Wildfires tearing through Southern California have left at least seven people dead, with officials fearing the toll could rise as flames continue to rage uncontrollably. High winds and dry conditions have fueled the fires, which have already forced over 180,000 residents to evacuate across Los Angeles County.
The largest fire, the Palisades Fire, has scorched more than 19,000 acres in the Pacific Palisades area and remains zero percent contained. Nearby, the Eaton Fire in Altadena has burned over 13,000 acres, with no sign of containment. The fires have destroyed countless homes and buildings, leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins.
Los Angeles County Sheriff officials described the devastation as “historic,” and emergency responders are working around the clock to battle the flames. Federal aid has been mobilized, with President Joe Biden issuing a major disaster declaration to support the region’s recovery.
“If You’re Told to Evacuate, Go”
During a Thursday press briefing, Senator Adam Schiff urged residents to take evacuation orders seriously, emphasizing the speed and unpredictability of the fires. “You might think you can outrun a fire, but you can’t,” Schiff warned. “If you stay, you’re risking your life. It’s not worth it.”
Local officials echoed the call for swift action, with LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath stating, “Please act swiftly, move quickly, evacuate now.”
Ongoing Threats
In West Hills, the Kenneth Fire has rapidly grown to nearly 1,000 acres since igniting on Thursday afternoon, prompting further evacuation orders. High winds continue to spread the flames, making containment efforts even more challenging.
Firefighters face additional risks as they battle the infernos. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that a firefighting aircraft was struck by a drone over the Palisades Fire, disrupting operations. The FAA is investigating the incident and reminded the public that interfering with firefighting efforts is a federal crime.
Power Outages and Displacement
In addition to the fires, power outages have affected over 1.5 million customers across California, including nearly a million in Los Angeles County. Many evacuees are sheltering in emergency centers, while others are staying with family and friends as they await updates on their homes and neighborhoods.
A Long Road Ahead
Officials warn that the fires are likely to continue spreading due to persistent dry conditions and strong winds. The federal government has committed to covering disaster response costs for 180 days, but the recovery process is expected to take years.
As the fires rage on, the immediate focus remains on saving lives and containing the destruction. For those impacted, the priority is clear: evacuate quickly and stay safe.
