The wildfires raging across California have caused widespread destruction, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate as flames engulf homes and consume vast stretches of land.
Current situation of Los Angeles
The ongoing wildfires across Los Angeles have wreaked havoc on the city, claiming at least 11 lives and destroying over 12,000 homes and other structures.
An estimated 180,000 residents remain under evacuation orders, with another 166,800 facing warnings as firefighters struggle to control six major blazes consuming approximately 56 square miles (145 square kilometers) of the region.
The fires have obliterated a range of buildings, including homes, schools, libraries, religious institutions, small businesses, and cherished local landmarks.
According to The Los Angeles Times, the fire’s rapid expansion is being fueled by intense Santa Ana winds, which reached speeds of up to 65 miles per hour on Tuesday, according to AccuWeather.
California Governor Gavin Newsom deployed 400 National Guard troops to neighborhoods affected by the fires to establish checkpoints and prevent looting. And to support efforts to contain multiple blazes, including the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and Hurst Fire.
In Pacific Palisades, the situation is particularly dire. Fire crews are battling the flames with limited success due to gusting winds and challenging terrain.
Videos shared on X (Twitter) shows the aftermath from the fire with many structures burned to ashes.
According to Fox LA reporter Matthew Seedorff, hydrants along Lachman Lane are currently dry, leaving fire crews looking for alternative water sources.
Trump calls out Gavin
President-elect Donald Trump slammed Gavin Newsom for not cleaning the forest floors, that he told him to do in 2019. Governor Gavin Newsom visited affected areas, and declared state of emergency.
According to Fox News Florida governor Ron DeSantis has offered aid to help Newsom from the raging fire.
Critics, including local residents and opposition lawmakers, have pointed to years of inadequate underbrush management as a contributing factor to the intensity of the wildfires.
One resident slammed California officials, for their lack of management, saying “California’s fire season is getting worse every year, but we continue to see a lack of proactive measures to prevent these disasters.”
A video shared by Fox 11 captured the heartwarming scene as rescuers guided the frightened animals through embers and smoke to escape the advancing fire.
One of the rescuers explained that while several horses were successfully led to safety.