Wildfires in Los Angeles County have claimed 10 lives, displaced over 180,000 residents, and destroyed iconic neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades and Malibu. Firefighters battle the blazes amid challenging conditions, while authorities enforce curfews to curb looting. Officials link the devastation to climate change, pledging state and federal resources for recovery.
Wildfires raging across Los Angeles County have claimed at least 10 lives, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, with over 180,000 residents displaced. Firefighters, aided by a temporary lull in winds, are battling blazes that have scorched tens of thousands of acres, including areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
Looting concerns have prompted a curfew and patrols by the National Guard and local law enforcement. Governor Gavin Newsom assured the public of a robust response, emphasizing that looting would not be tolerated. Meanwhile, evacuees, some armed, have taken matters into their own hands to protect property.
The Pacific Palisades fire, the largest so far, has consumed nearly 20,000 acres but is partially contained. However, new fires, including one near Calabasas, threaten to escalate the crisis. President Biden has pledged federal support to combat what he described as one of California’s most devastating fires.
Scenes of destruction include the loss of multimillion-dollar homes in Malibu and Pacific Palisades. Weather forecasts warn of continued risks due to dry and windy conditions, while experts highlight the role of climate change in intensifying such disasters.
Efforts to extinguish the fires remain ongoing, with aerial operations disrupted by a drone collision. Residents returning to affected areas face grim realities, with many questioning how long it will take
