California, LA wildfires: The death toll from wildfires in the Los Angeles area has risen to 10, according to the county coroner's office, the Associated Press reported. The two largest fires in the region have destroyed more than 10,000 homes, buildings and other structures, officials confirmed Thursday. Amid the crisis, satellite images recently released by Maxar Technologies reveal the devastation caused by the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire.
Satellite imagery reveals the devastating devastation caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles, which have reduced entire neighborhoods to ashes. The disaster has displaced thousands of residents, leaving many mourning their losses. The Palisades Fire can be seen on the left and the Eaton Fire on the right.
The Palisades Fire near Malibu and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena have combined to burn 34,000 acres, the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. Officials say about 10,000 homes and structures have been destroyed in the fire.
A new fire, called the Kenneth Fire, erupted in the San Fernando Valley late afternoon. It spread rapidly across Ventura County by evening. The fire broke out just two miles from a school that was being used as a shelter for evacuees.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said, “We expect this fire to spread quickly due to strong winds.” The winds were expected to increase from Thursday evening to Friday morning.
The Eaton Fire alone has destroyed more than 5,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and vehicles, while the Palisades Fire has destroyed more than 5,300 structures. The beautiful neighborhood of Pacific Palisades was leveled, leaving only chimneys and foundations. In Malibu, blackened palm trees stand in place of oceanfront homes. Historic sites including Will Rogers' Western Ranch House and the Topanga Ranch Motel were also destroyed. The fire has killed at least seven people, and firefighters are working tirelessly to stop the blaze from spreading. AccuWeather estimates damages and economic losses at between $135 billion and $150 billion.
Authorities have not yet released specific costs of damage or a detailed count of the structures burned. At least 20 people have been arrested on looting charges, leading to a 6pm to 6am curfew in Santa Monica. National Guard troops have been deployed to protect properties in areas affected by the fire. The fire spared no one, destroying the homes of celebrities like Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore and Paris Hilton.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis pledged $1 million to aid victims, saying, “This tragedy has affected all economic levels, from the wealthy to the working class.” Containment efforts continued Thursday, but complete containment is still a distant goal as Los Angeles grapples with one of the worst wildfire seasons in its history.
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