At least two people have died, and many others have been injured as multiple massive wildfires ravaged the Los Angeles area on Wednesday. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone confirmed the casualties and reported that the fires continue to grow uncontrollably.
"Unfortunately, we have two reported fatalities to civilians, unknown cause at the time, and we do have a number of significant injuries," Marrone said. "We have well over 5,000 acres that have burned, and the fire is growing," Marrone said, while adding "we have no percentage of containment. There are not enough firefighters in LA county to address four separate fires of this magnitude," he added.
Thousands of firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the flames, but windy weather conditions have made it difficult for aircraft to assist with firefighting efforts.
As of Thursday, four wildfires continue to burn in the region: Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Woodley. Thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate as the fires spread toward densely populated areas. More than 1,400 firefighters are working to contain the fires, which have already destroyed over 1,000 structures including luxury homes in affluent neighborhoods.
The fires forced people to abandon their cars between Malibu and Santa Monica as traffic backups left evacuees stranded. Several highways have been closed, and schools and universities in the area are shut down.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has warned that conditions are expected to worsen, with a windstorm forecast to intensify the fires. "The mandatory evacuation zone for the #PalisadesFire has expanded. All residents East to Kenter and North to Mulholland Rd are now under mandatory evacuation," the Mayor said on X (formerly Twitter).
Bass urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to local warnings. "Angelenos should be advised that the windstorm is expected to worsen through the morning. Red flag parking restrictions will remain in effect until further notice," she added.
According to reports, power stations in Southern California have shut down power to approximately 120,000 people in six counties due to safety concerns related to the wildfires.