L A wildfires claims at least five lives, 2,000 structures destroyed or damaged

The sun over the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of west Los Angeles, in California, U.S., January 9, 2025. REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona

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	Businesses on Lake Avenue in Altadena go up in flames Wednesday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
	L.A. wildfires claim at least 10 lives, 10,000 structures destroyed or damaged By Patricia Romero TellUsUSA.com LOS ANGELES - Wildfires in Los Angeles have devastated the area, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and the destruction of nearly 10,000 structures. The fires, including the Palisades Fire near Santa Monica and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, have consumed over 34,000 acres, making them the most destructive in Los Angeles history. High-profile evacuations included Hollywood celebrities, with many residents fleeing by car and on foot. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna expects the death toll to rise, describing the affected areas as resembling an atomic bomb site. Damage and economic loss are estimated between $135 billion and $150 billion, with the recovery process expected to be arduous and insurance costs soaring. Southern California Edison has received notices to preserve evidence related to the Eaton Fire, though no fire agencies have linked the utility to the blaze. President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster and promised federal support, including full reimbursement for recovery efforts for the next 180 days. This aid will cover debris removal, temporary shelters, and first responder salaries. Five wildfires are currently burning in Los Angeles County, with the largest, the Palisades Fire, only 6% contained, and the Eaton Fire not contained at all. Aircraft are actively dropping retardant and water on the fires, though one Super Scooper aircraft was grounded after colliding with a civilian drone. A new fire, the Kenneth Fire, broke out near Calabasas, quickly expanding to 960 acres. An erroneous countywide evacuation notice added to the chaos, though it was quickly corrected. The Eaton Fire has damaged or destroyed between 4,000 and 5,000 structures, while the Palisades Fire has affected an additional 5,300 structures. Pacific Palisades residents returning to their neighborhoods found scenes of devastation, with brick chimneys standing over charred remains. Despite the destruction, some residents, like private security guard Bilal Tukhi, expressed gratitude for their survival. School closures continued due to contaminated air, and winds, which had temporarily dropped, intensified again. Concerns arose in diverse communities like Altadena, where residents feared that high-profile areas might receive more resources, leaving less affluent households struggling with insurance claims. The Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills was fully contained, but the destruction in Pacific Palisades included once-palatial homes reduced to ruins. Some residents, like John Carr, stayed behind to protect their homes, criticizing the lack of firefighting support. Efforts are underway to establish curfews in evacuation areas, and aerial footage revealed extensive damage. Chef Jose Andres and actor Jamie Lee Curtis were among those contributing to relief efforts, emphasizing the need for unity and support. Firefighting crews from several states and Canada are assisting in the battle against the fires.