Devastating wildfires continue to burn out of control, sparked by dry conditions and powerful winds, in the greater Los Angeles area. As of Thursday morning have killed at least 5 people and forced 100,000 people to evacuate from their homes. The fires are underway in areas not typically known for fires, with more than 350,000 energy customers without power early today in the area.
The five southern California wildfires in Los Angeles County – located in Pacific Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Woodley and Lidia – have destroyed at least 1,000 structures. The Palisades Fire – the most destructive in LA history – has burned through more than 17,234 acres (almost 27 square miles), destroying 1,000 structures and remains entirely uncontained.
Authorities reported five people as having died in the Eaton fire, which has increased to 10,600 acres in size late Wednesday afternoon, and the Hurst fire burned at least 505 acres, with the Woodley fire affecting at least 30 acres and the Lidia fire at least 80 acres.
The latest fire to develop, named the Sunset Fire, began shortly before 6 p.m. in the Hollywood Hills and has grown to 60 acres, threatening iconic landmarks.
Continued, up-to-date coverage can be found via news outlets ABC News, NBC News, and CNN.
Editorial credit: Daniel Ingersoll / Shutterstock.com