous landmarks.
Water shortages are compounding the crisis. Fire hydrants in Pacific Palisades have run dry, forcing firefighters to shuttle in water. Fire Department Captain Adam VanGerpen described the immense challenges, explaining that with winds blowing embers unpredictably, firefighters are prioritising saving lives over structures.
Among the worst-hit areas is the Palisades Fire, which has burned 17,234 acres and hundreds of structures in upscale neighbourhoods nestled between Malibu and Santa Monica. The flames tore through Topanga Canyon before reaching the Pacific Ocean. Actor Billy Crystal and his wife Janice confirmed the destruction of their longtime Pacific Palisades home, saying, “We are heartbroken, but with the love of children and friends, we will get through this.” Paris Hilton expressed devastation after her Malibu beachfront house was consumed, stating it “burned to the ground on live TV.”
Meanwhile, the Sunset Fire, a smaller but equally alarming blaze in the Hollywood Hills, rages just above Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame. The 43-acre fire remains 0% contained as of Thursday morning. Though evacuation orders in the area were partially lifted overnight, concerns remain high, with embers carried by erratic winds continuing to spread the flames.
Los Angeles County is under siege, with additional fires raging near Pasadena in the east and other areas across the region. The destruction is so vast it is visible from space, appearing as a crescent of flames encircling the city. Red Flag warnings issued by the National Weather Service have been extended, with extremely low humidity and strong winds expected to persist through Friday evening.
The humanitarian toll is mounting, with over 100,000 residents ordered to evacuate. Temporary shelters, such as the Westwood Recreation Centre, are overwhelmed with evacuees. Some, like Foad Farid, arrived with nothing but their cars and phones. Volunteers have rallied to support those displaced, delivering blankets, clothing, food, and pet supplies. Food truck operator Jeff Harris also stepped in, providing meals for evacuees, saying, “I’m just here to help.”
Residents returning to scorched neighbourhoods found little left. Oliver Allnatt, wearing ski goggles and a mask, described his mother’s home and his own as “completely dust,” adding, “It’s something out of a movie.”
The fires have devastated not only homes but also the lives of celebrities and ordinary Angelenos alike. Actor James Woods recounted his escape, saying, “One day you’re swimming in the pool, and the next day it’s all gone.” He broke down describing a niece who handed him her piggy bank to help rebuild.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who cut short an official trip to Ghana to return to the city, called the disaster a “firestorm” and the “big one.”
As Angelenos grapple with the loss of homes and livelihoods, authorities remain on high alert. Winds, heat, and bone-dry conditions have created a perfect storm for the fires to continue spreading, leaving the city braced for further devastation.
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