The raging wildfire in Los Angeles, California, has destroyed an estimated 12,000 homes and businesses, claiming at least 11 lives.
The LA fires began on January 7, 2025, and were exacerbated by severe Santa Ana winds, dry conditions, and very low humidity. So far, they have forced more than 150,000 people to evacuate their homes, leaving many without shelter or access to basic necessities.
In Palisades, the fire there has proven particularly challenging for firefighters. A new flare-up in the fire has led to additional mandatory evacuation orders, with the Los Angeles Fire Department warning residents to evacuate from the area of Sunset to Mandeville to Encino Reservoir to the 405 freeway.
“We’re doing everything we can to contain this fire, but we need the public’s help,” said Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott. “The Palisades Fire has got a new significant flare-up on the eastern portion and continues to move northeast.“
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office has imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in all mandatory evacuation areas to ensure public safety.
Violators may face fines of up to $1,000 or possible imprisonment.
The sheriff’s office urged residents to avoid these areas for their own protection and to allow first responders to work effectively.
As the situation unfolded, California Gov. Gavin Newsom invited President-elect Trump to tour the wildfire devastation in California and asked for a partnership between the state and federal governments to address the disaster.
In a letter to Trump, Newsom wrote, “The threat to lives and property remains acute… I invite you to come to California as you prepare to take office, meet with the Americans affected by these fires, see the devastation firsthand, and join me and others in thanking the heroic firefighters and first responders putting their lives on the line.“
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who have lived in California since Harry abdicated from the UK Royal Family, visited Southern California to support wildfire victims and relief efforts.
The couple met with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo to discuss ongoing recovery efforts and anonymously delivered food to families displaced by the fires.
LA Schools Closed
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has also taken precautions, closing all schools due to air quality and fire concerns. Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho announced that a decision on reopening plans will be made on Sunday, pending an assessment of conditions.
As the community comes together to respond to the disaster, the full extent of the damage is only now becoming clear.
The Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Hurst, and Lidia fires have burned over 27,000 acres in the Los Angeles area, destroying over 12,000 homes and buildings. According to the latest counts, at least 11 lives have been lost, and 153,000 people have been evacuated.
The road to recovery will be long and challenging. Still, with the support of local and national leaders and the community’s resilience, Los Angeles can begin to rebuild and heal.
Nonetheless, those who have taken a philosophical approach to the tragedy keep comparing the LA fires with the Biblical Sodom and Gomorrah. If this has any validity, then LA, known informally as the “Godless city of America” and the home of the LGBTQ movement, could consider this a chance to turn the narrative around.
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