At least ten people have died in Los Angeles wildfires and nearly 10 000 buildings have been destroyed by the blazes, which continued to burn uncontrollably for a third night on Thursday, the 9th of January, in five locations, as winds again picked up, fueling the flames in a dry environment, reports Reuters.
The Palisades fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city’s western edge and the Easton fire to the east have already become the most destructive fires in Los Angeles’ history, reducing entire neighbourhoods to ash.
‼️ California wildfires claim at least 10 lives
🔥 Arson investigation: Los Angeles police have launched an investigation into the “Kenneth” fire, suspected to be arson. A man has been detained after a witness reported seeing him attempting to start a fire on Ybarra Road in… pic.twitter.com/t2sHF51YDt
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) January 10, 2025
The death toll in the fires rose to ten, the Los Angeles County medical examiner said late on Thursday night. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said earlier at a news conference that he expected the number to rise.
“It looks like an atomic bomb has been dropped in these areas. I don’t expect good news…,” said Luna.
The private forecasting company AccuWeather estimates the damage and economic losses at between 135 and 150 billion US dollars, meaning that the recovery will be difficult and homeowners’ insurance costs will rise significantly.
A total of five wildfires burned in Los Angeles County, of which the largest, the Palisades Fire, was contained by only 6% and the Eaton Fire by 0%. Airplanes buzzed in the sky, dropping fire retardant and water on the burning mountains.
A new and fast-growing fire broke out on Thursday near Calabasas, one of the richest cities in the US and home to many celebrities and gated communities. The so-called Kenneth Fire expanded to 88 hectares in a matter of hours.
The Los Angeles police are investigating the Kenneth fire as suspected arson, as a man seen by an eyewitness trying to start a fire in Woodland Hills was arrested, but his connection to the fire is still being investigated
Fire crews managed to fully contain the Sunset fire in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday evening after flames broke out on a hill above the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame.
Winds eased on Thursday from 160km/h on the mountainios areas earlier in the week, allowing firefighters to provide air support, but wind picked up again overnight. Red flag conditions are still expected until Friday afternoon.
Officials reported that the Eaton fire destroyed up to 5 000 buildings, while the Palisades fire affected a further 5 300 buildings.
#Palisades there is just no words … #palisadesfire pic.twitter.com/a2zcefU6p1
— Marcel M (@marcel_cameraop) January 9, 2025
Palisades residents returning after the fire had swept through their neighbourhood saw the charred remains of houses and vehicles.
“We are alive. That’s the most important thing,” said security guard Bilal Tukhi, standing in front of a burnt-out house, comparing the devastation to his war-torn home in Afghanistan.
The fires also destroyed the homes of celebrities, forcing the evacuation of stars such as Jamie Lee Curtis, James Woods and Mark Hamill.
Chef José Andrés, a Spaniard known for providing free food to disaster victims around the world, set up a food van to help the victims, saying “Everyone needs support and love.”
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis announced on Thursday that her family will donate one million dollars to the relief effort.
Media personality Parisa Hilton said she was “heartbroken beyond words” at the loss of her Malibu Beach mansion.
“Sitting with my family, watching the news and seeing our Malibu home burn to the ground live is something no one should have to experience,” she wrote on X.
In addition to US federal personnel and assets, firefighters from dozens of other US states and Canada rushed to California.
“To our American neighbours: Canada is here to help,” said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose country has itself experienced severe wildfires.
While Trump threatens to invade Canada and his MAGA movement bullies and harasses Canadians and other US allies, Canadians are busy saving USians from burning alive.
Canadian air crews in Los Angeles risked their lives to save US civilians. #palisadesfire pic.twitter.com/EiYOAG6Zzf
— Anonymous (@YourAnonCentral) January 9, 2025