A series of devastating wildfires erupted across the Los Angeles area this week, fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions. By Thursday night, the fires had claimed at least 10 lives, destroyed thousands of homes, and forced the evacuation of nearly 180,000 people.
The largest, the Palisades Fire, began Tuesday morning in Pacific Palisades, scorching nearly 20,000 acres with only 6% containment. The Eaton Fire, burning north of downtown Los Angeles, has consumed 13,690 acres and remains uncontained, threatening up to 5,000 structures. Other active fires include the Hurst Fire in Sylmar, Lidia Fire near Acton, and Kenneth Fire in Woodland Hills.
The Sunset Fire in Hollywood Hills was contained by Thursday, but destruction remains widespread. Officials estimate insured losses could exceed $20 billion, with total economic damages potentially reaching $50 billion—far surpassing the 2018 Camp Fire.
Evacuations span Malibu, Calabasas, Pasadena, and Sylmar, with shelters at capacity. Winds exceeding 70 mph and drought-like conditions have exacerbated the crisis, prompting ongoing red flag warnings.
“This has been one of the most devastating weeks in Los Angeles’ history,” said Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. “We urge everyone to stay vigilant and prioritize safety as we continue battling these unprecedented blazes.”
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