The Daily Star Ireland
The largest wildfire wreaking havoc across Los Angeles this week has changed direction, prompting new evacuation orders and presenting an additional challenge for the already exhausted firefighters.
Since Tuesday, six simultaneous fires have ravaged neighborhoods in Los Angeles County, claiming at least 11 lives and destroying or damaging 10,000 structures. Officials expect these numbers to rise once firefighters conduct thorough house-to-house searches.
Although the fierce Santa Ana winds that have fueled the flames subsided last night, the Palisades Fire on the city’s western edge has started moving in a new direction. This shift has led to further evacuation orders as the fire creeps toward the Brentwood neighborhood and the San Fernando Valley foothills, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Captain Erik Scott of the LA Fire Department reported a significant flare-up on the eastern side of the Palisades Fire, which continues to push northeast. The blaze, now regarded as the most destructive in Los Angeles’ history, has reduced entire neighborhoods to smoldering ruins, leaving behind the remains of homes and belongings.
Before this latest development, firefighters had reported some progress in containing both the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, located in the foothills east of the city. Despite days of uncontrollable flames, the Palisades Fire is now 8% contained, and the Eaton Fire is 3% contained. Until recently, Cal Fire had listed both fires as 0% contained.
Combined, these two major fires have burned through 35,000 acres, roughly two-and-a-half times the size of Manhattan.
Amid the devastation, US officials have declared a public health emergency. Approximately 153,000 residents remain under evacuation orders, while another 166,800 have been warned of potential evacuations. Curfews are in place across all affected zones, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.
In response to the crisis, aid has poured in from seven neighboring states, the federal government, and Canada, bolstering aerial teams dropping water and retardant and ground crews battling the flames with tools and hoses. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone expressed optimism, citing improved resource deployment compared to earlier in the week.
The National Weather Service predicts better conditions through the weekend, with wind speeds dropping to 32 km/h, a reprieve from earlier gusts of up to 128 km/h. Meteorologist Allison Santorelli noted that while this reduction in winds will aid firefighting efforts, critical conditions persist due to low humidity and dry vegetation. Another red flag warning is anticipated for Monday.
Returning residents in Pacific Palisades have been devastated by what they found. Many homes are reduced to ash and rubble, with brick chimneys and charred vehicles serving as the only remnants. The air remains heavy with acrid smoke as firefighting planes continue water drops in the area.
Kelly Foster, 44, expressed heartbreak as she sifted through the remains of her beloved home. Her 16-year-old daughter, Ada, was overwhelmed upon returning, saying the experience left her physically and emotionally shaken.
In another part of Palisades, only six out of 60 homes survived. Rick McGeagh, a longtime resident, found his ranch house destroyed, with only a statue of the Virgin Mary still standing. “Everything else is ash and rubble,” said McGeagh, reflecting on the home where he and his wife raised their three children.
