Los Angeles wildfires update: Death count reaches 10, blazes destroy 10,000 structures
Wildfires have devasted the majority of area in Los Angeles, killing 10 people and forcing thousands to flee their homes. Officials urge people to follow evacuation orders after fresh blazes continue to ignite and grow quickly.
The two biggest wildfires have wreaked havoc in Los Angeles, killing at least 10 people and destroying almost 10,000 homes, buildings and other structures, officials said on Thursday. Officials have urged people to follow the evacuation orders after a new blaze ignited and quickly grew.
The fast-moving Kenneth Fire started in the late afternoon in the San Fernando Valley just 2 miles (3. 2 kilometres) from a school serving as a shelter for fire evacuees and then moved into neighbouring Ventura County by the evening.
Only hours earlier officials expressed encouragement after firefighters aided by calmer winds and help from crews from outside the state saw the first signs of successfully beating back the region's devastating wildfires that have killed 10 people so far.
Here's what officials say
“We are expecting this fire to rapidly spread due to high winds,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said, echoing the forecast that called for winds to strengthen Thursday evening through Friday morning.
Dozens of blocks were flattened to smouldering rubble in scenic Pacific Palisades. Only the outlines of homes and their chimneys remained. In Malibu, blackened palm strands were all that was left above debris where oceanfront homes once stood.
At least five churches, a synagogue, seven schools, two libraries, boutiques, bars, restaurants, banks and groceries were lost. So too were the Will Rogers' Western Ranch House and Topanga Ranch Motel, local landmarks dating to the 1920s. The government has not yet released figures on the cost of the damage or specifics about how many structures burned.
Wildfires to have huge economic ramifications
AccuWeather, a private company that provides data on weather and its impact, on Thursday increased its estimate of the damage and economic loss to USD 135-USD 150 billion.
Firefighters made significant gains Thursday at slowing the spread of the Eaton and Palisades fires, though both remained at 0% containment, officials said.
Crews also knocked down a blaze in the Hollywood Hills, allowing an evacuation to be lifted Thursday. The fire that sparked up late Wednesday near the heart of the entertainment industry came perilously close to igniting the famed Hollywood Bowl outdoor concert venue.
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(With inputs from AP)