At least two individuals lost their lives and tens of thousands have evacuated their residences due to several wildfires fueled by strong Santa Ana winds in Los Angeles County. The fires have engulfed over 1,000 homes, businesses, and structures, causing significant injuries to both residents and first responders. The blazes have ravaged different areas, with the Eaton Fire in Altadena near Pasadena claiming lives and destroying properties, including a synagogue and a McDonald’s. The Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu and the Hurst Fire in Sylmar have also caused extensive damage and forced evacuations.
Los Angeles County officials have described the situation as a historic natural disaster, emphasizing the need to prioritize saving lives. The fires, all currently uncontained, have led to a state of emergency declared by Governor Gavin Newsom. Strong winds have hampered firefighting efforts, with meteorologists warning of continued dangerous conditions.
Evacuation centers like the Pasadena Convention Center are providing support to those affected, offering essentials like food and water. Many evacuees are expressing frustration over the response to the fires, questioning the availability of resources such as water during the emergency. Amidst the chaos, residents are uncertain about the fate of their homes and belongings, hoping for swift containment and the opportunity to return to their neighborhoods.
Evacuees left in uncertainty about homes after fire outbreak
Sal Flores and his family made the difficult decision to evacuate their Altadena home late Tuesday night, expecting to return to it unharmed. However, upon a friend’s visit the next morning, they were devastated to find their family home, owned since 1985, completely destroyed by the flames.
Flores and his family, alongside hundreds of others, sought refuge at the Pasadena Civic Center serving as an evacuation site for the Eaton Fire. Pasadena resident Toni Gustafson also evacuated from Altadena due to the fire’s proximity, uncertain of her home’s condition as blocked roads prevented her from checking. Her friend fears his Altadena home may have suffered a similar fate.
With uncertainty looming, Flores wonders about their next steps and rebuilding their lives after the tragic loss. Meanwhile, Kelsey Trainor and her wife described their harrowing escape as they navigated through gridlocked roads and witnessed the chaos of the Palisades Fire. Zen Buddhist priest Karen Maezen Miller shared her terrifying experience fleeing from the Eaton Fire, highlighting the overwhelming scale of destruction and chaos.
In the midst of the devastation, Altadena residents like Alexia Palomino and her mother faced the heartache of losing their cherished home and memories to the merciless flames.
Years ago, they had started packing up on a quiet Tuesday evening. When they received an evacuation alert around 3 a.m., they hastily took only photos and cash before leaving. As she drove away in her Ford Bronco, Palomino glanced back at the house, then navigated through debris blocking the street on her escape route.
“The road was packed with cars everywhere,” recalled Palomino, 27. “It was so congested that visibility and breathing became difficult.”
Palomino sought refuge at her brother’s house while staying in touch with a neighbor who is a firefighter for updates on the situation.
“When he informed me that our neighbor’s house was engulfed in flames and the houses across the street had already been destroyed, five in a row,” shared Palomino, a Ph.D. student. “That’s when I realized it was only a matter of time.”
Reflecting on the loss of her home and the cherished memories it held, including heirloom textiles from Mexico and her grandmother’s jewelry, Palomino expressed deep sorrow.
“All those precious memories are gone,” she lamented. “Losing them feels like a violation. Even if they were to rebuild the house exactly as it was, it wouldn’t capture the same essence of sounds and smells. You can’t recreate that with blueprints. That’s the intangible part that disappears when we lose our home.”
President Joe Biden, alongside California Gov. Gavin Newsom in Santa Monica, vowed federal assistance for Los Angeles to combat the wildfires and recover from the devastation, pledging support “as long as it takes.”
Describing the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, where some of the nation’s most expensive homes were being evacuated due to the Palisades Fire, the median listing home price in the area was $4.5 million, with a median sold price of $3.5 million.
Amid the chaos of the fires, residents like David Reed and Cindy Festa recounted the harrowing moments of evacuation as flames crept close to vehicles and encroached upon the landscape, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
With smoke and ash thickening the air over Los Angeles, the usual pink dawn was replaced by a yellowish-orange hue as a blanket of gray obscured visibility across the city. The acrid scent of fire permeated the air, settling into homes through open windows.
Despite a night of fierce winds, the resolve to contain the fires and aid in the recovery process remained steadfast, with the community facing a long journey ahead to rebuild and restore normalcy.
As the wind slowed to below 60 mph, some areas experienced calm air. How contained is the Palisades Fire? Cal Fire reported on Wednesday that extreme fire behavior, such as “short and long-range spotting,” is still posing challenges to firefighting efforts. The fire remains at 0% containment, with wind gusts of up to 60 mph expected to persist through Thursday, potentially fueling further fire activity.
An updated warning urged immediate evacuation, emphasizing the closure of the area to public access. Evacuees from Pacific Palisades described a harrowing escape as they left the scene. A “high speed river of air” continued to affect Los Angeles County, fueling a widespread wind event. Although the air was moving southward, it was anticipated to gradually reduce wind speeds, though still remaining at warning levels until early evening.
Cal Fire is investigating the causes of the primary fires – Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst. The National Weather Service had already issued alerts for extreme fire conditions in Los Angeles County due to low humidity, dry vegetation, and powerful winds. The fires are exacerbating Southern California’s already poor air quality, posing immediate and long-term health risks to millions.
The Palisades Fire began around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, burning nearly 3,000 acres between Santa Monica and Malibu. Subsequently, the Eaton Fire erupted in Altadena near Pasadena, growing to over 2,200 acres. Another smaller blaze, the Hurst Fire, ignited in Sylmar and consumed about 5 acres.
For the latest updates and news, sign up for USA TODAY’s Daily Briefing newsletter to stay informed about current events. A fire threatens a museum with valuable art and antiquities, causing damage to some trees and vegetation at the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. Fortunately, the museum buildings were not harmed. The Getty Villa, known for its Greek and Roman antiquities displayed in a recreated Roman country home, will be closed to the public until Monday as a precaution. The Getty Center, located in Brentwood and home to another museum, was also closed due to the nearby fires. The wildfires in Los Angeles are impacting various landmarks and causing disruptions in Hollywood, with some celebrities being forced to evacuate. Vice President Kamala Harris has pledged federal support for the affected communities. Evacuees from Pacific Palisades describe harrowing experiences as they flee the fires. Stay updated on the situation with the latest news and information.
At present: California wildfire live updates: Residences engulfed in flames as large numbers seek refuge in safety.
