Forest Fires in Los Angeles Leave 11 Dead, Destroy 12,000 Structures, and Force 153,000 Evacuations
Five wildfires fueled by intense winds have resulted in at least 11 deaths, burned over 15,344 hectares, and destroyed more than 12,000 structures in the metropolitan area of Los Angeles, according to a report by NBC News. Local authorities have labeled this series of fires as one of the most destructive in California‘s history.
The largest fire, known as Palisades, has consumed 8,740 hectares since it started last Tuesday. Currently, it is only contained at 8%, as reported by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). The fire spread towards residential areas early Saturday, prompting new mandatory evacuation orders in areas including Brentwood, Encino, and the Getty Center, a significant cultural center in the region.
Aside from the Palisades fire, the Eaton Fire near Altadena and Pasadena has burned 14,000 acres (5,665 hectares), with only 3% contained. Collectively, the fires have led to the evacuation of at least 153,000 residents in Los Angeles and the enforcement of a curfew in affected areas from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.