At least five people have died, and numerous others have been injured as wildfires rage across Southern California under historically dry and windy conditions.
Thousands of firefighters are battling at least five major wildfires around the Los Angeles area, with several smaller blazes complicating efforts. Among the new fires is one in the Hollywood Hills, dangerously close to iconic landmarks like the Dolby Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The destruction has been staggering, with nearly 2,000 homes and buildings reduced to rubble and 400,000 homes and businesses experiencing power outages. More than 130,000 residents remain under evacuation orders, fleeing flames fueled by rare wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour.
The Pacific Palisades fire has become the most destructive in Los Angeles history, leveling entire neighborhoods and reducing mansions, grocery stores, and banks to ashes. Meanwhile, the “Eaton Fire” expanded to over 10,000 acres within 24 hours, tearing through densely populated communities and claiming five lives.
In response to the crisis, the California National Guard has deployed over 600 service members to assist law enforcement and firefighting efforts. Officials remain hopeful they can gain control of the fires once the winds subside by Friday.
“We’ll have red flag conditions probably until Friday. They’re going to keep that warning up. After that, everything really starts to kick into gear, and we’re able to get the upper hand,” said Capt. Sheila Kelliher of LA County Fire.
The full extent of the devastation remains uncertain, as photos and videos reveal harrowing scenes of destruction across Southern California.
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Source:NKONKONSA.com
