Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles: Thousands Evacuated, Lives Lost, and Millions in Damage
The Palisades and Eaton Fires Become the Deadliest in LA’s History, With Celebrities Among the Victims
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기사입력 : 2025.01.10 11:11
A catastrophic wave of wildfires continues to ravage Los Angeles, with two massive blazes—the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire—now among the most destructive in the city's history. The fires have claimed at least five lives, forced the evacuation of nearly 180,000 residents, and destroyed thousands of homes, leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins.
As of Thursday morning, local officials confirmed that over 2,000 buildings have been reduced to ashes, and more than 65,000 acres have been scorched by the relentless flames. The fires were initially fueled by hurricane-force winds and extreme drought conditions, though firefighters are now receiving critical support from aerial teams as winds subside. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marone expressed hope that the situation is improving, but acknowledged that the fires remain far from controlled.
The fires have engulfed the city's famed neighborhoods, including the Pacific Palisades, home to many of Los Angeles' wealthiest residents. “This is one of the worst natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles,” said Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, noting the massive devastation in the area, which includes the celebrity-packed Malibu region. The fire spread rapidly through the hills, burning both homes and vehicles in its path.
In the East, the Eaton Fire, which had threatened Pasadena, has stopped spreading but is still not under control. Meanwhile, the Sunset Fire, which had forced the evacuation of Hollywood and its iconic hills, was partially contained after firefighters, aided by helicopters, managed to prevent further destruction. Fortunately, no buildings were lost in the Hollywood area, and evacuation orders were lifted.
Desperate Residents and Heroic Efforts
The fires have left tens of thousands of families grappling with unspeakable loss. One resident, William Gonzalez from Altadena, was seen standing in front of his destroyed home, reduced to nothing but ashes. "We lost everything," he lamented. Another tragic victim, Victor Shaw, perished while trying to save his family's home in Altadena. His body was found still holding a garden hose, desperate to protect the house that had been in his family for over five decades.
As the fires continue to wreak havoc, the city’s fire department is overwhelmed, with Chief Marone admitting that they do not have enough resources to combat the escalating crisis. Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that over 7,500 firefighters have been dispatched to the area, with many coming from other states to assist in the battle.
Celebrities Among the Victims
The fires have also impacted the entertainment industry, with several celebrity homes lost in the flames. Among the affected are actor Anthony Hopkins, socialite Paris Hilton, and actress Anna Faris. Hilton, visibly shaken, shared the heartbreaking news on television, saying she watched her house turn into ashes. Other famous residents, including Patrick Bruel, Fergie, and Billy Crystal, have expressed uncertainty about the fate of their homes.
The damage to the Pacific Palisades, home to numerous celebrity mansions, could result in losses of up to $57 billion, according to AccuWeather estimates. The fires have also disrupted the film industry, forcing the closure of Universal Studios Hollywood and halting production on several major projects.
As the fires burn on, Los Angeles braces for further destruction, with the recovery process expected to take years. The toll of this disaster is immeasurable, not only in terms of lives lost and property destroyed but also in the psychological impact on those who have lost their homes in one of the most devastating wildfires in history.
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