LOS ANGELES — Several fires have broken out across Southern California, resulting in at least five fatalities and numerous injuries due to the extreme dryness and windy weather conditions.
Thousands of firefighters are battling at least five major wildfires dotted around the Los Angeles area and several smaller blazes.
The wildfire crisis in southern California continues to escalate, with firefighting teams tackling fresh blazes that emerged overnight on Wednesday. One of the fires is near the Hollywood Hills, close to famous landmarks such as the Dolby Theater and the “Hollywood Walk Of Fame.”
Nearly 2,000 homes and buildings have been destroyed and nearly 400,000 homes and businesses have lost power.
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Across Los Angeles, it’s too early to know the true scale of the damage as video and photos show unimaginable scenes.
More than 130,000 people were under evacuation orders across Southern California.
A map illustrates the spread of multiple wildfires in Los Angeles County, which are exacerbated by the arid environment and an unusual wind event leading to gusts reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.
Nearly 2,000 homes and building have been destroyed so far, and nearly 400,000 home and businesses are without power as fire rage.
The fire in Pacific Palisades is now the most destructive in Los Angeles history, leveling entire blocks and reducing grocery stores and banks to rubble.
The flames tore through highly populated and affluent neighborhoods, where mansions were reduced to flaming embers.
The “Eaton Fire” exploded to more than 10,000 acres in just 24 hours, with the flames marching down the mountains into densely packed communities, killing at least five people.
Images show before and after the flames consumed a neighborhood in Altadena.
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The California National Guard activated more than 600 service members in what’s being called a “massive response.”
Military police are helping law enforcement and firefighters.
Officials say they are confident they can get a handle on the fires after the winds die down Friday.
“We’ll have red flag conditions probably until Friday. They’re going to keep that warning up. After that, you know, everything really starts to kick into gear, and we’re able to really get the upper hand,” said Capt. Sheila Kelliher, with LA County Fire.
The full scope of the damage may be unknown for days.
Take a look at the latest stories and videos about the deadly California wildfires here.
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