Los Angeles Wildfires Ravage 10,000 Structures as New Blaze Breaks Out

Los Angeles, California – Wildfires in the Los Angeles region continue to wreak havoc, with at least seven fatalities and over 10,000 structures destroyed as flames spread across 30,000 acres (12,000 hectares). While firefighters battle the Palisades and Eaton fires, a third blaze—the Kenneth Fire—broke out in West Hills, forcing thousands more to evacuate.

A Rapidly Worsening Crisis

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confirmed that the Kenneth Fire, fueled by high winds, is expected to spread rapidly, complicating efforts to contain the existing fires.

• Destruction So Far:
  • Palisades Fire: 5,000 structures destroyed.
  • Eaton Fire: Another 5,000 structures lost.

Entire neighborhoods in Malibu and Pacific Palisades have been reduced to ash, with local officials likening the destruction to an atomic bomb.

Massive Evacuations

Nearly 180,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation orders, with an additional 200,000 people on evacuation warning. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton, James Woods, and Billy Crystal are among those who have lost their homes in the flames.

“There are areas where everything is gone—just dirt and ashes,” said Barbara Bruderlin, head of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce.

First Responders and Official Warnings

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna warned the death toll is expected to rise.

“It looks like an atomic bomb dropped in these areas. I don’t expect good news,” Luna said grimly.

Calls for Federal Aid

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden appealed to Congress to provide emergency aid, urging lawmakers not to politicize the relief efforts.

“I hope they’re ready to step up because we can afford it,” Biden said, adding that support for affected communities should transcend politics.

On the Ground: Total Devastation

Reporting from Pacific Palisades, journalist Rob Reynolds described scenes of unimaginable destruction:

“Block after block is nothing but ashes. Homes, schools, and businesses have been wiped out, leaving only chimneys standing in some cases.”

Key Highlights

• Casualties and Damage: Seven dead, 10,000 structures destroyed.
• Evacuations: 180,000 under evacuation orders; 200,000 warned.
• Geographic Impact: Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and West Hills hardest hit.
• Aid Appeal: Federal assistance requested to combat growing disaster.
  
  Written by: Hassan Ali (University of the Punjab).