Los Angeles Wildfires Live Updates: 24 Killed so far, Curfew also imposed to prevent loot

Los Angeles Wildfires Live Updates: 24 Killed so far, Curfew also imposed to prevent loot

Chaos engulfed Los Angeles on Wednesday as fierce Santa Ana winds fuelled wildfires that tore through the region. Pacific Palisades, known for its luxurious homes, suffered severe devastation, with flames consuming residences and landmarks, including Temescal Canyon and sections of Palisades Charter High School. Towering plumes of smoke, visible from miles away, shrouded the city in darkness.

Inland foothills faced a similar plight as fires near a nature reserve prompted emergency evacuations of senior citizens, many in wheelchairs, who were temporarily stranded in parking lots. In Pacific Palisades, roadblocks and abandoned vehicles hampered evacuations, requiring bulldozers to clear paths for emergency responders.

Also Read: Raging wildfires surround Los Angeles; 5 killed

Firefighters battled relentless winds, some reaching up to 100 mph, and dry conditions that accelerated the fires’ spread. With over 30,000 residents displaced and power outages affecting 200,000 people, resources were stretched thin, prompting calls for off-duty firefighters to assist. Ground crews faced overwhelming challenges, as strong winds grounded aerial firefighting operations.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, while President Biden cancelled a planned visit to Riverside County to approve federal aid for California. The blazes devastated iconic areas, crossing major routes like Sunset Boulevard and leaving parts of Malibu in ruins. Witnesses described flying embers and exploding transformers as winds drove the infernos further.

With no rain forecast and red flag warnings persisting, firefighters continue their urgent efforts to protect lives and property, as the unrelenting weather offers little hope for immediate relief.

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VoM News Desk

News Desk VoM

VoM News Desk -is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.