Los Angeles Wildfires Continue to Rage, Leaving at Least Ten Dead
Fires continue to devastate the outskirts of Los Angeles, enveloped in thick white smoke. Major blazes remained uncontrollable on Thursday evening in the California metropolis, which now reports at least ten fatalities and plans to deploy military reinforcements.
In the northwest region of the United States’ second-largest city, flames have consumed the affluent neighborhood of Pacific Palisades—home to multimillionaire villas and celebrities, located between Malibu and Santa Monica. As of Thursday evening, the fire remains uncontained, despite aerial support from helicopters dropping water, aided by a temporary lull in the fierce winds that have been fueling the inferno.
The fire engulfing Altadena is also still out of control; however, firefighters indicated that its spread had been “considerably halted” during the previous night.
Approximately 180,000 residents remain under evacuation orders. Thousands of buildings have been destroyed or damaged, with authorities reporting the death toll has risen to at least ten as of Thursday evening.
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his concern over the “extensive” and “devastating” wildfires during a crisis meeting held just days before the end of his term.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday evening that several hundred military personnel are set to arrive on-site to assist with the crisis.
