Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Two major Los Angeles wildfires , one in the western Palisades area and another in the east near Pasadena, continue to burn uncontrollably on Thursday, January 9, 2025, despite the reduction in strong winds that had fueled the flames for the past two days.
The Palisades Fire, located between Santa Monica and Malibu on the west side of the city, and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena, have become two of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history, having consumed nearly 28,000 hectares of land and incinerated entire neighborhoods.
At least five people have been confirmed dead, thousands of buildings have been destroyed, and nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes. An additional 200,000 people are under evacuation warnings. The death toll is expected to rise, according to Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna, in a press conference.
Firefighters Face Ongoing Challenges
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone stated that progress has been made in containing the Eaton Fire, although it is still not fully under control. Despite strong winds continuing to batter the region, their intensity has decreased compared to the 100 mph gusts earlier in the week, enabling crucial aerial support for the teams on the ground.
“We’re in a much better position than we were on Tuesday and Wednesday,” Marrone said, as reported by Reuters. However, authorities have warned that winds are expected to pick up again later in the day, with gusts potentially reaching 60 mph. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley emphasized that residents should be prepared to evacuate if ordered.
Devastation in Pacific Palisades
In the exclusive Pacific Palisades area, home to many celebrities, luxury homes have turned to rubble, with fallen power lines and abandoned vehicles filling the streets. The air is thick with smoke, and residents wearing masks are seen attempting to check on their damaged homes.
“This can be considered one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in Los Angeles history,” Crowley said.
The third major fire, known as the Sunset Fire, which forced mandatory evacuations in Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills, including landmarks such as the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, has been fully contained, according to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. No buildings were lost in that area, and evacuation orders have since been lifted.
A ‘Perfect Storm’ of Dangerous Conditions
The fires have been exacerbated by Santa Ana winds, which bring dry air from the desert, creating an ideal environment for wildfires. With no significant rainfall for months, California’s landscapes have dried out, making them highly susceptible to ignition.
Mayor Bass, who was in Ghana on an official trip when the fires first broke out, has faced some criticism regarding the city’s preparedness. In response, she emphasized that her current focus is on saving lives and homes, and the city will assess its response effectiveness once the crisis is under control.
“We need to save lives, and we need to save homes,” she said.
Federal and International Support in the Face of Unprecedented Damage
In light of the scale and spread of the fires, firefighting teams are stretched beyond their capacities. Firefighters from half a dozen other U.S. states are being deployed to California, and 250 firefighting companies with 1,000 personnel are being relocated from Northern California to the southern part of the state.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged support, sending water bombers to assist in firefighting efforts, and preparing 250 Canadian firefighters for deployment. The Canadian Armed Forces are on standby to move personnel and equipment if needed.
“To our American neighbors: Canada is here to help,” Trudeau said in a statement.
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What’s Next for Los Angeles?
While the fires remain far from fully contained, authorities are working tirelessly to limit their spread. The National Weather Service has extended its Red Flag Warning, which signals heightened fire risks due to low humidity, high winds, and warm temperatures, for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties until 6 p.m. on Friday.
With conditions expected to remain dry and windy, Los Angeles residents are urged to stay vigilant, heed evacuation orders, and stay informed about the ongoing crisis.
(Becky)
