Los Angeles fires: At least 16 people killed, several missing, 12,000+ structures destroyed
Updated: Jan 12th, 2025
The ‘city of Angels’ is yearning for blessings as at least 16 people have reportedly died, 13 are missing, and over 12,300 structures have been damaged or destroyed in six simultaneous wildfires that spread across Los Angeles County starting last week.
Active fires and acres lost:
Palisades fire: 23,654
Eaton fire: 14,117
Kenneth fire: 1,052
Hurst fire: 799
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| Image: Cal Fire |
The fire has spread to four areas of Los Angeles, with the Pacific Palisades being the most affected.
Around 1,000 acres in this region are engulfed in flames, causing extensive damage to hundreds of homes. Areas like Eaton and others have also fallen victim to the wildfire. Over 100,000 residents from these areas have been evacuated to safer locations.
According to California Fire Officer Todd Hopkins, the fire in Palisades has spread across more than 2,200 acres, destroying 426 homes and over 5,000 structures.
While firefighters have managed to contain 11% of the fire, challenging terrain and erratic winds are making the task difficult. A total of 13 people are still missing, and search operations are underway with the help of dog squads.
More than 1,53,000 residents in Los Angeles have been ordered to evacuate and move to safe zones. Around 57,000 structures remain at risk, and 1,66,000 residents have been advised to stay on alert.
Since the fire began on January 7, it has consumed approximately 39,000 acres of land, resulting in an estimated loss of $135–150 billion.
Looters dressed as firefighters
According to local media, looting has posed a significant challenge for authorities in Los Angeles, with criminals targeting evacuated areas and even disguising themselves as firefighters to steal from deserted homes.
According to an LAPD spokesperson, there have been several arrests, including seven in the past two days, with two individuals caught impersonating firefighters to gain access to the properties.
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