The number of fatalities from the raging wildfires in Los Angeles County has risen to five, according to multiple local news outlets referencing L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna. Over 130,000 residents have been forced to evacuate, with additional evacuation orders issued Thursday evening as a new fire—dubbed the Sunset Fire—erupted in the Hollywood Hills.
More than 1,000 structures have been destroyed as the fires have been fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, low humidity, and ongoing drought conditions.
As of Thursday evening, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that at least five wildfires, including the Palisades Fire burning over 15,832 acres and the Eaton Fire, which has consumed 10,600 acres, were at 0% containment. The quickly spreading Sunset Fire has already burned 20 acres in the densely populated Runyon Canyon area.
Recap of Wednesday’s Events
On what was another challenging day in Los Angeles, the emergence of the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills prompted fresh evacuations and concerns that the crisis may be far from over.
Key developments from Wednesday include:
- Five out of seven major wildfires in the region were reported at 0% containment.
- At least five people have been killed in the Eaton Fire.
- More than 1,000 structures have been destroyed; estimates may increase.
- Over 130,000 individuals evacuated their homes and businesses.
- The Los Angeles Unified School District announced the closure of all public schools on Thursday.
- Fire crews from neighboring states have begun arriving to assist local firefighters, who are stretched thin.
- Power outages in the state have surpassed 1.5 million.
The situation remains critical as authorities work to manage the unfolding disaster.
Credit: Yahoo
