Two major wildfires in Los Angeles have destroyed at least 10,000 homes, buildings, and other structures, officials reported Thursday. As a new fire called the Kenneth Fire quickly spread, authorities urged more people to evacuate. This fire began in the San Fernando Valley and soon spread into Ventura County. Only hours earlier, firefighters had shown progress in fighting other fires, with calmer winds helping control some of the damage. But the situation quickly worsened as strong winds picked up again.
The Eaton Fire near Pasadena, which started earlier in the week, has already burned over 5,000 structures. The largest of the fires, the Palisades Fire, has destroyed over 5,300 buildings. These fires are concentrated in an area of Los Angeles about 25 miles north of downtown. Many neighborhoods have been reduced to ashes, with only chimneys and outlines of homes remaining. In Malibu, beachfront homes have been entirely destroyed, leaving behind only charred remains.
The fires have caused massive damage, including the destruction of several schools, libraries, shops, and landmarks. Among the losses were historic buildings such as the Will Rogers Western Ranch House and the Topanga Ranch Motel. At least seven people have died, including two in the Palisades Fire and five in the Eaton Fire. Authorities are continuing to search through the rubble for more victims.
More than 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate, and around 45 square miles have burned—about the size of San Francisco. The Palisades Fire is now the most destructive in Los Angeles history. Because of the heavy smoke and falling ash, schools in the area have been closed, and more than 20 people have been arrested for looting. A curfew has been set in Santa Monica, and National Guard troops have been deployed to protect evacuated areas.
Celebrities like Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, and Paris Hilton have lost their homes in the fires. In response, actress Jamie Lee Curtis pledged $1 million to help those affected by the disaster. The fire season in California is lasting longer due to rising temperatures and less rainfall, factors linked to climate change.
For many victims, like Robert Lara in Altadena, the devastation is not just physical but emotional. He and others are sifting through the ruins of their homes, trying to recover lost memories and belongings. The fires have left a deep impact, and recovery will be a long, difficult process.
