Los Angeles County is reeling from a devastating series of wildfires that have scorched over 2,000 homes and buildings, leaving at least five dead and thousands displaced. Fueled by extreme winds and bone-dry conditions, the Palisades, Eaton, and Sunset fires have created a catastrophe unseen in decades.
The Eaton fire, near Altadena and Pasadena, erupted Tuesday night, claiming five lives and engulfing over 10,600 acres. Residents were given little time to escape as winds surged to 99 mph, spreading the fire with alarming speed. Meanwhile, the Palisades fire burned through 15,800 acres, destroying multimillion-dollar homes along Pacific Coast Highway and leaving many injured.
Fire crews, stretched thin, have been battling the blazes relentlessly. Over 2,500 firefighters are on the front lines, aided by air support and reinforcements from across the state and neighboring regions. However, limited resources and strained water systems have hindered efforts to contain the fires, which remain at 0% containment.
Evacuations are in effect for over 130,000 residents, with many left in anguish over the fate of their homes. Governor Gavin Newsom and President Joe Biden have pledged federal and state support, but as fire officials warn, the region is far from safety. The devastation is a grim reminder of the growing toll of climate-fueled disasters.
