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4mo ago

Los Angeles Wildfires Devastate Thousands of Homes and Displace Over 150,000 Residents

Fueled by severe winds and drought, the fires have destroyed nearly 2,000 structures, claimed at least five lives, and remain largely uncontained.

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The Palisades Fire burns a residence in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on January 7, 2025.
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Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt attend the premiere of "Marriage Boot Camp Family Edition" on Oct. 10, 2019 in California.

Overview

  • The Palisades and Eaton fires, the largest of five wildfires in Los Angeles County, have burned over 27,000 acres with 0% containment reported as of Thursday morning.
  • At least five fatalities have been confirmed, with authorities warning the death toll may rise as search efforts continue in affected areas.
  • More than 150,000 residents have been evacuated, with thousands of homes, schools, and businesses destroyed across neighborhoods from Pacific Palisades to Altadena.
  • Firefighting efforts have been hindered by hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, water shortages, and stretched resources, though calmer winds Thursday offered some respite.
  • The fires are expected to become among the costliest in U.S. history, with preliminary damage estimates exceeding $60 billion, exacerbating California's ongoing insurance crisis.