Palisades fireplace stay updates: Mayor says ‘LA will rebuild stronger’ as 5 killed and metropolis suffers worst blaze in historical past
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Wildfires continue to rage over more than 27,000 acres in Southern California as crews struggled to contain the blazes.
So far, five people are dead, countless are hurt and more than 1,000 structures are in ruin as the blazes devastate Southern California. The Palisades Fire is now the most destructive in Los Angeles history.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called on residents to “conserve water to the extent that you can” as firefighters battle the historic blaze.
“But make no mistake, Los Angeles will rebuild stronger than ever,” she said.
The Palisades Fire is now more than 15,000 acres, while the Eaton Fire has scorched some 10,600 acres.
The blazes have forced the evacuation of more than 150,000 residents, including more than 30,000 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
Homes have been destroyed across the LA area, including those owned by several celebrities. Dramatic pictures and videos from the scene show people scrambling to save personal belongings or use whatever resources they can find to try and salvage their residences.
Dangerous wind conditions were not expected to let up until the end of the week, which will hamper efforts to control the fires.
‘All Gone’: Actor James Woods breaks down in tears recounting destruction of home in California fire
“One day you’re swimming in the pool and the next day it’s all gone,” Woods said as tears came to his eyes.
Keep reading:
At least three arrested for looting in Los Angeles area
Police have made three looting arrests amid the devastating wildfires, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said on Wednesday evening.
“Sometimes we talk about the looting and people who aren’t listening,” Luna said. “I’m going to tell you, 99% of the people are listening, and I think that’s why hopefully the injuries and fatalities and all those ugly things will stay down.”
Several states provide help to California, LA fire official says
Firefighting units from Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona are responding to the Southern California wildfires, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said.
The fires are under active investigation.
“The cause of the fire is unknown and under active investigation by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the US Forest Service arson investigators,” Marrone said. “And the moment we learn the cause of this fire, we will advise the media.”
Several states provide help to California, LA fire official says
Firefighting units from Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona are responding to the Southern California wildfires, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said.
The fires are under active investigation.
“The cause of the fire is unknown and under active investigation by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the US Forest Service arson investigators,” Marrone said. “And the moment we learn the cause of this fire, we will advise the media.”
More than 1,700 firefighters battling Palisades Fire
Some 1,700 firefighters are battling the Palisades Fire, considered the most destructive blaze in Los Angeles’s history, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said moments ago.
“I want to be very, very clear that this incident is very, very dynamic as we speak,” Crowley said. “The good news: the winds have subsided a bit enough to allow our fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft to provide critical air support to this fire.”
Palisades and Eaton fires both at zero percent containment
The Palisades and Eaton fires, which together have burned more than 25,000 acres, are both at 0% containment, according to CalFire.
More than 150,000 people in the Los Angeles area are under evacuation orders as of Wednesday night. More than 1,000 structures have been destroyed, and the Palisades Fire is now considered the most destructive in Los Angeles’s history.
Mayor Karen Bass speaks on devastating fires: ‘Los Angeles will rebuild’
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is providing an update this evening on the devastating wildfires in Southern California.
“Conserve water to the extent that you can,” Bass said. “We want to make sure that we are ready if we need more water.
“But make no mistake, Los Angeles will rebuild stronger than ever,” she continued.
Everyone should stay away from the areas impacted by the blaze, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Member Kathryn Barger.
“If you do not need to be in the area and you’ve been evacuated, please heed the evacuation warning, and if you don’t live in the area, please stay away,” she said. “I was shocked to see people walking around that don’t live up there, that are just taking a look at what’s going on. We have firefighters and first responders that are trying to do their job, and it’s important for us to all support them and make sure that we provide space so that they can get it done.”
700+ firefighters face Eaton blaze
Some 750 firefighters are battling the Eaton Fire, Pasadena Fire Department Chief Chad Augustin said on Wednesday evening.
Planes are also dropping water to prevent additional spread, and firefighters are optimistic weather conditions will work in their favor in the coming days, he said.
Pasadena mayor, fire officials provide updates
Victor Gordo, mayor of Pasadena, said over 100,000 people are under evacuation orders and 100,000 people have been warned they’re in the danger zone, meaning they should evacuate as soon as possible.
“We have hundreds of homes that have been destroyed,” Gordo said, explaining that the city’s biggest challenge will be finding shelter for those displaced.
The Eaton fire is also draining water resources from the area, Pasadena Fire Department Chief Chad Augustin said, with winds and power outages also contributing to the blazes.
Eaton has burned more than 10,600 acres, he added.
Another round of Santa Ana winds may come early
Another round of Santa Ana winds is expected to arrive as early as Thursday afternoon following a brief break tonight, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.
Gusts of up to 70 mph are possible in the mountains.
Learn how the Santa Ana winds are fueling California’s destructive wildfires this week from The Independent’s Rhian Lubin:
Source: independent.co.uk
