Ferocious wildfires fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions erupted across the Los Angeles area, destroying hundreds of homes and leaving at least five people dead. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate as the fires, including the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires, consumed more than 25,000 acres combined and caused extensive damage. The fires were exacerbated by drought-like conditions and strong off-shore winds, prompting the National Weather Service to issue red flag warnings to 19 million people in the region.
The Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades grew to more than 15,000 acres while the Eaton Fire north of downtown Los Angeles expanded to over 10,000 acres. The Hurst Fire in Sylmar quickly grew to 500 acres. Officials reported a significant number of injuries, with five fatalities in the Eaton Fire and many more injured. More than 1,000 homes and businesses were destroyed in the Palisades Fire, with an additional 100 structures lost in the Eaton Fire.
The fires caused widespread devastation, with businesses in Altadena in flames, the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center burning down, and beachfront homes in Malibu reduced to rubble. Preliminary estimates suggested losses from the fires could exceed $10 billion. Red flag warnings were expected to remain in place until Friday, with officials urging residents to prioritize their safety. Climate scientists highlighted the impact of weather oscillations on wildfire risk in the region, warning of the continued danger posed by the ongoing fire weather conditions.
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