Devastating wildfires have swept through California, claiming at least 16 lives and forcing thousands to evacuate. The blazes, fueled by high winds, are threatening affluent neighborhoods in Los Angeles, including homes belonging to celebrities.
California's apocalyptic wildfires have killed at least 16 people. Raging flames are roaring towards more star-studded neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Some 153,000 LA residents are now under mandatory evacuation orders as winds of up to 80mph are set to hit in the next few days - making it even more difficult to contain the blazes. Four wildfires are currently burning around Los Angeles with two others now being described as contained.
The Palisades fire is the biggest of all and has so far burned down 22,660 acres of land destroying more than 5,316 structures. Firefighters have only been able to contain 11 per cent of the fire, according to the LA Fire Department.Kenneth and Hurst have also spread to around 1,000 acres.Firefighters were seen bombarding bright pink-colored fire retardants over the Palisades Fire in a bid to stop them from spreading. The foamy chemical - which acts as a fire blanket - is made up of salts and fertilizers which can help to slow down the spread of a fire.One picture shows a backyard with a pool covered in hues of pink after tanker planes dropped chemicals all over the area.Red flame retardant is seen on patio furniture in the backyard of a home in the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles.High winds have caused the Palisades Fire in Southern California to spread towards the east. LA's fire chief Kristin Crowley said last night saw a 'significant flare up' in parts of the Palisades Fire tragedy. The chief added that 'we will be facing another critical weather event' due to the high winds as the flames continue to starch the region. Affluent residents of Mandeville Canyon and Brentwood are now desperately looking for a way out as the fire approaches the area.The nearby Sunset Boulevard has started to overflow with escaping motorists as long queues are starting to form on the busy roads.Celebrities including Lebron James, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jennifer Garner have homes in the area. LA fires rip through Hollywood as 100k told leave NOW & celeb homes torched American politician Robert F. Kennedy Jr also lives in Brentwood in his $6.6million home, while Vice President Kamala Harris also has a home in the area.Meanwhile, celebs battled to get rooms at one of the most exclusive hotels in Los Angeles after fleeing the wildfires ravaging the city. Stars including Dennis Quaid and Sarah Michelle Gellar were among those jostling for beds at the Hotel Bel-Air, where luxury rooms cost up to $18,000 a night. Quaid, 70, and wife Laura Savoie, 34, and rocker Tommy Lee, 62, and wife Brittany Furlan, 38, were among those spotted outside the historic Hollywood favourite. Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Gellar, 47, and actor husband Freddie Prinze Jr, 48, Batman actor Michael Keaton, 73, and actor and producer Rob McElhenney, 47, were among those clamouring for refuge as blazes continued to rage in nearby Pacific Palisades.Looters dressing as firefighters are storming residential areas in the wake of the tragedy. Members of the National Guard — the equivalent of the UK’s Army Reserve — have been drafted in to help enforce it. LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said 22 people had so far been arrested for curfew violations, trespassing, burglary and looting. He said yesterday that it was unclear how the blazes began and urged the public to get in touch if they have useful information. He added: “We are not going to leave any rock unturned if this is a criminal act . . . everything is absolutely on the table.” Mayor Karen Bass said she condemns criminal 'predators' who are using the fires to take advantage of others.A homemade sign sits on the ground near homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los AngelesMeanwhile, LA County officials have declared a health emergency - warning people that smoke and particulate matter from wildfires could pose immediate and long-term threats.Fires and strong winds have 'severely degraded air quality... posing immediate and long-term risks to public health', a statement read. The devastating fires are set to have a costly impact on the city and its residents - with private forecaster Accuweather estimating the total damage and economic loss up to $150 billion.The state of California has deployed over 1,400 firefighters, with additional teams arriving from neighbouring states, but the battle to contain the flames is far from over. He has also called for an independent investigation after firefighters complained about dropping water pressure in many hydrants across the city
CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES LOSANGELES CELEBRITIES EVACUATIONS
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
California Wildfires Rage Through Exclusive Pacific PalisadesA firestorm is ravaging Pacific Palisades, a wealthy Los Angeles suburb known for its mansions and celebrity residents. The blazes, fueled by strong winds and drought conditions, are causing widespread evacuations and threatening to destroy homes and businesses.
Read more »
California Declares Year-Round Fire Season as Wildfires RageAmidst the alarming increase in wildfires, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared that the state no longer experiences a distinct fire season, emphasizing the year-round threat posed by these blazes. Thousands have been evacuated as two major wildfires, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, rapidly spread through Los Angeles and Altadena, respectively.
Read more »
Harry and Meghan's Montecito Home Faces Evacuation as California Wildfires RageWildfires are raging across the Los Angeles area, threatening the multi-million dollar properties of celebrities including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The couple's home in Montecito is located in a high-risk fire zone and may be affected by power shutoffs to prevent the spread of the flames.
Read more »
California Wildfires Rage As Santa Ana Winds Fuel BlazesCalifornia is battling raging wildfires fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, prompting emergency services to shift focus from protecting property to saving lives. Experts warn the crisis is just beginning and will worsen before improving, citing a combination of a hot summer, lack of rainfall, and abundant dry vegetation.
Read more »
Wildfires Rage in California, Frustrating FirefightersMultiple wildfires are burning in California, straining resources and frustrating firefighters. Water pressure issues and a lack of personnel are hindering containment efforts.
Read more »
Massachusetts Residents in California Face Evacuations as Wildfires RageWildfires burning through Los Angeles County threaten residents from Massachusetts now living in California. Some are facing the likelihood of evacuations, while others have already been impacted by the fires. Those interviewed described the intense winds, flames, and smoke, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the widespread impact on lives and property.
Read more »