LOS ANGELES – On January 8th, fierce wildfires surrounded Los Angeles, claiming at least five lives, destroying hundreds of homes, and stretching firefighting resources and water supplies to the limit. Over 100,000 residents were ordered to evacuate as more than 100,000 people fled their homes.
Fierce winds hindered firefighting operations and fueled the fires, which have burned unimpeded since they began on January 7th. A new wildfire also broke out in the Hollywood Hills, adding to the five other blazes raging in the county.
The municipal water system in Pacific Palisades, an upscale coastal enclave, was severely impacted, with three large tanks holding approximately a million gallons each running dry. Firefighters faced challenges due to limited water supplies and the inability to refill tanks at higher elevations.
The fire in Pacific Palisades, one of the most destructive in Los Angeles history, burned more than 1,000 structures. Another blaze, the Eaton fire near Pasadena, spread explosively, covering over 10,000 acres and resulting in two fatalities.
Emergency responders went door-to-door to press evacuation orders as residents fled the flames. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, and President Joe Biden planned to visit a Santa Monica fire station for a briefing from fire officials.
The wildfires have caused significant damage and displacement, with the international community closely watching the devastating impact on the region.