Officials reported on Thursday that at least 10 people lost their lives, and more than 9,000 homes, businesses, and other structures were either damaged or destroyed in the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Approximately 5,300 of these structures were destroyed in the Palisades fire, while an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 structures were affected in the Eaton fire, which continues to burn in the Altadena area.
The damage estimates were based on aerial infrared technology and remain preliminary. If confirmed, this firestorm would rank among the most destructive in Los Angeles history in terms of property loss.
“The Palisades fire is one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles,” said Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley.
At a morning news conference, L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said growth of the Eaton fire had been “significantly stopped.” At 3:30 p.m., however, he announced that the fire had grown by more than 3,000 acres — to 13,690 acres — as it spread toward the historic Mt. Wilson area with 0% containment.
Don Fregulia, an operations section chief with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said efforts to protect Mt. Wilson had proved successful and he expected that to remain the case.
“We’re actively engaged there,” Fregulia said. “We’re feeling good about what we have to do up there tonight to keep that site secure.”
The Palisades fire grew from around 17,200 acres Thursday morning to 19,978 acres Thursday evening, at which time the blaze was 6% contained, according to fire officials.
And on Thursday afternoon a new blaze, dubbed the Kenneth fire, ignited in Woodland Hills and quickly spread to around 1,000 acres.
At least 10 people have died in the fires, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner. At least four deaths have been connected to the Eaton fire, and on Thursday officials confirmed the first death related to the Palisades fire, in Malibu.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said his officers were notified of a death investigation in the 15300 block of Friends Street in the Palisades area around 10 a.m. Thursday. The person’s cause of death was not immediately known.
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“We are deeply saddened to learn that we have lost a member of the Malibu community during the Palisades fire,” Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart said in a statement. “Although the individual has not yet been identified, this tragic news weighs heavily on our hearts. On behalf of the City of Malibu, I want to express my deepest condolences to the loved ones of this person. Our community grieves with you in this moment of unimaginable loss.”
Authorities say the death toll from the fires will likely grow.
Sheriff Robert Luna announced Thursday afternoon that a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew was in the works for areas affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires in an effort to deter looting and would probably start Friday.
L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger emphasized that the curfew was not to punish residents but to keep the area safe. She said the curfew was requested by the Altadena Town Council.
Luna also said he had requested support from the California National Guard to assist with traffic control, infrastructure protection and looting deterrence for both the Eaton and Palisades fires. Gov. Gavin Newsom later announced he had approved the request, which will bring the total number of National Guard personnel deployed to help with regional wildfires to 8,000.
The Hurst fire, burning in Sylmar, has charred 771 acres and was 10% contained as of Thursday afternoon. The 43-acre Sunset fire, which ignited Wednesday evening in the Hollywood Hills, reached 100% containment Thursday.
Although winds have diminished, much of Los Angeles County remains under a red flag warning, with forecasters warning of critical fire weather through Friday night.
“This is absolutely an unprecedented, historic firestorm,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said. “But we are all hands on deck.”
(Los Angeles Times)
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