Catastrophic, fast moving wildfires are raging across multiple areas in California over the past 18 hours. There are currently 4 large fires surging in the surrounding LA areas. Mandatory evacuations are in effect for more than 80,000 people and nearly 300,000 customers are out of power.
Dry conditions and strong winds are having an enormous effect, on the Palisades Fire that started about 2 p.m. PT Tuesday afternoon. The Palisades Fire in the LA city and LA county, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood lying in between Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean has already demolished up to 12,000 acres, destroyed an estimate of 1,000 structures, has 0% containment and no fatalities reported. There are a few firefighters with injuries and high number of significant injuries to residents who didn’t evacuate promptly. Over 1,000 personnel are assigned there.
The Eaton Fire started roughly 6:30 p.m. PT Tuesday evening in the Pasadena and Altadena area, including the Angeles National Forest. The Eaton Fire has already ravaged through more than 10,600 acres, destroyed over 100 structures and has 0% containment. Two deaths have been reported to civilians but cause of death has yet to be determined. There are a number of significant injuries. There are over 500 personnel assigned there. The cause of the fire is unknown, pending investigation.
The Hurst Fire began around 10:30 p.m. PT Tuesday night in Sylmar area (north of San Fernando). The Hurst Fire has already devoured through over 500 acres with 0% containment. No deaths or injuries have been reported.
The Woodley Fire began around 6:15 a.m. PT Wednesday morning in the Sepulveda Basin area (west of San Fernando Valley). The Woodley Fire has already burned through 75 acres with 0% containment. No deaths or injuries have been reported.
The air quality has reached hazardous levels and civilians not under evacuation orders are asked to shelter in place. Several schools are closed and possibly destroyed.
Winds have reached as high as 100 mph at times and are reaching between 60-75 mph. Aircrafts including helicopters and fixed wings have limited effect due to smoke and strong winds.
The cause of the fires are unknown and pending investigation.
By - FZ
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