Web Desk
A devastating series of wildfires have torn through Los Angeles County since Tuesday, resulting in:
- 11 fatalities
- 10,000 buildings destroyed
- 180,000 people evacuated
- An estimated $150 billion in damages
These figures highlight the massive scale of the ongoing crisis. Currently, five fires are still burning in the area.
Five Active Fires
The largest, the Palisades Fire, has already consumed 86 square kilometers (33 square miles), ravaging the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood, home to celebrities and multimillionaires.
The Eaton Fire, another significant blaze, has burned 56 square kilometers (22 square miles) in Altadena, an eastern Los Angeles suburb. Both of these fires are still largely out of control, with only 8% and 3% containment, respectively.
There are also three smaller fires — the Kenneth Fire, Hurst Fire, and Lidia Fire — which have been partly contained at 50%, 70%, and 98%.
150 Square Kilometers Destroyed
Together, the fires have scorched over 37,000 acres (15,000 hectares or 150 square kilometers) of land. While the size of the fires is smaller than some of California’s past blazes, they have been particularly deadly and destructive because they are affecting residential areas.
11 Lives Lost
As of Thursday, at least 11 people have been confirmed dead. Two victims perished in the Palisades Fire, and five others in the Eaton Fire. If the death toll rises to six in any one blaze, it could rank among California’s 20 deadliest wildfires.
10,000 Structures Destroyed
At least 10,000 buildings, including homes and other structures, have been destroyed. The Palisades Fire has razed approximately 5,000 buildings, and the Eaton Fire has destroyed 4,000 to 5,000. These fires have already become the most destructive in Los Angeles County’s history. In comparison, the Camp Fire of 2018 destroyed nearly 19,000 buildings, while the 2017 Tubbs Fire caused damage to 5,600 structures.
180,000 Evacuations
Authorities have ordered 180,000 people to evacuate their homes. While many residents have complied, some have remained behind in attempts to protect their properties. The Hollywood neighborhood, which was at one point threatened by the Sunset Fire, was evacuated, though that order was lifted Thursday morning as the fire was contained.
20 Arrests for Looting
With the fires leaving neighborhoods vulnerable, looting has become a serious concern. Police have arrested 20 individuals for theft since the fires started. To address this, a nighttime curfew has been enforced, and the National Guard has been deployed to patrol affected areas.
$150 Billion in Damages
The fires, which have destroyed luxury homes and caused extensive damage, are likely to become the costliest wildfires in history. AccuWeather estimates the damage could range between $135 billion and $150 billion, with the potential for that figure to increase.
