- Region:
- USA
- Category:
- Society
153,000 people are still under wildfire evacuations in LA as high winds subside
At least 10 people have died and entire neighborhoods have been obliterated, setting the nation’s second-largest city on edge.
LOS ANGELES — Families across the Los Angeles area are returning to their fire-ravaged neighborhoods, confronting the devastating aftermath of wildfires that have destroyed thousands of structures and displaced countless residents.
The fires, which erupted across a 25-mile expanse north of downtown Los Angeles, have consumed over 12,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and vehicles. The destruction has left the nation’s second-largest city grappling with the colossal challenge of recovery while new fire threats loom. On Friday, calmer winds allowed firefighters to gain some control over the largest blazes, but gusty weather forecasted for the weekend prompted new evacuations near Interstate 405, as the Palisades Fire flared up again.
As fierce winds began to subside on Friday, firefighters in Los Angeles intensified their efforts to contain several massive wildfires that have wreaked havoc across the region. The blazes have claimed at least 10 lives, displaced thousands, and left 153,000 residents under evacuation orders.
The largest wildfires—Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Kenneth—continue to burn across Los Angeles County. The Kenneth Fire, which erupted in the San Fernando Valley on Thursday, was partially contained due to an aggressive response from firefighters. Containment progress as of Friday morning:
- Palisades Fire: 8% contained
- Eaton Fire: 3% contained
- Hurst Fire: 37% contained
- Kenneth Fire: 35% contained
Evacuation orders remain in effect for affected areas, though officials have begun to downgrade some orders to warnings as the situation stabilizes.
Impact on Communities and Places of Worship
The fires have not only destroyed homes but also ravaged places of worship, leaving communities grieving the loss of sacred spaces. Among the damaged structures are:
- Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, where only sacred Torah scrolls were rescued before the fire engulfed the building.
- A mosque, a Catholic parish, and multiple Protestant churches, leaving congregants without worship spaces.
Melissa Levy, executive director of the Pasadena Jewish Center, described the devastation: "There’s absolutely nothing except for a few walls and empty space."
Federal and State Response
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a wildfire briefing in the Oval Office on Friday. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined virtually. Biden labeled the wildfires as "the worst in California history" and emphasized the need for long-term solutions, including burying power lines to prevent future disasters.
Governor Newsom addressed misinformation about the fire response, urging unity and emphasizing progress made by firefighters.
Tragic Losses at Eaton Canyon Nature Center
The Eaton Canyon Nature Center in Pasadena was destroyed by the fires, resulting in the loss of several reptiles housed at the facility. Richard Smart, Superintendent of the Eaton Canyon Natural Area, described the destruction as "indescribable." While some desert tortoises survived because they were hibernating offsite, the community mourns the loss of the beloved nature center.
How to Help
Organizations are stepping up to support firefighters and those affected:
- California Fire Foundation: Provides aid to firefighters, their families, and communities impacted by the wildfires.
- Watch Duty: Offers real-time updates on wildfire activity and relies on donations to sustain its operations.
For individuals looking to support loved ones, experts recommend offering specific forms of help, such as meals, gift cards, or temporary housing, while being sensitive to their emotional needs.