 "The light of a fire fighting helicopter illuminates a smouldering hillside as the Palisades fire grows near the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood and Encino, California, on January 11, 2025.- Image- AFP")
Firefighters made gradual progress in their efforts to contain the massive blaze that has devastated large portions of Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood. However, on Sunday, the fire’s continued spread posed a threat to communities in the densely populated San Fernando Valley.
Aircraft were deployed to drop water and fire retardant on the steep hills to slow the Palisades Fire’s eastward advance. According to KTLA, ground crews successfully saved several homes, though others were lost to the flames.
“LA County had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said.
US officials warned “dangerous and strong” winds were set to push deadly wildfires further through Los Angeles residential areas Sunday as firefighters struggled to make progress against the flames.
At least 16 people have been confirmed dead from blazes that have ripped through the city, reducing whole neighborhoods to ashes and leaving thousands without homes.
Six simultaneous blazes that have ripped across the United States’ second-largest city since Tuesday had killed at least 16 people as of late Saturday, the Washington Post and other media reported, citing the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office. Reuters could not reach the coroner.
At least 13 people are estimated to be missing.
The blazes have damaged or destroyed 12,000 structures, fire officials said. The flames have reduced whole neighborhoods to smouldering ruins, destroying the homes of the rich and famous and ordinary folk alike and leaving an apocalyptic landscape.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsOver the past 24 hours, the Palisades Fire spread over an additional 1,000 acres (400 hectares), consuming more homes, officials reported. Cal Fire official Todd Hopkins said that while 11% of the Palisades Fire was now contained, it has burned more than 22,000 acres.
Hopkins told a press conference that fire had spread into the Mandeville Canyon and threatened to jump into Brentwood, an upscale neighborhood that is home to many celebrities, and the San Fernando Valley. It also inched towards the north-south 405 freeway.
With inputs from agencies.