Wildfires in Los Angeles: Casualties Climb to 24
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Los Angeles, Jan 13 (NationPress) The number of fatalities from the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles has increased to 24, according to reports from local media.
These wildfires continue to rage within Los Angeles County, marking a catastrophic event of unprecedented scale in the history of the United States' most populated county.
Among the ongoing fires, the Palisades Fire has consumed 19,978 acres (80.85 square km) with only six percent containment as of Thursday night. Additionally, the Eaton Fire has scorched 13,690 acres (55.4 square km) and remains entirely uncontained, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
For residents like Michael, an accountant from Altadena, where the Eaton Fire originated, the devastation has been life-changing. He was evacuated just moments before his home was consumed by flames.
"It feels like experiencing Armageddon," he stated, fighting back tears. "We've lost everything."
As per Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, the wildfires, which ignited Tuesday night, are among the county's most destructive natural disasters. Over 10,000 buildings have been lost so far, primarily due to the Palisades and Eaton fires.
In Malibu, officials confirmed the first fatality linked to the Palisades Fire on Thursday. The circumstances surrounding the death are still under investigation. Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart expressed deep sorrow, extending condolences to the victim's family.
"This tragedy weighs heavily on our hearts," he remarked.
Currently, firefighters are combating four major wildfires: Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills, and Hurst Fire in Sylmar.
While some advancements have been made in managing the Eaton Fire, strong winds reaching 100 km/h have rendered the containment of the Palisades Fire especially challenging. Officials are hopeful that calmer weather conditions will enhance containment efforts; however, the National Weather Service has indicated that critical fire weather conditions will persist through Friday night.
The fires have necessitated the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents, with at least 70,000 homes at risk and 10,000 destroyed. Reports of looting have emerged in certain evacuation areas, prompting multiple arrests.
Dorothy, a retired school administrator who resided in Pacific Palisades for four decades, has lost her home along with all of her belongings.
