Wildfires are still devastating parts of Los Angeles, California, resulting in at least 11 deaths, the destruction of thousands of homes, businesses, schools, and churches, and over 150,000 people still under evacuation orders. The Palisades fire, which is still burning, has already become one of the most destructive in the city’s history. The Eaton fire, the second largest blaze, has destroyed homes and taken lives around Altadena, near Pasadena, home of the Rose Bowl. Smaller fires are also burning, but they are more under control.
Evacuation orders
Altadena
In Altadena, several lives have been lost due to the fires. One of the victims was 82-year-old Rodney Nickerson, who had lived in his home for nearly 60 years. His daughter, Kimiko Nickerson, shared the news with KCAL, Los Angeles’ CBS affiliate. Another confirmed victim, 66-year-old Victor Shaw, was found by his sister outside their family home, which had been in the family for 55 years, holding a garden hose.
The fire has already consumed nearly 14,000 acres and destroyed 5,000 structures since it started on Tuesday night. With only 3% containment, the fire remains largely out of the control of firefighters.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has described the situation as “complete and utter devastation.”
Governor Newsom remarked, “I’ve been at a lot of these fires – a lot – going back to Paradise,” referring to the 2018 Camp Fire that claimed more than 80 lives. He added, “This approximates Paradise. It’s not about numbers. It’s the feeling, the sense of loss, place, and belonging.”
Pacific Palisades
The Pacific Palisades, famous for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the homes of wealthy and celebrity residents, has been one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods by the Palisades fire. The fire intensified on Tuesday due to strong winds, which hindered firefighters’ ability to conduct crucial aerial attacks on the blaze.
Over 20,000 acres have been burned, and more than 5,000 structures have been destroyed. Among those who have lost their homes are actors Billy Crystal, Eugene Levy, and John Goodman.
Milo Ventimiglia, 47, the star of the NBC show This Is Us, shared his feelings with CBS, saying, “You start thinking about all the memories in different parts of the house and whatnot. And then you see your neighbors’ houses and everything around, and your heart just breaks.”
Malibu
The iconic Malibu coastline has also been devastated by the fires. Barbara Bruderlin, the head of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, described the destruction as “total devastation and loss.” She added, “There are areas where everything is gone, there isn’t even a stick of wood left, it’s just dirt.”
Residents in Malibu are under evacuation orders due to the Palisades fire burning in the hills to the north. Well-known restaurants, including Moonshadows and Gladstones, have been completely destroyed by the flames.