Wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles have claimed at least 10 lives and destroyed nearly 10,000 homes. As dry desert winds reignite the flames, five fires have been burning into their third night on Thursday.
The Palisades Fire, spanning between Santa Monica and Malibu, and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, are now the most destructive in Los Angeles history. Together, they have consumed over 34,000 acres (13,750 hectares) or approximately 53 square miles, reducing entire neighborhoods to ash.
In an unprecedented overnight event, a wildfire tore through an upscale coastal area of Los Angeles, forcing Hollywood celebrities to evacuate by car and on foot. The death toll has risen to 10, with officials warning the number may continue to climb, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.
AccuWeather has estimated the economic damage and loss at a staggering $135 billion to $150 billion, signaling a long and arduous recovery ahead. Homeowners' insurance costs are expected to soar as the city begins the process of rebuilding.
Mayor Karen Bass has pledged to aggressively rebuild Los Angeles, despite facing criticism from President-elect Donald Trump and other Republicans over her handling of the disaster. President Joe Biden, who declared a major disaster on Tuesday, assured that the federal government would reimburse 100 percent of the recovery costs for the next 180 days. This includes expenses for debris and hazard material removal, temporary shelters, and first responder salaries.
Of the five wildfires burning in Los Angeles County, the Palisades Fire is only 6 percent contained, while the Eaton Fire remains completely uncontrolled. The skies above buzz with aircraft dropping retardant and water in an effort to tame the blazing hills.
In a concerning incident, a Super Scooper aircraft from Canada was damaged after colliding with an unauthorized civilian drone near the Palisades Fire site. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
The Kenneth Fire, which erupted near Calabasas, one of the wealthiest cities in the U.S., expanded rapidly to 960 acres (388 hectares) within hours. The area is known for its gated communities and numerous celebrities.
In a moment of confusion, Los Angeles County inadvertently sent an evacuation notice to its entire population of 9.6 million, although it was only meant for the Kenneth Fire area. Officials quickly issued a correction to prevent further panic.
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Los Angeles wildfires devour thousands of homes, at least 10 dead
cgtn.com
