Devastating wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles County, causing unprecedented destruction and forcing mass evacuations. The situation has worsened since the initial outbreak, with the death toll rising and the scale of devastation expanding. You can see the above satellite image of the situation, it is taken last night.
Unprecedented Scale of Destruction
The death toll has now climbed to at least eight people, with officials warning that this number is likely to increase as search and rescue efforts continue. The number of residents under evacuation orders has surged to over 200,000, with an additional 200,000 under evacuation warnings.
The Palisades Fire, the largest of the blazes, has now consumed over 17,000 acres and is considered the most destructive fire in Los Angeles County history. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley emphasized the unprecedented nature of the disaster, stating, “It is safe to say that the Palisades Fire is one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles.”
In addition to the Palisades Fire, firefighters are battling several other significant blazes, including the Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, and Woodley Fire. The Eaton Fire has burned through approximately 2,200 acres, while the Hurst Fire has rapidly spread to at least 500 acres.
Federal Response and Support
President Joe Biden has approved a Major Disaster declaration for California, allowing immediate access to federal funds and resources for recovery efforts. The President has also announced that the federal government will fully cover disaster response costs for the next six months, an increase from the usual 75% coverage.
The U.S. government’s Fifth National Climate Assessment has linked the growing intensity and frequency of California wildfires to climate change, citing intensified droughts and increased fuel buildup. This January outbreak is considered an extreme outlier, fueled by unusually severe fire weather conditions.
Celebrity Homes Affected
Reports indicate that several high-profile properties have been destroyed, including the Malibu home of Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden. Other celebrities whose homes have reportedly been affected include Paris Hilton, Anthony Hopkins, and Miles Teller.
Ongoing Firefighting Efforts
Firefighting efforts continue around the clock, with both ground and air resources deployed. The Federal government has provided additional support, including U.S. Forest Service Large Air Tankers and firefighting helicopters. The California National Guard has also been deployed to assist in the efforts.
