At least five people have died and strong winds continue to fan multiple wildfires burning across nearly 30,000 acres in Los Angeles County on Thursday. The fires have prompted the evacuation of over 130,000 people, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said.
The largest fires, the Eaton and Palisades fires, have scorched 10,600 and 17,000 acres, respectively. Meanwhile, the Sunset fire, which erupted Wednesday night, threatened the Hollywood Hills. It led to mandatory evacuations in areas including Mulholland Drive, Hollywood Boulevard, and Runyon Canyon Park. Most evacuations were lifted in the area by Thursday morning but aerial footage showed widespread damage. Homes were burning all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Other fires burning including the Lidia and Woodley fires have been brought under some degree of control. The Lidia fire is 40% contained, according to the latest figures, and the Woodley fire is 100% contained. However, the National Weather Service said the fire danger will remain critical as dry conditions and high winds persist.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said more than 7,500 local, state, and federal personnel are responding to the fires in suppression efforts. Resources being used include helicopters, water tenders, air tankers, and dozers. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass asked residents to conserve water and cooperate with evacuation traffic, noting police are helping with the process.
President Biden declared a major disaster declaration Wednesday, making federal funding available to residents affected by the fires to cover temporary housing, home repairs and other uninsured property losses.
