Los Angeles’ Most Destructive Wildfires Scorch 28,000 Acres, Threaten City’s Landmarks
Two massive wildfires continued to ravage Los Angeles on Thursday, leaving destruction in their wake as firefighters struggled to contain the flames. The Palisades fire, burning between Santa Monica and Malibu, and the Eaton fire near Pasadena, have collectively scorched 28,000 acres, making them the most destructive in the city’s history.
At least five people have died, thousands of homes have been reduced to ash, and nearly 180,000 residents have been evacuated. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna warned the death toll could rise.
Give the gift of hope
We practice what we preach:
accurate, fearless journalism. But we can't do it alone.
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
Join us.
Support The Media Line. Save democracy.
The Palisades fire has devastated upscale neighborhoods, including celebrity homes, while the Eaton fire has slowed in growth but remains uncontained. Winds have eased slightly since the week’s 100-mph gusts, allowing aerial firefighting efforts to resume.
In a rare victory for firefighters, the Sunset fire in the Hollywood Hills was brought under control, shrinking to 43 acres. Mandatory evacuations near iconic landmarks, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, have been lifted.
The National Weather Service extended Red Flag warnings for Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Friday, citing high winds and dry conditions that have created a “perfect storm” for wildfires. Thousands of displaced residents have sought refuge in shelters as the fires continue to threaten Southern California.
