At Least 13 Dead in LA Wildfires as Officials Investigate Causes: Live Updates
Massive Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles County
Four active wildfires continue to wreak havoc across Los Angeles County, with the largest, the Palisades Fire, expanding rapidly and threatening major Southern California infrastructure. By Saturday afternoon, the fire had scorched 22,660 acres and was only 11% contained. The flames have spread northeast, prompting mandatory evacuation orders west of the 405 Freeway and placing communities in Encino and Brentwood at significant risk.
Powerful winds, combined with dry conditions, have fueled these fires, leaving a devastating toll in their wake. As of Saturday, at least 13 people have lost their lives, and over 153,000 residents remain under mandatory evacuation orders. Another 166,000 people have been warned to prepare for potential evacuations.
"Los Angeles County Fire will remain vigilant," said Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. "The combination of strong winds, dry air, and parched vegetation creates a sustained high fire threat."
Record-Breaking Destruction
The Palisades Fire is now the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history, with more than 38,000 acres burned across the county. Over 5,000 structures have been destroyed, including 426 homes, according to Todd Hopkins of CalFire.
On Saturday, the flames approached the Getty Center, a cultural landmark, and placed areas east of the 405 Freeway under evacuation warnings. Authorities continue to monitor other active fires, including the Eaton Fire, which has burned 14,117 acres with 15% containment as of Saturday morning. This fire has caused significant damage to Altadena and Pasadena, destroying or damaging over 7,000 structures.
Investigation Underway
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) announced Saturday that it would lead the investigation into the origins of the Palisades Fire. Officials have yet to determine what ignited the blaze.
Progress in Other Areas
While crews are battling multiple fires, there has been some progress. Firefighters have fully contained the Archer Fire near Granada Hills and the Lidia Fire in Antelope Valley, both of which ignited on Friday. However, the ongoing fires remain unpredictable, according to CalFire Battalion Chief David Acuña.
"One of the biggest challenges is that we cannot predict where the fire will move in the next 30 minutes," Acuña said.
The Road Ahead
With extreme fire weather conditions expected to persist throughout the weekend, firefighters face an uphill battle. Authorities continue to urge residents to heed evacuation orders and stay informed. For those in evacuation warning zones, officials recommend having an emergency plan and essential supplies ready.
Stay tuned for live updates as Los Angeles grapples with one of its worst wildfire events in history.
Los Angeles Wildfire Crisis Deepens as Death Toll Rises to 13
The wildfire emergency in Los Angeles County has escalated into a catastrophic crisis as authorities report at least 13 fatalities, thousands of destroyed structures, and tens of thousands of acres burned. Firefighters are battling multiple blazes amid worsening conditions, with wind-driven flames threatening lives, property, and iconic landmarks.
Unprecedented Scale of the Palisades Fire
The Palisades Fire, now the largest and most destructive blaze in Los Angeles County history, has consumed 22,660 acres with only 11% containment as of Saturday afternoon. This fire alone has destroyed over 5,000 structures, including 426 homes, forcing mass evacuations and threatening communities such as Encino, Brentwood, and areas near the Getty Center. Mandatory evacuation orders have been extended west of the 405 Freeway, with authorities warning that the fire remains highly unpredictable.
Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed that more than 153,000 residents are under evacuation orders, while an additional 166,000-plus people have been placed on high alert. "The safety of our residents is our top priority, and we’re urging everyone to evacuate when directed," Luna said during a Saturday press conference.
Ongoing Investigations into the Cause
In response to the scale of destruction, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has taken over the investigation into the origins of the Palisades Fire. Officials are working to determine whether the fire was caused by human activity, negligence, or natural factors.
Battling the Eaton Fire and Other Blazes
To the northeast, the Eaton Fire, which has burned 14,117 acres, remains another major concern. With 15% containment, this fire has ravaged parts of Altadena and Pasadena, damaging or destroying over 7,000 structures. Fire crews are racing against time as strong winds threaten to expand the blaze further into residential areas.
Amid these challenges, firefighters successfully contained the Archer Fire near Granada Hills and the Lidia Fire in Antelope Valley, but their efforts remain strained as additional resources are deployed to combat the remaining fires.
Firefighting Challenges
Fire Chief Anthony Marrone emphasized that the combination of powerful winds, dry vegetation, and low humidity is creating near-impossible conditions for containment. "The intensity of these fires makes predicting their path incredibly difficult. Resources are stretched thin, but we remain committed to protecting lives and property," Marrone said.
Threat to Infrastructure and Landmarks
In addition to residential destruction, key infrastructure and cultural landmarks are under threat. Flames approached the Getty Center, forcing the museum to activate fire prevention measures. Other critical areas, including utilities and major roadways, remain at risk as flames encroach upon transportation corridors and power lines.
What’s Next?
Officials have warned that the weekend's weather conditions will likely exacerbate the situation. High winds are expected to persist, increasing the fire’s intensity and expanding its reach. Los Angeles residents in evacuation warning zones are urged to prepare emergency supplies and stay vigilant.
Emergency shelters have been set up across the county for evacuees, and resources such as food, water, and medical care are being distributed. However, with over 57,000 structures currently at risk, authorities face an enormous challenge in managing the crisis.
As Los Angeles grapples with this unprecedented wildfire disaster, officials are calling for patience, cooperation, and support. Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to visit affected areas and assess ongoing firefighting efforts. "This is a moment for Californians to come together," Newsom said in a statement. "We will rebuild, but right now, we must prioritize saving lives."
Stay Updated
This is a developing story. Follow for live updates on evacuation orders, containment efforts, and emergency resources.
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