Fires fueled by strong winds are ravaging Los Angeles County, prompting widespread evacuations and destruction. Over 1,000 structures have been destroyed, and five people have died, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Multiple fires, including the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, Sunset, and Woodley fires, are burning across the region.
The Palisades Fire, which erupted Tuesday morning (7 January, local time), has grown to over 15,800 acres with zero containment. It has forced the evacuation of 30,000 residents in Pacific Palisades, an affluent area in northwest Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire broke out in Altadena on Tuesday night (7 January, local time), burning at least 10,600 acres and leading to additional evacuation orders.
The Hurst Fire in Sylmar and the Sunset Fire in Hollywood Hills also caused mandatory evacuations as they spread rapidly. The Lidia Fire, which started Wednesday, has reached 40% containment. Firefighters are battling these blazes amid challenging conditions created by powerful winds and dry weather, escalating the risk of further destruction.
President Joe Biden joined California Governor Gavin Newsom and fire officials for a briefing on the ongoing crisis. In response, Biden canceled a planned diplomatic trip to Italy to focus on addressing the emergency. The fires continue to pose significant threats to lives, property, and communities across Los Angeles County.
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