The death toll and damage to homes in Los Angeles (California, USA) is rising in a wildfire described as the most serious in the state's history.
As of yesterday (January 10), Los Angeles County authorities announced that the death toll from the wildfire had risen to 10 people while at least 10,000 homes were burned down, including the residences of many famous figures in the American art industry, according to AP.
5 fires at once
The wildfires broke out on January 7 and spread rapidly due to hot, dry foehn winds blowing at speeds of 100 mph in some areas. The amount of rain in Southern California since the beginning of May 2024 is less than 1 inch (2.5 mm). According to statistics, at least five fires are ongoing, affecting an area of 50 square miles (142 km²). Of which, the fire in the coastal Pacific Palisades area destroyed more than 5,300 homes, becoming the most damaging fire in Los Angeles history, according to AP. The Eaton Fire in northern Pasadena burned more than 5,000 homes.
Massive forest fire destroys million dollar homes of many Hollywood stars
All of the fires are about 25 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, raising concerns among residents of America’s second-largest city. California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed more than 1,400 firefighters to help, while other states and Canada have also sent in reinforcements. Aircraft have been dropping fire retardant and water. A Super Scooper firefighting aircraft chartered from Canada was damaged and put out of action after hitting an unauthorized civilian drone near the Palisades Fire.
Firefighters at the fire in West Hills on January 9.
At least 180,000 people were ordered to evacuate and all schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest in the country, were closed on January 10 due to the smoke. Air pollution and smoke warnings were issued for the 17 million people living in Southern California. More than 285,000 customers in Southern California lost power while the electric, water and sewer systems across the region were severely damaged. A series of events in the region were postponed. On January 9, Los Angeles County authorities mistakenly sent an evacuation notice to all 9.6 million residents but later clarified that it only applied to the Kenneth Fire area near the West Hills.
Firefighting helicopters in the West Hills area of Los Angeles on January 9.
$150 billion in damage?
US President Joe Biden on January 9 described this as the most devastating wildfire in California's history, according to AFP. The leader pledged to use all means to control the fire and announced that the federal government would pay 100% of the costs of hazardous material cleanup, temporary shelters, salaries for first responders and life-protection measures over the next 180 days.
Several rows of houses in Pacific Palisades burned down on January 9.
Meanwhile, National Guard members were deployed in Los Angeles on the evening of January 9 to patrol and ensure public order and property while a curfew was enforced from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Officials reported that at least 20 people were arrested for taking advantage of the situation to steal.
Although winds have eased on January 9, no rain is forecast for the area and the fires are likely to expand. Authorities have not yet estimated the damage, but weather data company AccuWeather predicts the damage and economic loss from this fire season could reach $150 billion.
Investigators are looking into the cause of the massive wildfires in Los Angeles, AP reports. Lightning is the most common cause of fires in the United States, but investigators have quickly ruled that out because there were no reports of lightning at the two largest fires. Arson or faulty power lines could also be the cause, although authorities have not seen any evidence of either. Trash burning and fireworks are also common causes.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/california-cang-minh-chong-choi-bao-lua-185250110220242446.htm
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