The largest of the Los Angeles fires spread toward previously untouched neighbourhoods Saturday, forcing new evacuations and dimming hopes that the disaster was coming under control.
The recent wildfire disaster in Los Angeles has caused widespread devastation, with at least 11 confirmed deaths and over 12,000 buildings destroyed. The fires have ravaged multiple residential areas, including the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood, and have prompted evacuation orders for areas like the Getty Center museum.
The fires are fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, making them difficult to control, and despite significant firefighting efforts, the Palisades fire remains only 8% contained as of Saturday morning.
The situation has led to growing frustration among residents, many of whom are questioning the preparedness and response of local officials. Some residents, like Nicole Perri and James Brown, have criticized the lack of adequate resources, such as water supplies, to combat the fires. California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an independent review of the situation, calling the lack of water "deeply troubling."
In addition to the fires, reports of looting have emerged, leading to a curfew in evacuated areas. The National Guard has been deployed to assist law enforcement. The fires have also impacted several celebrities, including Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, and Anthony Hopkins, who lost their homes in Malibu.
Despite the tragic loss of life and property, the fires are not yet under control, and emergency officials warn that the situation remains extremely dangerous, with winds expected to pick up again in the coming days. The cause of the fires is still unknown, but scientists emphasize that climate change is exacerbating the conditions that lead to such catastrophic wildfires.
Amid the tragedy, political tensions have risen, with President Joe Biden calling out misinformation and political opportunism related to the disaster, while Governor Newsom invited President-elect Donald Trump to visit Los Angeles and witness the damage firsthand. Local fire officials have also pointed to funding cuts and staffing shortages as contributing factors to the difficulties faced in responding to the fires.