LOS ANGELES:
Two major wildfires ravaging Los Angeles were still out of control on Thursday, with thousands displaced and whole neighborhoods reduced to ashes. Authorities reported that many areas of the city remained deserted as evacuation orders continued, with thick smoke and the strong scent of fire filling the air.
The fires, which have been burning for several days, have prompted a large firefighting effort, including water-dropping helicopters, as wind gusts subsided slightly. Unfortunately, looting has also been reported, with at least 20 arrests made.
The most significant fire, which has engulfed 17,000 acres in the Pacific Palisades area, has been described as one of the most catastrophic natural disasters to hit Los Angeles. Meanwhile, another blaze in Altadena, covering 10,000 acres and claiming at least five lives, also remained uncontained, though the fire’s spread slowed due to the easing winds.
Residents, including Kalen Astoor, returned to their neighborhoods to find devastating destruction. Astoor’s family home was spared, but many houses were completely destroyed. “The view now is of death and destruction,” Astoor said, unsure if anyone could return soon.
As the fires raged on, firefighters also battled a flare-up near Mount Wilson, home to key communication infrastructure, though it wasn’t immediately clear if the observatory was in danger.
In Hollywood, evacuation orders related to the nearby “Sunset Fire” were lifted, offering a brief respite for the city’s famed district.
The fires have leveled over 2,000 structures, with many of them luxury homes. Early estimates suggest that the Pacific Palisades area could have lost thousands of homes in the inferno.
