Wildfires Rage in Los Angeles, Killing at Least Five and Destroying Hundreds of Homes
LOS ANGELES: Raging wildfires surrounded Los Angeles on Wednesday, killing at least five people, destroying hundreds of homes, and stretching firefighting resources and water supplies to the limit, as more than 100,000 people were ordered to evacuate.
The Fires
Hurricane-force winds hindered firefighting operations and spread the fires, which have burned unimpeded since they began on Tuesday. Yet instead of packing hurricane-like humidity, the dry wind fanned the flames over already parched terrain, and the two most dangerous fires continued to grow as the sun set on Wednesday, officials said.
A new fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills section of Los Angeles on Wednesday evening, fire chief Kristin Crowley told a press conference, forcing more evacuations and raising to six the number of wildfires burning in Los Angeles County. All of them were 0% contained according to state officials, including a pair of conflagrations that held the city in a pincer move.
The Damage
On the west side, the Palisades Fire consumed 6,406ha and 1,000 structures in the hills between Santa Monica and Malibu, racing down Topanga Canyon until reaching the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday. It was already one of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history. Aerial video by KTLA television showed block after block of smouldering homes in Pacific Palisades, the smoky grid occasionally punctuated by the orange blaze of another home still on fire.
To the east, in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Eaton Fire claimed another 4,289ha, another 1,000 structures, and killed at least five people, officials said. Private forecaster AccuWeather estimated initial damage and economic loss at more than US$50 billion.
Water Woes
Besides the two major fires, four smaller fires in the county stretched firefighting resources that had already been exhausted. "There are not enough firefighters in LA County to address four separate fires of this magnitude," said Los Angeles County fire chief Anthony Marrone.
Firefighters from six other states were being rushed to California, while an additional 250 engine companies with 1,000 personnel were being moved from Northern California to Southern California, Marrone said in a later press conference. Water shortages caused some hydrants to run dry in upscale Pacific Palisades, officials said.
The Impact
The fires struck at an especially vulnerable time for Southern California, which has yet to see significant rainfall since the start of the water year in October. Then came the powerful Santa Ana winds, bringing dry desert air from the east toward the coastal mountains, fanning the flames of the wildfires while blowing over the hilltops and down through the canyons.
Scientists said the fires, erupting well outside of the traditional wildfire season, mark the latest in weather extremes that are likely to escalate further as global temperatures continue to climb in coming decades.
The Response
President Joe Biden, who stayed put in Los Angeles after Air Force One was grounded due to high winds on Tuesday, joined California governor Gavin Newsom at a Santa Monica fire station to get a briefing on firefighting efforts. "The impacts of (the fires include) over one thousand structures already destroyed, a hundred-plus thousand people that have been evacuated, lives lost, traditions, lifestyles, places torn asunder," said Newsom, who declared a state of emergency on Tuesday.
Biden declared a major disaster for California and pledged any help he could provide in his final days in office before handing off to President-elect Donald Trump on Jan 20. "We’re doing anything and everything and as long as it takes to contain these fires… to make sure you get back to normal," Biden said. "It’s going to be a hell of a long way. It’s going to take time."
Conclusion
The wildfires in Los Angeles have caused widespread destruction and displacement, and the situation is expected to continue for some time. The fires have also highlighted the need for more effective firefighting strategies and better preparedness for natural disasters.
FAQs
Q: How many people have been affected by the wildfires?
A: Over 100,000 people have been ordered to evacuate due to the wildfires.
Q: How many homes have been destroyed?
A: Hundreds of homes have been destroyed, with some estimates suggesting over 1,000 structures have been lost.
Q: How many people have been killed?
A: At least five people have been killed in the wildfires.
Q: What is the cause of the wildfires?
A: The wildfires are believed to have been caused by strong winds and dry conditions, exacerbated by climate change.
Q: What is being done to contain the fires?
A: Firefighters from across the country are being deployed to help contain the fires, and air tankers are being used to drop water and fire retardant on the affected areas.