At least five people have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced as wildfires in Los Angeles continue to rage. Additionally, more than 1,000 buildings, including homes, businesses, and landmarks, were destroyed.
According to a report by the Associated Press, the fires burned through affluent neighbourhoods such as Pacific Palisades and Calabasas, home to celebrities and multimillion-dollar homes. Entire blocks were levelled, with luxury cars reduced to husks and swimming pools filled with ash. Palisades Village lost major grocery stores, banks, and even a library.
The flames spread so rapidly that many people had little time to escape. Police officers took refuge in their patrol cars, while residents of a senior living centre were hurried to safety in wheelchairs and hospital beds, navigating the streets in the foothills northeast of Los Angeles.
Hollywood productions have also come to a halt, and landmarks such as the Getty Villa faced significant threats from the advancing flames.
The fires, which have consumed over 42 square miles, are among the most destructive in Los Angeles’ history. Pacific Palisades was hit hardest, surpassing the damage caused by the 2008 Sayre fire. Winds reaching 80 mph worsened conditions, briefly grounding firefighting aircraft.
California Governor Gavin Newsom deployed over 1,400 firefighters and National Guard troops to combat the wildfires, while President Joe Biden has pledged federal aid to support the response efforts.
With climate change fuelling longer fire seasons and stronger winds, officials warned the danger is far from over. Dry winds, including the notorious Santa Anas, have contributed to warmer-than-average temperatures in Southern California, which has not seen more than 0.1 inches (0.25 centimeters) of rain since early May.
