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Firefighters are battling massive wildfires in Southern California that had burned through thousands of acres by Wednesday and led to mandatory evacuation orders for tens of thousands of residents. Five people have died.
The Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire and the Hurst Fire swept through the Los Angeles area beginning Tuesday. Fueled by the Santa Ana winds, the blazes grew overnight, destroying houses, commercial buildings and local landmarks. All three fires were 0% contained as of Wednesday evening.
Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brent Pascua described the scene as “apocalyptic.” Abandoned cars were seen burning along the road after residents left their vehicles behind to flee the Palisades Fire on foot, NBC Los Angeles reported Tuesday.
Where are the fires happening?
The fires broke out in multiple locations in the Los Angeles area. L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone said in a Wednesday morning briefing that the raging wildfire in the affluent Pacific Palisades area near the coast had burned “well over 5,000 acres.” To the east, the Eaton Fire, which sparked Tuesday evening, doubled in size overnight and has destroyed more than 2,200 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). The Hurst Fire to the north has swept through approximately 500 acres.
The National Weather Service warned overnight that the situation was “extremely dangerous” and cautioned residents to “leave immediately if asked to do so by your local emergency officials.”
Who is responding to the fires?
Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency Tuesday night. More than 1,400 firefighters have been deployed to Southern California to battle the blazes, as well as emergency officials and first responders, he said.
Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for at least 80,000 people, NBC News reported. A number of shelters have been established in the Los Angeles area for those fleeing the fires.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved funds to support the areas affected by the fires and to help reimburse the state for firefighting costs.
President Joe Biden said his administration is in touch with state and local officials about the fast-moving situation.
Why are the fires burning at the same time?
Southern California is no stranger to destructive wildfires, and a lethal combination of dry conditions and powerful winds this week have contributed to the blazes.
The fires have grown rapidly because of the Santa Ana winds, with gusts of above 80 mph recorded in some parts of the L.A. area, according to The Weather Channel.
Will the situation get worse?
Most likely. The NWS has said the most extreme conditions are expected Wednesday morning.
“Winds should gradually weaken somewhat through the day, but critical fire weather conditions are expected to persist into Thursday,” the agency said.
Several more fires broke out in Southern California Wednesday: the Woodley Fire in the Sepulveda Basin, burning approximately 75 acres, Lidia Fire in Los Angeles and the Olivas Fire in Ventura. The Tyler Fire in Coachella is now is 100% contained. The Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills near Runyon Canyon broke out Wednesday evening, growing to 20 acres and spurring mandatory evacuations.
This is a developing story. Check back for more details.