A devastating wildfire swept through Los Angeles, the entertainment hub of the United States, reaching the Hollywood Hills on Thursday and threatening iconic landmarks.
By Wednesday night, nearly 150,000 residents were under evacuation orders as the flames tore through over 7,000 hectares, claiming at least five lives and destroying more than 1,000 structures, including homes, schools, and places of worship.
Hurricane-force winds on Tuesday, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph (160 kmph), intensified the fire, causing it to spread rapidly across suburbs and neighborhoods before reaching the Hollywood Hills. Firefighters gained some control on Wednesday as the winds slowed, enabling helicopters to assist in extinguishing the blaze.
The personal residence of Vice President Kamala Harris was among the areas evacuated on Tuesday night due to the impending danger, although no one was present, according to her spokesperson. Los Angeles, the hometown of former mayor and current U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, was at the center of the crisis.
The wildfire also impacted numerous celebrities. Singer Mandy Moore and socialite Paris Hilton lost their homes, while Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Ben Affleck were among those forced to evacuate. Though production studios were spared direct damage, operations came to a halt.
In response to the disaster, the Oscars extended their nomination deadlines by two days.
Southern California’s prolonged drought, with almost no rain since May, has dried out vegetation, creating ideal conditions for such destructive fires. Authorities continue to battle the blaze as residents face the aftermath of one of the most severe wildfires in recent memory.
Amidst scenes reminiscent of a Hollywood apocalyptic film, orange flames lit up the hillsides as residents fled their homes in droves, clogging streets with vehicles and even people on foot. Overhead, helicopters battled the inferno by dropping water on the flames, while firefighters and emergency workers raced against time. Their efforts were often slowed by chaotic traffic and damaged roads, making the task of controlling the devastation even more challenging.
After the fires were extinguished in some neighborhoods, residents returned to find their homes reduced to charred remains.
In the chaos that often follows U.S. tragedies, looters targeted evacuated areas, prompting police interventions to maintain order.
By Wednesday night, the wildfire on Hollywood Hill had crept within a kilometer of landmarks like the Hollywood Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater.
President Joe Biden visited the affected areas on Wednesday, stopping at a fire station in Santa Monica. Addressing the recovery efforts, he stated, “It’s going to be a hell of a long way. It’s going to take time, but the federal government is here to stay as long as you need it and everything you need.” The tragedy also struck a personal chord with Biden, as his son, who resides in the region, was evacuated. However, amidst the chaos, his granddaughter gave birth to a baby boy on the same day. Biden canceled a scheduled trip to Italy to focus on the crisis.
In some areas, fire hydrants ran dry due to overwhelming demand, exacerbating firefighting challenges. Former President Donald Trump, meanwhile, criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for alleged mismanagement of water resources. In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed that Newsom refused to approve a “water restoration declaration” to protect an endangered fish species, the smelt, prioritizing wildlife over people’s needs. Newsom’s office denied the existence of such a declaration and called Trump’s statements misleading.
The widespread evacuation orders disrupted lives across the region. CBS TV reporters covering the disaster were forced to evacuate their own families or check on them during broadcasts, while a weather reporter brought her family to the studio after her home was evacuated.
Displaced residents sought refuge in public shelters far from the fire zones, as authorities worked to provide safety and assistance.
Recent Random Post:
