According to media reports, approximately 10,000 buildings have already fallen victim to the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area. At least ten people were killed. More deaths are feared as two of the major fires were under control on Thursday, and another blaze broke out at the same time.
The “Kenneth Fire” in the West Hills and Hidden Hills area between Los Angeles and Ventura is moving dangerously quickly toward homes in the hilly area, fire officials said. Video footage showed heavy smoke. 900 additional firefighters should be sent there, American media reported, citing California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The largest of the five fires currently raging in the Los Angeles area – dubbed the “Palisades Fire” – is currently burning across an area of about 20,000 acres, fire officials said. The ‘Eaton Fire’ has now grown to more than 5,500 hectares. “The ‘Eaton Fire’ remains 0 percent under control,” fire chief Marrone emphasizes.
“As if an atomic bomb had been dropped”
Most people reportedly died in the Eaton Fire. Given the devastation, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said he doesn’t expect good news about the number of victims. It seems that “an atomic bomb has been dropped in these areas,” Luna said, stunned by the situation in the affected areas.
Arrests after looting
But it’s not just the flames that people fleeing their homes have to fear: authorities say the fire disaster has also brought criminals onto the scene. At least 20 suspects have been arrested so far in connection with the looting, said Kathryn Barger of Los Angeles County. Barger called the looters “opportunists” and told reporters: “I will not stand by and allow an already traumatic experience to become worse.”
Daily life in the region has largely come to a standstill. According to the authorities, schools are mainly closed due to poor air quality. The situation also has consequences for the schedules of sports leagues, such as the NFL football league: the playoff game of the Los Angeles Rams against the Minnesota Vikings scheduled for Monday has been moved to Arizona, the NFL announced. She justified the move with concerns about air quality in Los Angeles and the already heavy burden on police and fire departments. Thick smoke hangs over the city and many people wear masks to protect themselves from the harmful particles. The Oscar nominations have also been postponed.
Hollywood celebrities on the run
Many Hollywood celebrities are also suffering from the major fires. Tokyo Hotel singer Bill Kaulitz (35) showed in an Instagram story how he had to leave his house because of the fires. In the mail are his packed luxury suitcases, including an emergency kit from the Red Cross and two walkie-talkies.
According to her own statements, reality star Paris Hilton had to watch on television as her home fell victim to the devastating fires near Los Angeles. “I am heartbroken, I have no words,” the 43-year-old wrote on the X platform. “I’m watching the news with my family and I see our house in Malibu burning down live on TV. She took a video of a news report showing a burned area.
Biden: “Worst fires in California history”
US President Joe Biden said on Thursday evening (local time) after being informed of the situation that 360,000 people from the worst-hit areas had already been brought to safety. He called the fires “the worst in California history.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
