Wildfires are raging in Los Angeles right now, particularly in the Pacific Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst sectors. These fires have destroyed entire communities and caused tremendous damage in a number of districts.
According to Knewz.com, more than 1,000 homes and businesses have been down, and two people have already been killed in the extensive flames.
Strong, extremely dry downslope winds that originate inland and impact coastal Southern California and the Baja California region are known as extreme Santa Ana winds. According to reports, these winds have been contributing to the fires, with gusts of up to 80 mph spreading them throughout the Palisades, Altadena, and Pasadena regions.
These Santa Ana winds are “the worst in over a decade,” according to reports, with gusts of up to 99 mph recorded in Altadena and the neighboring areas.
The “rich and highly populated” regions of Los Angeles, including the residences of Hollywood celebrities, were affected by the raging wildfires, according to officials.
As the fires progressed, celebrities from movies and television shows like Mandy Moore, James Woods, and Mark Hamill had to evacuate their homes.
At least 70,000 people were told to leave the impacted areas, according to officials, however the number is always changing as more evacuation orders are given.
At a press conference on January 8, the Los Angeles Fire Department gave a summary of the whole wildfire situation, stating:
“The fire is spreading, and it has already scorched far over 5,000 acres. Our containment percentage is zero. In addition to the estimated 1,000 demolished structures, there have been no known fatalities and numerous serious injuries to those who chose not to flee.”
“The source of the fire is unknown, and we have over 1,000 staff assigned in addition to the first responders on the fire land. But when it comes to the wildfires in the Pacific Palisades, it is underinvestigation,” stated Anthony Marrone, chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
In reference to the circumstances in Eaton, Chief Marrone stated:
“Right now, we have more over 2,000 acres blazing, and the fire is still spreading with no signs of stopping. We have more than 500 personnel assigned, and regrettably, two civilian fatalities have been reported—the cause is now unknown—as well as several serious injuries.”
“We have over 100 structures destroyed, and the cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation,” said Marrone.
Kristin Crowley, the fire chief for the city of Los Angeles, added, “We are definitely not safe just yet. Due to these two significant brush fires, our department has received 3,624 9-1-1 assistance requests in the city of Los Angeles. For comparison, we typically receive little under 1,500 calls in a 24-hour period.
An estimated 22 square miles have been burned by the wildfires, and according to reports, the flames “moved so quickly that many had little time to escape.”
“Police sought shelter inside their patrol cars, and residents at a senior living center were pushed in wheelchairs and hospital beds down a street to safety in the foothills northeast of [Los Angeles],” said.
In a statement to reporters, Jennie Girardo, a 39-year-old Pasadena producer and director, stated, “It smelt like I was living inside of a fireplace when I opened my door… Then I began to notice the ash as well. And in my entire life, I have never witnessed that. like ash showering down.”
More than 1,400 firemen have been sent in to combat the raging fire that has overtaken Los Angeles, “with assistance from both nearby and out-of-state departments and further asks out to anyone with firefighting experience,” according to reports citing California Governor Gavin Newsom.
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