At least seven people have lost their lives, and thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed as raging wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles, officials reported. Fueled by intense dry winds, the fast-moving flames have swept through smoke-filled neighborhoods, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate, including residents of celebrity homes in affluent areas.
Two more fatalities were confirmed on Thursday in the Pacific Palisades fire, bringing the death toll to seven, officials told . Five of the victims died in the Eaton Fire, one of the four major wildfires currently burning in the Los Angeles region. Authorities fear the number of casualties could rise as recovery efforts proceed.
The Palisades Fire has already scorched 200 acres, leaving a trail of destruction in its path. Over 5,000 structures in this predominantly residential area were damaged or destroyed, making it the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued as firefighters struggled against fierce winds and water shortages.
In total, wildfires have consumed nearly 45 square miles (117 square kilometers) across Los Angeles County, an area equivalent to the size of San Francisco. Entire communities, including Calabasas, Santa Monica, and West Hills, are at risk, with nearly 180,000 residents forced to flee. Prominent Hollywood figures, such as Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, and Paris Hilton, are among those displaced by the fires.
Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna described the devastation as resembling the aftermath of “an atomic bomb,” while officials warned of additional dangers as strong Santa Ana winds, gusting up to 70 mph (112 km/h), continue to fan the flames.
Over 7,500 personnel, including firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency responders, are working tirelessly to contain the fires. Reinforcements have arrived from neighboring states, including Oregon, Washington, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.
President Joe Biden has declared the fires a national emergency, authorizing federal funding and resources to aid in response efforts. The new support includes covering the full costs of hazardous material removal, shelter provisions, emergency responder salaries, and protective measures for up to 180 days.
Economic damages from the fires are estimated at $135 billion to $150 billion, according to AccuWeather, marking these blazes among the costliest in U.S. history. A technical error on Thursday, however, added to the chaos, as evacuation alerts mistakenly reached millions of Los Angeles County residents, leading to widespread confusion before corrections were issued.
Although Santa Ana winds have slightly diminished, the National Weather Service has cautioned that even moderate gusts could rapidly spread the remaining fires, complicating containment efforts further.
