Wildfires Rage in Los Angeles, Thousands Flee as Blazes Spread
A devastating wave of wildfires is sweeping through Los Angeles, with thousands of people forced to evacuate and over 2,000 buildings destroyed. The fires, fueled by strong winds, have spread to residential areas, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
At least 130,000 people are now displaced, with the worst yet to come, as authorities warn that the fires could continue to spread due to the strong winds. CNN reported that the blazes have already engulfed a significant portion of the city, with the famous Hollywood Hills being one of the latest areas to be affected.
The fires, which have been burning for days, have already claimed five lives and left many more injured. Authorities are struggling to bring the blazes under control, with no end in sight to the critical weather conditions.
“We are facing a historic natural disaster” said Kevin McGowan, director of the Los Angeles County Emergency Operations Center, at a press conference.
The US President, Joe Biden, has declared a state of emergency, allowing affected communities and survivors to access federal aid for the rebuilding process. The move is seen as a crucial step in helping the city recover from the devastating impact of the wildfires.
The fires have left a trail of destruction, with one resident, actor James Woods, describing the scene as like a war zone. “One day you’re swimming in your pool, and the next, everything is gone” he said in an interview with CNN.
The massive water demand to fight the fires has led to temporary shortages in some areas, with the city’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood experiencing a 24-hour water tank depletion.
Meanwhile, the incoming US President, Donald Trump, has criticized California’s Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom, for the scale of the wildfires, blaming him for the lack of water conservation measures and accusing him of being indifferent to the people of the state.