Multiple wildfires continue to wreak havoc across the Los Angeles area, driven by strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions.
The Palisades Fire has burned over 17,000 acres, prompting mandatory evacuations and destroying numerous structures, including the homes of notable residents.
The Eaton Fire in northern Los Angeles County has scorched at least 10,600 acres, claiming five lives and forcing thousands to flee their homes, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The Hurst Fire in Sylmar has burned approximately 850 acres and is 10% contained, while the Sunset Fire remains active with ongoing evacuations due to the immediate threat to life. Together, these fires have resulted in significant property damage, widespread power outages affecting over 425,000 customers statewide, and disruptions to daily life across the region.
Residents are fed up with the destruction, with impacted citizens and celebrities taking to social media to vent their frustrations, according to the New York Post.
“City of LA you want everyone to evacuate yet you have complete gridlock and not one traffic cop on the roads helping,” actress Sarah Michelle Gellar wrote on Instagram, tagging Mayor Karen Bass and the City of Los Angeles.
“This fire is not from ‘climate change…,'” actor James Woods fumed on X. “It’s because liberal idiots…elect liberal idiots like Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass. One doesn’t understand the first thing about fire management and the other can’t fill the water reservoirs.”
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Los Angeles County Inland Coast, citing gusty winds and low humidity that pose a high risk for fire spread. Weather conditions are expected to remain challenging, with strong winds predicted through the week, further complicating firefighting efforts and heightening the danger.
Emergency response efforts have ramped up, with President Biden declaring a major disaster to enable federal support.
Firefighting teams from neighboring states are aiding local crews, and authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to evacuation orders and remaining informed through official updates.
Organizations like the American Red Cross are actively supporting displaced residents, and donations are being sought to assist relief efforts. Meanwhile, authorities have urged caution, reminding residents of the unpredictability of fire behavior and the critical need for vigilance during these extreme conditions.
Officials remain focused on containment efforts and ensuring the safety of those impacted by this ongoing disaster.