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A-list actors, musicians and other celebrities were among the thousands of people affected by the deadly wildfires in Los Angeles this week that left at least five people dead. Over the past 24 hours, more than 70,000 people have been evacuated from the Los Angeles and Greater Los Angeles areas of California due to four to five major fires that have not yet been brought under control because of high wind speeds in the Palisades, Eaton and Hearst areas. Is fast.
Los Angeles is fighting the largest blaze in its history amid shortages of water and firefighters. A state of emergency has been declared in the region, with Washington sending help to bring the situation under control. Retired firefighters with experience in fire fighting have been called in to help. More than 1,000 buildings have been destroyed in the blaze around America’s second-largest city, forcing thousands of people from their homes. The situation in the areas remains tense and there is a blanket of smoke in the sky.
Fire fighters are struggling to control the situation
Hurricane-force winds fanned fireballs that bounced from home to home in the posh Pacific Palisades area, incinerating a swath of California’s most desirable real estate favored by Hollywood celebrities. Strong winds fanned the flames, pushing embers hundreds of meters and breaking new ground faster than firefighters could catch up.
According to Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marone, his crews were overwhelmed by the scale and speed of the unfolding disaster.
“We’re doing our best. But no, we don’t have enough firefighters to handle it between all the departments in L.A. County,” he told AFP.
The Pacific Palisades fire had engulfed about 16,000 acres as of Wednesday afternoon, along with 1,000 homes and businesses. A separate fire was burning 10,600 acres around Altadena, north of the city, where flames were spreading across suburban streets.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said the death toll has now increased from the first two people and more people are feared dead. “Unfortunately, as we move through the area, it’s increased to five,” Luna told radio station KNX.
He added, “And remember, this is still a very fluid situation, there is no control on this fire. I’m really praying that we don’t get anything else, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
About 70,000 people were ordered to evacuate across the region. A large number of people who ignored warnings to evacuate suffered “significant injuries,” Marrone said.
lack of water
Black smoke has engulfed Los Angeles and hydrants are running dry as water supplies are low in the area. Janice Quinones, chief executive of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, urged people to conserve water after hydrants ran dry in Pacific Palisades.
“We’re fighting wildfires with urban water systems, and it’s really challenging,” he said.
Joe Biden, who was in Los Angeles with California Governor Gavin Newsom, was briefed by the president on the “surprising” situation.
“We are doing anything and everything we can, and as long as it takes, to get these fires under control,” Biden told reporters.
Hollywood came to a screeching halt
The showbiz capital has been hit by a number of out-of-control fires, with Hollywood events including a glittering awards show and the premiere of Pamela Anderson’s film canceled as firefighters battle flames in hurricane-force winds.
Hundreds of homes were destroyed in the luxurious Pacific Palisades area, a favorite spot for celebrities where multimillion-dollar homes sit on picturesque hills, while other infernos spread north of the city.
Singer and “This Is Us” actress Mandy Moore told her followers on Instagram that she had fled with her children and pets out of the way of the fire that “ignited” her Altadena neighborhood.
“My beloved home. I am devastated and heartbroken for those of us who have lost so much. I am absolutely numb,” she captioned footage of the destruction.
Emmy-winning actor James Woods posted a video on Instagram showing flames engulfing trees and bushes near his Pacific Palisades home as he prepared to evacuate and shortly afterward Said all fire alarms are going off.
Woods said, “I can’t believe that our lovely little house in the hills will last this long. It feels like losing a loved one.”
“Star Wars” star Mark Hamill told followers on Instagram that he fled his Malibu home with his wife and pet dog, and escaped down a road surrounded by active fires.
Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis was also forced to evacuate her home, later writing on Instagram, “Our beloved neighborhood is gone. Our home is safe. Many others have lost everything.”
Meanwhile, next week’s unveiling of the Oscar nominations was pushed back to January 19 to give Academy members affected by the fire more time to cast their ballots this week.
