A state of emergency has been declared in Los Angeles due to wildfires that have spread across multiple areas in the western part of the city. Latest reports confirm that two people have lost their lives. Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated, and nearly 1,500 firefighters are working to control the flames, but strong storm winds are making it difficult to contain the fires.
Currently, three major wildfires are burning on the outskirts of the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
During a press conference on Wednesday, the head of the Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed that two people had died in one of these fires near Pasadena.
According to Fire Department Chief Anthony Marroun, many individuals have sustained burns, some of them severe.
The fire near Pasadena has already scorched over 900 hectares, and efforts to control it have been unsuccessful, despite the efforts of 700 firefighters.
Officials are warning that the situation is being exacerbated by strong storm winds and dry conditions, and there is currently no way to stop the fire from spreading.
The “Santa Ana winds,” a regular local phenomenon, are reaching speeds of 80-100 km/h, with gusts in elevated areas reaching up to 160 km/h.
Anthony Marroun reported that the fire near Pasadena has destroyed over 100 buildings and is threatening the entire Los Angeles area and its surrounding neighborhoods.
“Strong winds and low humidity have put all of Los Angeles County at risk,” said the fire chief.
Los Angeles County has a population of 9.66 million.
Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters that 32,500 people from Pasadena and nearby areas have been ordered to evacuate, while 38,600 more have been warned of potential evacuations.
In the Pacific Palisades area, which is also affected by one of the fires, 37,000 people have received evacuation orders, according to Luna.
Kristin Crowley, head of the Los Angeles Fire Department, reported that several firefighters and local residents have sustained burns and injuries.
Crowley also mentioned that another fire in the Sylmar area, located about 20 km from Pasadena, has spread over approximately two square kilometers within less than 24 hours of ignition. More than 3,000 people have been evacuated from the area.
CBS News correspondent Dania Bacchus, who is reporting from Pacific Palisades—one of the hardest-hit areas—told the BBC that these are the worst fires the region has seen in 19 years.
Bacchus also pointed out that strong winds are hindering rescue efforts, preventing the use of helicopters to fight the flames.
Around 200,000 residents in Los Angeles County and nearly 26,000 in the neighboring Ventura County are without power, although utility companies are working tirelessly to restore electricity as quickly as possible.
