Massive wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles have left at least 10 people dead and displaced over 180,000 residents, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins as authorities and firefighters battle multiple blazes in California’s second-largest city.
Firefighting Efforts Amid Growing Chaos
A vast firefighting operation continues, supported by water-dropping helicopters and a temporary lull in winds. However, new fires continue to erupt, complicating containment efforts.
The largest blaze, which has consumed nearly 20,000 acres in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood, is now six percent contained. Meanwhile, another fire in Altadena has destroyed 13,700 acres, and the Kenneth Fire, near Calabasas and Hidden Hills, exploded to 1,000 acres within hours.
National Guard Deployed to Quell Unrest
With reports of looting in evacuated areas, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced plans for a nighttime curfew. The California National Guard has been deployed to patrol affected neighborhoods and maintain order.
Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the state’s commitment to protecting communities:
“We’re throwing everything at our disposal — including our National Guard service members — to protect communities in the days to come. Looting will not be tolerated.”
Sheriff Luna assured the public that officers are patrolling evacuation zones and will arrest unauthorized individuals. However, evacuees like Nicholas Norman have resorted to armed vigilance, fearing insufficient security.
“I did the classic American thing: I went and got my shotgun and I sat out there,” Norman told AFP.
Unprecedented Scale of Destruction
President Joe Biden described the wildfires as “the most devastating fire in California’s history” and pledged additional federal resources to aid the state.
As winds pick up again, the situation remains volatile, with new fires threatening homes and lives. The combined efforts of local, state, and federal authorities aim to mitigate the catastrophic impact of these wildfires and restore safety to the affected communities.