California Los Angeles Wildfires
US President Joe Biden described the Los Angeles wildfires as a “war scene,” reported BBC. He noted some progress in controlling the fires but warned that strong winds remain a threat. “We’re gonna make sure California has every possible resource to fight this fire, and survive it,” he said. He acknowledged the likelihood of rising casualties and expressed concern over “clear evidence of looting” in evacuated homes. Vice President Kamala Harris called the devastation “multi-generational”, as per the BBC reports.
What is the current status?
All evacuation orders for the Hurst fire and Kenneth wildfire have been lifted, The Guardian quoted LA city fire chief Kristin Crowley as saying. The Hurst fire, which which erupted in the Sylmar neighborhood of LA and spread across 771 acres, is at 37 per cent containment. The progress of the Kenneth fire, which is burning in the West hills, has also been halted. It is 35 per cent under control, as per Crowley. The Palisades fire – including much of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and parts of Malibu – has spread to about 20,438 acres of land and is at 8 per cent containment, as per CBS News. The Eaton fire, above Altadena in northern LA county, has burned 13,956 acres and is at 3 per cent containment, The Guardian quoted LA county fire chief Anthony Marrone as saying. California Governor Governor Gavin Newsom approved a request for members of the National Guard to be deployed for law enforcement in evacuation zones, owing to reports of looting in the affected areas
What’s the estimated damage?
The fires have already burned over 29,000 acres, and displaced tens of thousands. Many celebrity homes, including those in affluent neighbourhoods like Calabasas and Malibu, have been damaged or destroyed. The economic toll is expected to surpass $50 billion, with California’s insurance industry facing severe challenges due to these ongoing wildfires. As fires continue to spread, Mount Wilson, home to vital communication towers, faces significant risk, and a new blaze in Woodland Hills has added to the chaos.