Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles: Fatalities Rise, Thousands Evacuated, Air Quality Worsens

Firefighters are gradually making headway against multiple wildfires blazing across the Los Angeles area.

According to Governor Gavin Newsom, more than 7,500 firefighters have been deployed to tackle the fires, with support from neighbouring states and even as far afield as Canada. Nearly 800 inmates have also opted to assist fire crews through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Calmer winds have enabled crews to resume aerial firefighting efforts, but new fires have prompted further evacuations, and weather conditions are expected to worsen in the coming days.

Fatalities linked to wildfires

At least eight fatalities have been reported in connection with the wildfires, officials confirmed. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley announced during a Thursday evening press conference that two people had died in the Palisades Fire. Meanwhile, the City of Malibu reported another death without identifying the individual. Five others were killed in the Eaton Fire in eastern Los Angeles County.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff has warned that the death toll is likely to rise.

New fires spark concern

The Kenneth Fire, which ignited on Thursday near the border of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, has rapidly spread to nearly 800 acres in a densely populated area. The Los Angeles Fire Department has issued a mandatory evacuation order.

However, an erroneous evacuation alert was sent to residents across Los Angeles County on Thursday. Officials clarified the notice was intended only for areas threatened by the Kenneth Fire. Chief Crowley reported that over 60 fire crews were deployed to combat the blaze.

Palisades Fire

The Palisades Fire, now the largest in Los Angeles history and the most destructive on record, has consumed nearly 20,000 acres and remains completely uncontained as of Thursday morning.

Cal Fire reported that more than 5,300 structures have been destroyed in the blaze, based on aerial surveys conducted on Thursday.

Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire has engulfed over 13,000 acres and is one of the two largest fires currently active. It remains uncontained, and officials said Thursday evening that it continues to expand.

Over 800 personnel are engaged in fighting the fire, which has destroyed at least 4,000 structures.

Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills

The Sunset Fire, which started on Wednesday night near the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was successfully contained to 43 acres, or one square mile, by Thursday morning.

Evacuation orders for the Hollywood Hills area were lifted later that day.

Additional fires

The Hurst and Lidia fires were partially contained as of Thursday morning, while the Sunswept Fire in Studio City and the Woodley Fire in Runyon Canyon were fully contained but are being closely monitored for flare-ups.

A small fire named the Creek Fire broke out in the Angeles National Forest on Thursday after a vehicle veered off the road.

Federal response

President Joe Biden has cancelled his planned trip to Italy to oversee the federal government's emergency response. On Thursday, he announced the federal government would cover 100% of the costs for the wildfire response, up from the typical 75-90%.

"This funding will cover debris removal, hazard material clearance, temporary shelters, first responder salaries, and all necessary measures to protect life and property," the president said.

Rapid spread and evacuations

Officials have emphasised the need to follow evacuation orders, as high winds have rapidly transformed small brush fires into massive infernos.

"Hurricane-force winds usually bring rain, but these have combined with extreme drought conditions," said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. "For example, the Palisades Fire grew from 10 acres to 200 acres in just 12 minutes. To those who have lost their homes, we stand with you."

The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings for the Los Angeles region, with Santa Ana winds expected to persist, though slightly less severe than earlier in the week. Power has been restored to over one million residents who lost electricity on Wednesday.

Air quality concerns

Air quality remains poor even in areas far from the wildfires. On Thursday, conditions were deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups. Residents with health concerns are advised to stay indoors.

The Los Angeles Unified School District closed all schools on Thursday, extending the closure to Friday due to air quality risks. Two primary schools have been destroyed, and a secondary school has sustained severe damage, according to Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

Looting incidents

Authorities have reported cases of looting in fire-affected neighbourhoods. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed 20 arrests related to looting and warned the number may rise. He stated that remaining in mandatory evacuation zones is a misdemeanor, and violators will face enforcement.

"This behaviour is unacceptable," said Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. A curfew was implemented in Santa Monica on Wednesday night due to looting, and similar measures are planned for areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires.

Challenging conditions ahead

Officials are warning residents to remain vigilant as weather conditions are expected to worsen. Strong winds are forecast to return as early as Thursday night and continue into next week, with no rain expected in the near term.