At least five people have been killed by a series of major fires in Los Angeles that have also reduced hundreds of homes and businesses to ash, setting an apocalyptic backdrop for first responders and firefighters still working to contain the flames.
The victims’ bodies were discovered inside three different buildings in Altadena, where the Eaton Fire continued to rage on Thursday. The flames there have consumed some 10,600 acres, ripping through at least 1,000 structures since they first sparked on Tuesday, according to the L.A. County Fire Department.
Another 1,000 homes and businesses have been either damaged or destroyed by the Palisades Fire, including Palisades Charter High School, which has been featured in many Hollywood productions, including the 1976 horror movie “Carrie” and the TV series “Teen Wolf,” officials said. It has also claimed the homes of several celebrities, including those of Paris Hilton, “Scary Movie” star Anna Faris and Hollywood couple Adam Brody and Leighton Meester.
The blaze initially broke out around 10:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday, just southeast of Palisades Drive, per the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Fueled by dry conditions and fierce Santa Ana winds, the fast-moving flames have since scorched some 17,234 acres, making it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles’ history.
Crews on Thursday were also working to contain the Sunset Fire, which erupted Wednesday night in Hollywood Hills, not far from the Hollywood Bowl and Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In total, more than 7,500 firefighters have been deployed to battle the blazes, according to California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The response has also grown to include 300 firefighters from Oregon and another 146 personnel Washington state personnel. Utah, New Mexico and Arizona said they too would be dispatching teams.
“Southern California residents — please remain vigilant,” Newsom said in a post on X. “Listen to local officials and be ready to evacuate if you’re near impacted areas.”
So far, some 130,000 people are under evacuation orders, including Hollywood stars like Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore and James Woods.
With News Wire Services
