‘Perfect storm’ of conditions created cataclysmic LA wildfires
Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass says a dangerous combination of “historic” winds and extensive drought created the “perfect storm” for raging wildfires to rip through the California city.
At least five people have been killed, thousands of structures have been incinerated and nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to leave their homes, officials said.
Authorities are hopeful on Friday (AEDT) that the “tide is turning”, which would enable firefighters to tackle blazes from the sky as fierce winds ease.
While it’s not yet known what started the wildfires, key factors combined to feed its destructive forces that quickly spread across the city.
Southern California has experienced an “exceptionally dry” period after two previous winters with heavy rain.
The rainfall in 2022 and 2023 encouraged massive vegetation growth, which then dried out in the drought — fuel for fire.
Powerful Santa Ana winds, which originate in the desert and blow through California, then fanned the flames, reaching up to 160km/h.
Bass described it as a “perfect storm” of dangerous conditions.
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“We’re facing a historic natural disaster. And I think that can’t be stated strong enough,” emergency director Kevin McGowan said.
A statue and other structures are burned in Pacific Palisades. Photo: AAP
With five already confirmed dead, Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna said the toll was likely to rise.
The Palisades fire and the Eaton fire are already the most destructive in Los Angeles history, burning an area exceeding the size of Disney World and turning entire neighbourhoods to ash.
But firefighters have managed to beat back another blazing inferno scorching the Hollywood Hills.
A car lot destroyed by the Eaton fire. Photo: AAP
The Eaton fire’s growth has been significantly stopped, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said, although it remained uncontained.
While still fierce, winds have slowed slightly since the 160km/h gusts earlier in the week, permitting crucial aerial support for crews on the ground.
“We have a much better posture than we did on Tuesday and Wednesday,” Marrone said.
Businesses incinerated in Pacific Palisades. Photo: AAP
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But officials warned that wind gusts of up to 100km/h were forecast throughout Thursday and residents should be prepared to leave if ordered.
“It is safe to say that the Palisades fire is one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles,” LA City Fire Department chief Kristin Crowley said.
Firefighters, assisted by helicopters dropping retardants and water, managed to make gains overnight in battling the Sunset Fire.
The Sunset Fire forced mandatory evacuations in Hollywood and Hollywood Hills, including famous show-business locations such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Fleeing an inferno in Pacific Palisades. Photo: AAP
The fire was in retreat, shrinking to about 17 hectares, and firefighters were making progress, Crowley said.
No buildings were lost in the area, a city fire department spokeswoman said, and the evacuation order was lifted.
It was one of at least five wildfires burning in Los Angeles County on Thursday morning (local time) as powerful winds spread flames across parched ground that had been without rain for months.
The homes of movie stars and celebrities were among those consumed by flames, which tore through some of the world’s most lavish real estate.
“We are heartbroken of course, but with the love of children and friends we will get through this,” film star Billy Crystal and his wife Janice said, announcing the Pacific Palisades home where they had lived since 1979 had been destroyed.
The National Weather Service extended Red Flag warnings — issued when the risk for fire is high due to low humidity, high winds and warm temperatures — for Los Angeles and Ventura counties until 6pm on Friday.
Water shortages caused some hydrants to run dry in upscale Pacific Palisades, which is wedged between Malibu and Santa Monica, officials said on Wednesday.
US President Joe Biden was briefed on Thursday on the effect of the ongoing wildfires. He would meet top administration officials later to discuss the federal response, the White House said.
Firefighters from six other US states were being rushed to California while an additional 250 engine companies with 1000 personnel were being moved from northern California to southern California, Marrone said.
-with AAP
