Tejal Somvanshi
Five major wildfires are ravaging Los Angeles County, forcing nearly 179,700 residents to evacuate and causing an estimated $50 billion in damages. The Palisades Fire has become the most destructive in the city’s history, destroying over 5,300 structures, while the Eaton Fire has burned more than 13,690 acres and threatens the historic Mount Wilson area.
“We’re literally waiting to see which way the wind blows,” Vice President Kamala Harris said, describing the scenes as “apocalyptic.” The notorious Santa Ana winds, expected to continue through Friday, are creating dangerous fire conditions.
The human toll is mounting. Five deaths have been confirmed, though Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna warned this number is “preliminary and absolutely going to change.” One firefighter was injured in a fall but is expected to recover.
Crime has emerged as a secondary crisis, with at least 12 people arrested for looting in evacuation zones. “These criminals need to hear an unmistakable message: if you want to loot… you will be arrested, prosecuted, and punished to the full extent of the law,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman declared.
Private security guards in wealthy neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades are working marathon shifts to protect empty homes. Arturo Garcia, a security guard who worked 17 straight hours, reported catching thieves attempting to steal Christmas presents and luxury items from evacuated homes.
The fires are creating severe health risks. “In the greater LA area, we’re experiencing levels of air quality that are unhealthy for everybody,” said Sarah Rees from the South Coast Air Quality Management District. The situation is particularly dangerous because these fires are burning both vegetation and urban materials.
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Keith Bein, a researcher at UC Davis’s Air Quality Research Center, explained that when fires burn through residential areas, they release unknown combinations of toxic chemicals. “These fires are not that large in terms of California wildfires, but it’s just so densely populated that public exposure impact is really high,” he said.
To stay safe, officials recommend:
- Check local air quality levels
- Stay indoors when possible
- Keep windows closed
- Use air filters and air conditioners that don’t pull in outside air
- Pay special attention to children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions
President Biden has ordered 30 firefighting helicopters and planes to Los Angeles, as well as eight military C-130s. Firefighters and aircraft from Canada will be traveling to the fire zone, and the California National Guard is being mobilized to assist with security.
With fires showing little to no containment and high winds forecast to continue, authorities warn the situation remains extremely dangerous. For the latest evacuation information and assistance, residents can visit disasterassistance.gov.
