A series of destructive wildfires raging across Los Angeles County has claimed two lives and destroyed more than 1,000 homes, businesses, and other structures, making this one of the region's most catastrophic firestorms in recent memory.
Four major fires - the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Woodley fires - have forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate amid powerful Santa Ana winds reaching up to 100 mph. The Palisades Fire alone has burned over 5,000 acres between Santa Monica and Malibu, while the Eaton Fire in Altadena has consumed more than 3.5 square miles.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone confirmed two fatalities in the Eaton Fire area. He also reported numerous serious injuries among residents who didn't evacuate and first responders battling the blazes.
The fires have created chaos across the region, with major roadways jammed as residents flee affected areas. Some people abandoned their vehicles and continued on foot. The Getty Villa sustained damage to vegetation but its buildings remained intact.
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency as firefighters struggle to contain the fires, all of which remain at 0% containment. An estimated 10,000 additional homes face immediate threat.
The National Weather Service had issued its highest alert for extreme fire conditions, citing low humidity, dry vegetation, and powerful winds. Weather officials expect strong winds to persist through Thursday.
Los Angeles residents awoke Wednesday to ash-filled skies and thick smoke blanketing the city. The distinct smell of fire traveled miles beyond the affected areas, while ash from the multiple blazes settled across the region.
Cal Fire continues to investigate the causes of the three primary fires - Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst - as firefighting efforts face challenges from extreme fire behavior and wind conditions.