The death toll from the catastrophic wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County is expected to climb as crews with cadaver dogs scour the remains of incinerated neighborhoods. Officials confirmed at least 10 fatalities as nearly 180,000 residents have been evacuated, and thousands of structures have been destroyed.
The fires, fueled by hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, have scorched more than 30,000 acres, with the largest blazes—the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire—leaving a trail of destruction across the region.
A new blaze, the Kenneth Fire in the San Fernando Valley, erupted Thursday, prompting additional evacuations and further stretching firefighting resources.
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Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the infernos, aided by a temporary lull in winds. However, meteorologists warn that strong gusts may return by Sunday, complicating efforts. Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley described the Palisades Fire as one of the most destructive natural disasters in the city’s history, with initial estimates suggesting thousands of homes and buildings have been lost.
Santa Monica has imposed a curfew due to looting, with 20 arrests reported, as tensions rise among displaced residents. Shelters have been set up by the American Red Cross to provide food, health services, and support for evacuees.
The financial toll is expected to be staggering. Analysts predict insurance losses could exceed $10 billion, making this one of the costliest disasters in California’s history. The affected areas include some of the nation’s most valuable real estate, particularly in Malibu and Pacific Palisades.
READ: Attorney Brian Claypool Rips California Leadership Over Wildfires: “Predicted And Preventable”
Decades of drought and dry vegetation, combined with unseasonably high temperatures, have created a tinderbox in Southern California. Experts have highlighted the role of climate change in intensifying these conditions, although political debates over the fires’ causes and response have added another layer of complexity.
The wildfires have ignited a political firestorm.
Critics, including President-elect Donald Trump, have targeted California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for their handling, or lack of handling, of the crisis.
Newsom has been accused of failing to address environmental management issues, while Bass faced scrutiny for remaining abroad on a pre-scheduled trip as the fires began.
READ: Trump Slams California Gov. Newsom For ‘Sending Water To Pacific To Save Smelt’ Over People
Amid the devastation, residents are coming to terms with their losses. Actor Steve Guttenberg, whose neighborhood in Malibu was severely affected, spoke of the emotional toll. “It’s like when someone dies suddenly,” Guttenberg said. “You never expect that to happen.”
As firefighting efforts continue, officials remain focused on containing the blazes and protecting lives. Aerial support and ground crews are working to prevent further spread, but the scale of destruction is immense. Recovery and rebuilding efforts are expected to take years.
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