Los Angeles – Firefighters have made some progress battling the wildfires in Los Angeles County, but strong winds are expected to reignite the flames on Friday. The fires have ravaged hillsides, homes, and streets, causing the deaths of 10 people and destroying nearly 10,000 structures.
Sheriff Robert Luna expressed concerns about the increasing death toll, likening the destruction to an atomic bomb aftermath. Residents in Pacific Palisades returned to find their neighborhoods in ruins, with brick chimneys towering over charred remnants.
As of Friday, five fires were still burning, with the Palisades and Eaton Fires being the most devastating in Los Angeles history. These fires have scorched over 34,000 acres and left neighborhoods in ashes.
Firefighters are battling the blazes with aircraft dropping water and fire retardant, but high winds have hindered their efforts. President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster, pledging full federal reimbursement for recovery efforts.
The damage is estimated to be between $135 billion and $150 billion, with many homes of celebrities and movie stars destroyed. The community faces a long road to recovery, with soaring insurance costs and extensive debris removal efforts ahead.
Residents in a community near the Hollywood Hills expressed concerns over potential inequality in resource distribution and insurance coverage following a recent fire incident. Many fear that government aid may prioritize wealthier areas, leaving less affluent households vulnerable to inadequate compensation from insurance companies.
Kay Young, 63, lamented the loss of her family’s multi-generational home as she surveyed the charred remains, emphasizing the challenges faced by those without the means to challenge insufficient payouts: “They’re not going to give you the value of your house… if they do you really have to fight for it.”
On a positive note, firefighting crews successfully brought the Sunset Fire under control in the Hollywood Hills, where flames had threatened the iconic Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame. Authorities are now focused on implementing curfews in evacuated areas to prevent looting in the aftermath of the blaze.
The LA County Sheriff’s Department has called upon the California National Guard for assistance in maintaining order and safeguarding critical infrastructure. In response, 20 individuals have already been arrested for looting activities. The collaborative efforts of various agencies are crucial in ensuring the safety and security of affected communities.
Reporting by Jorge Garcia, Rollo Ross, Maria Alejandra Cardona, Mike Blake, Omar Younis, and Sandra Stojanovic in Los Angeles, with additional contributions from Daniel Trotta, Susan Heavey, Brendan O’Brien, Hannah Lang, Doina Chiacu, Kanishka Singh, and Brad Brooks. Written by Joseph Ax, Daniel Trotta, and Sharon Singleton. Edited by Frank McGurty, Nick Zieminski, Diane Craft, Sandra Maler, Lincoln Feast, Raju Gopalakrishnan, and Frances Kerry.
