As wildfires rage across Los Angeles, the destruction has reached alarming levels, with 12,000 structures reported lost. Currently, at least 16 fatalities have been confirmed, including 11 in the Eaton neighborhood near Pasadena and five in the Palisades area. The death toll may rise as emergency teams have yet to reach all affected homes, with 13 individuals still unaccounted for.
An evacuation order has been issued for a region housing 153,000 residents, with 57,000 structures at risk. Additionally, 166,000 residents are under an evacuation warning, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and several city officials have urged former President Donald Trump to visit the area, hoping his presence might expedite recovery efforts following this natural disaster.
In a letter shared on social media, Newsom invited Trump to meet with those impacted by the fires to witness the devastation firsthand. Trump has previously criticized Newsom, attributing the fires to water conservation measures, and recently called for the governor's resignation, labeling the situation as one of the worst disasters in state history.
Four major fires are currently active in Los Angeles, with the largest in the Palisades neighborhood, which is now spreading eastward, threatening the affluent Brentwood area. Containment efforts have managed to secure 11% of this fire, which has scorched approximately 9,600 acres. Another significant fire has burned 5,700 acres and is currently 15% contained.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath described the ongoing situation as a night of unimaginable terror and heartache.
The Santa Ana winds, which have exacerbated the fires in recent days, eased on Friday evening, but winds from the Pacific have redirected the Palisades fire. The forecast for the coming days remains grim, with strong winds expected to contribute to further fire spread.
“Critical fire weather conditions will persist until Wednesday,” stated Rose Schoenfeld, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, adding that conditions are expected to stabilize by Thursday.
Meanwhile, power has largely been restored to affected areas. Southern California Edison CEO Steven Powell reported that approximately 50,000 customers are still without electricity, a significant reduction from the half a million who lost power earlier.
In response to rising looting incidents, authorities have imposed a curfew and established checkpoints in the affected neighborhoods.