The Daily Star Ireland
Wildfires have engulfed Los Angeles, claiming the lives of at least five people, destroying hundreds of homes, and severely straining firefighting resources and water supplies. Over 100,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate as strong, dry winds have fueled the rapid spread of the fires, which have been burning through dry terrain with little resistance for the past two days.
A new fire erupted in the Hollywood Hills, according to Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, prompting further evacuations and bringing the total number of active wildfires in Los Angeles County to six. State officials reported that four of these fires remain completely uncontained, including two massive blazes on the eastern and western edges of the city, both of which continue to grow.
In the Hollywood Hills, the Sunset Fire has burned 50 acres so far, according to Cal Fire. An evacuation order has been issued for a wide area bounded by Hollywood Boulevard to the south, Mulholland Drive to the north, the 101 Freeway to the east, and Laurel Canyon Boulevard to the west. This zone includes high-profile landmarks such as the Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars, and Hollywood’s iconic Walk of Fame. While the Sunset Fire is relatively small compared to other blazes, it poses a significant risk if it crosses the 101 Freeway, potentially threatening the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory.
On the city’s west side, the Palisades Fire has devastated 15,832 acres and destroyed 1,000 structures in the hills between Santa Monica and Malibu, advancing through Topanga Canyon to the Pacific Ocean. It is already one of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history.
To the east, the Eaton Fire in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains has burned 10,600 acres and claimed the lives of at least five people, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported. The widespread damage from these wildfires has led AccuWeather to estimate initial economic losses exceeding $50 billion.
The skies over Los Angeles are shrouded in thick smoke, and the red hue of the flames can be seen in some areas. Nearly one million homes and businesses in Los Angeles County have lost power, according to PowerOutage.us.
Firefighting efforts are stretched thin as resources are diverted to multiple blazes, including three smaller fires across the county. In Pacific Palisades, a wildfire consuming 15,832 acres has caused water shortages, further hampering efforts to control the flames. The high demand for water has drained hydrants in the area, as three large water tanks, each holding 3.78 million liters, were depleted. Refilling the tanks has been challenging due to the increased need for water at lower elevations.
Pacific Palisades, known for its luxury homes and stunning ocean views, is among the most affluent neighborhoods in the United States. Many celebrities, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Mandy Moore, and Mark Hamill, were forced to evacuate their homes as the fires spread. With firefighting crews battling limited water supplies, strong winds, and dense smoke, the challenges in controlling the flames continue to mount.
