Third blaze breaks out
in West Hills as authorities battle to bring existing fires under control.
Two major wildfires in Los Angeles County have claimed at
least 10 lives and destroyed approximately 10,000 homes and structures, with
local officials bracing for further devastation. A third fire, named the
Kenneth fire, erupted in West Hills, San Fernando Valley, on Thursday
afternoon, adding to the challenges faced by emergency crews battling the
Palisades and Eaton fires.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned that the Kenneth fire
was expected to spread rapidly due to high winds. The Palisades and Eaton fires
have already scorched over 30,000 acres combined and destroyed more than 5,000
structures each. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that
nearly 180,000 residents are under evacuation orders, while 200,000 more are
under evacuation warnings.
Sheriff Robert Luna expressed fears that the death toll
could rise, describing the affected areas as resembling the aftermath of an
atomic blast. The fires have also left over 285,000 Southern California
residents without power, and critical water and sewage infrastructure has
sustained severe damage. Affluent neighborhoods, including Malibu and Pacific
Palisades, have been particularly hard-hit, with entire blocks reduced to ash.
High-profile residents, including James Woods, Paris Hilton,
and Billy Crystal, have lost their homes. The National Weather Service has
warned of intensifying winds, which could worsen the spread of the fires.
The cause of the fires remains under investigation, though
authorities have ruled out lightning, focusing on other potential ignition
sources, such as intentional fires or power lines. Governor Gavin Newsom has
deployed the National Guard to assist with rescue efforts and prevent looting.
Newsom emphasized that looting will not be tolerated, while President Joe Biden
pledged full federal support for California’s recovery efforts for the next 180
days.
Biden assured officials that the federal government would
spare no expense to help contain the fires and rebuild. He also called on
Congress to provide further aid, urging lawmakers to prioritize recovery over
politics. As Los Angeles continues to grapple with the crisis, officials remain
focused on containment and providing relief to the affected communities.
