“We Are Absolutely Not Out of Danger Yet”: Two People Dead From L.A. Fires Amid Zero Containment

37,000 locals, which includes many famous personalities and influential figures, are currently under evacuation due to a series of fires causing chaos in the Los Angeles region this week. At least two lives have been lost as these fires, fueled by hurricane-force winds reaching nearly 100 mph, continue their destructive path. These strong winds are posing significant challenges for firefighters, and the fires show no signs of being contained, instead spreading rapidly across tens of thousands of acres in L.A. County and leaving an estimated 3,000 structures in ruins so far, according to the county fire department’s statement on Wednesday. Worryingly, they predict that the worst is still yet to come.

Governor Gavin Newsom of California issued an emergency order Tuesday evening, advising Southern California residents to stay alert, take appropriate measures, and adhere to local emergency instructions as a large wildfire rages on. The Pacific Palisades neighborhood, known for its coastal hillside location and numerous celebrity homes, is being ravaged by one of the four fires. Notable figures like Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, and James Woods were among those compelled to evacuate; other celebrities at risk include Adam Sandler, Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, and Steven Spielberg due to the approaching Palisades Fire.

In the early hours of Tuesday, around 10:30 a.m., the Palisades Fire erupted near Piedra Morada Drive. This sparked traffic congestion for residents trying to escape, as local hills started glowing orange due to the fire. By Tuesday afternoon, the fire had leaped across Palisades Drive and was burning in both directions, according to CAL FIRE. They also created a 3-D map of the Palisades Fire to show its boundaries and mandatory evacuation zones.

At a press conference on Wednesday morning, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marone informed reporters that the Palisades Fire has consumed around 5,000 acres of land and 2,000 structures. There have been no reported deaths but numerous severe injuries among residents who ignored warnings and didn’t evacuate. Some of those hurt include first responders trying to control the fire and rescue trapped individuals as the blaze rapidly spread.

Marone mentioned that the cause of the fire is still being investigated, and winds up to 60 mph are expected in the area until Thursday.

The Eaton Fire, another large blaze that ignited this week, has destroyed over 2,000 acres by Wednesday morning, causing two civilian fatalities and multiple injuries. Over 1,000 structures have been razed by the fire, with more than 32,500 residents currently under evacuation orders, and an additional 13,186 local structures at risk. Moreover, about 38,000 residents are under evacuation warnings.

Marone stated that all Los Angeles County residents face danger due to this widespread disaster, and firefighters will continue working tirelessly until they achieve full containment.

The identities of the two individuals who perished in the fire have not been disclosed by authorities as of Wednesday morning.

The Los Angeles Fire Department’s head, Robert Luna, addressed the evacuation instructions, emphasizing to the residents that it’s crucial they heed the warnings given by officials, as their safety could be at stake.

Luna emphasized on Wednesday the importance of being ready. If you reside in a potentially hazardous region, ensure you have all necessary items: crucial documents, medications, your phone charger, among others – essentially, whatever you’d need to sustain yourself for at least a week. However, if ordered to evacuate, prioritize safety over possessions. Take heed of the guidance from local law enforcement and fire departments, and be ready to leave when instructed.

Furthermore, Luna pointed out that the fires had caused approximately ten percent of schools within Los Angeles County to close temporarily.

On Wednesday, Los Angeles fire official Kristin Crowley pointed out that all planes had been grounded throughout the night and were still grounded by the time of the press conference in the morning.

“We are absolutely not out of danger yet,” she said.

The Hurst Fire, ignited on Tuesday in the Sylmar region, within the San Fernando Valley, northwest of Los Angeles, has now devastated over 500 acres and forced more than 3,000 locals to flee, as reported by officials on Wednesday. The blaze is swiftly advancing under strong winds, posing hazardous situations for neighboring communities, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection on Wednesday.

In the current conditions with abundant dry fuel sources, powerful winds, and low humidity, fires are exhibiting intense behavior, making it very difficult for firefighters to control or contain them.

On a chilly Wednesday morning at around 6:15 am, I found myself keeping a watchful eye on a blaze that had ignited along North Woodley Avenue, nestled just west of the bustling 405 Freeway and north of the 101 Freeway within the Sepulveda Basin. Initially, reports suggested the fire covered approximately 75 acres, but as the day unfolded, CAL FIRE revised that estimate to a more manageable 30 acres. As a concerned resident, I’ve been heartened by the tireless efforts of our brave firefighters who are working diligently to contain this blaze and safeguard the structures in the affected area.

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2025-01-08 22:55