Wildfires that are spreading across the Los Angeles area have caused two deaths, burned several buildings, and have forced thousands to evacuate from the area. More than 5,000 acres have been burned and a state of emergency is now in effect.
According to CBS News, four fires burning in Los Angeles County on Wednesday caused multiple evacuation orders. Officials warned a windstorm was expected to worsen conditions throughout the morning, Los Angeles County Fire Department chief Anthony Marrone said.
At least 30,000 residents in the affluent community of Pacific Palisades evacuated the area after a fire magnified in size when winds hit northwest Los Angeles. Currently, fires are also burning the Eaton, Hurst, and Woodley areas of the state.
LAPD Chief James McDonnell noted all 29 fire departments in the county “are not prepared for this type of widespread disaster.”
“There are not enough firefighters in LA County to address four separate fires of this magnitude,” McDonnell said.
“The LA County Fire Department was prepared for one or two major brush fires, but not four – especially given the sustained winds and low humidities. As our director of emergency management said, this is not a normal red flag alert,” McDonnell added.
Deadline reports that President Joe Biden is planning to visit Santa Monica Fire Station to survey the damaged area.
“I am being frequently briefed on the wildfires in west Los Angeles. My team and I are in touch with state and local officials, and I have offered any federal assistance that is needed to help suppress the terrible Pacific Palisades fire,” Biden said in a statement. “Earlier tonight, FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to support areas that are impacted and help reimburse the state of California for the immediate firefighting costs. My Administration will do everything it can to support the response.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also issued a statement about the devastating wildfires
I am thinking of those impacted by the wildfires in Southern California and praying for the first responders who are taking heroic action to help keep communities safe.
Please listen to local officials, evacuate immediately if you are told to do so, and take care of each other. pic.twitter.com/OSt5BXDXcl
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) January 8, 2025
“I am thinking of those impacted by the wildfires in Southern California and praying for the first responders who are taking heroic action to help keep communities safe,” Harris wrote on X (Formerly Twitter). ”Please listen to local officials, evacuate immediately if you are told to do so, and take care of each other.”
