Fierce wildfires in LA force over 180,000 people fleeing home, destroying thousands structures


LOS ANGELES, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Fierce wildfires continue to burn in the greater Los Angeles area on Thursday, killing at least five people and forcing nearly 180,000 people fleeing their homes.

Five active fires in Los Angeles County have grown to more than 29,000 acres (about 117.3 square kilometers).

The two biggest ones, Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, both started on Tuesday, spread to 17,234 acres (about 69.7 square kilometers) and 10,600 acres (about 42.9 square kilometers), respectively, as of Thursday morning with zero containment, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

A total of 300 structures were destroyed by the Palisades Fire and over 13,300 structures were in danger.

CAL FIRE warned extreme fire behavior, including both short- and long-range spotting, continues to pose significant challenges to firefighting efforts for the Palisades Fire.

Wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour are forecasted to persist in the area through Thursday.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said on Thursday the Palisades Fire is one of the "most destructive" natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles.

Multiple structures have been damaged or destroyed as the wind-driven Eaton brush fire continues.

Red Flag high wind conditions are expected to continue until Thursday evening.

The combination of low humidity, dry fuels, and shifting winds has heightened the potential for spot fires and rapid expansion, according to CAL FIRE.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Ukraine destroys 33 Russian drones during overnight strike: air force
Turkey replaces pro-Kurdish mayor in east with state official, ministry says
Trump says he would take hard stance on Gaza on Saturday
White House forcing out National Archives top leadership in major shakeup, CNN reports
From roses in Vietnam to engraved 'love locks' in Germany, the world celebrates Valentine's Day
North Korea says U.S. should abandon military threats, KCNA says
Two ports in Western Australia's Pilbara region reopen after Tropical Cyclone Zelia
Israel to free 369 Palestinian prisoners in Saturday swap, says NGO
Ukraine has low chance of survival without US backing, Zelenskiy says on NBC
Trump team makes confused start to Ukraine diplomacy

Others Also Read