Wildfires have broken out across the Los Angeles area, burning several homes, triggering evacuations of lakhs of people and leaving two dead. Los Angeles Mayor has said that the wildlife conditions are expected to worsen on Thursday.
The wildlife forced people to abandon their cars between Malibu and Santa Monica even as evacuees stuck in traffic. Several highways have been closed down and schools and universities in Los Angeles shut due to the fire. Over 1,400 firefighters are engaged in dousing the wildfire even as 1,000 structures have been destroyed.
As of now, four wildfires are currently burning across Los Angeles — Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Woodley.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said that the windstorm is expected to worsen the wildfire and urged the residents to stay vigilant.
“The mandatory evacuation zone for the #PalisadesFire has expanded. All residents East to Kenter and North to Mulholland Rd are now under mandatory evacuation,” the Los Angeles Mayor said on X.
The mandatory evacuation zone for the #PalisadesFire has expanded.
All residents East to Kenter and North to Mulholland Rd are now under mandatory evacuation.
Please follow evacuation orders and stay up to date on the #PalisadesFire at: https://t.co/bPaqoPJcsU. pic.twitter.com/fgEfgfssVz
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) January 8, 2025
“Angelenos should be advised that the windstorm is expected to worsen through the morning and to heed local warnings, stay vigilant and stay safe. Red flag parking restrictions will remain in effect until further notice,” he added.
According to a report in CNN, the fire is spreading to around five football fields ever minute and has burned over 2,900 acres. Over 50,000 people in Los Angeles County were ordered to evacuate the area as of Wednesday.
WILDFIRE SMOKE ADVISORY (Tuesday, January 7 – Wednesday, January 8):#EatonFire burning in the Angeles National Forest near Altadena is affecting our air quality: https://t.co/Y158OoPtBX pic.twitter.com/YaWChIvxzC
— South Coast AQMD (@SouthCoastAQMD) January 8, 2025
The city has declared an emergency and firefighters warned that “tornado-like” winds were complicating their battles.
The wildfire have intensified due to the Santa Ana winds, blowing up to 129 km per hour on Wednesday, thwarting firefighting operations.
Heavenly Father, we lift up the families impacted by the fires in Los Angeles. Comfort those who have lost homes and loved ones, bring healing to the injured, and strengthen first responders. Provide peace, protection, and provision for every need. May Your presence bring hope… pic.twitter.com/ivXiN8wr5O
— American Citizen 🇺🇸 (@realtalkstruth) January 8, 2025
Meanwhile, power stations in Southern California have shut off power to around 1.2 lakh people in six counties over safety concerns due to the risk of wildfires, according to the Associated Press.
Several Hollywood celebrities have taken to social media to express their pain over the wildfire. Chris Pratt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Zoe Saldana among others reacted over the tragedy.
