Devastating bushfires across Los Angeles have killed at least five people and forced 180,000 residents to evacuate, with several historic areas under threat. Five separate fires are burning, including one near Hollywood Boulevard and another that has devastated parts of the iconic Sunset Boulevard.
The Pacific Palisades fire has become the most destructive in LA history. Film director Jon Turteltaub described the situation grimly, saying the affluent suburb has been essentially erased. Of the five active fires, three remain completely uncontained, including the Palisades fire (17,234 acres), the Eaton fire (10,600 acres), and a smaller Sunset fire (43 acres) near Hollywood’s historic district.
The crisis emerged from a “perfect storm” of conditions, according to LA Mayor Karen Bass. Following heavy rains and vegetation growth in early 2024, severe drought hit southern California. Combined with unusually high winter temperatures and winds exceeding 160km/h, the fires spread rapidly.
The situation has overwhelmed local firefighting resources. “We don’t have enough fire personnel in LA County between all the departments to handle this,” admitted Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. The death toll may rise as authorities haven’t yet conducted thorough searches of burned areas.
The fires have caused widespread disruption, forcing the postponement of several Hollywood events including the Critics Choice Awards and Oscar nominations announcement. President Biden cancelled both local appearances and an upcoming trip to Italy to focus on the federal response.
Adding to the crisis, authorities have arrested 20 people for looting in affected areas, an action LA County Chair Kathryn Barger called “simply unacceptable.” Despite the challenges, officials express hope that “the tide is turning” in their fight against the fires, though critical fire conditions may persist through Friday night.
Among the confirmed casualties was 66-year-old Victor Shaw, who tragically died trying to protect his family home with a garden hose, despite pleas from his sister to evacuate.
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