The largest wildfire in Los Angeles continued to spread on Saturday, moving toward previously unaffected neighborhoods and forcing new evacuations, as hopes of containing the disaster dwindled. At least 11 people have died as multiple fires have ravaged residential areas since Tuesday, destroying thousands of homes. U.S. President Joe Biden likened the devastation to a “war scene.”
Despite extensive firefighting efforts, the Palisades fire prompted evacuation orders for upscale neighborhoods, including the Getty Center. Winds were expected to pick up again, increasing the risk of new fires as embers were carried into dry brush. Anger and frustration have grown among Los Angeles residents, who are questioning the adequacy of officials’ response to the crisis.
Nicole Perri, whose home in the Pacific Palisades was destroyed, expressed disappointment in the authorities, saying, “Officials completely let us down.” James Brown, a retired lawyer from Altadena, echoed this sentiment, stating, “I don’t think the officials were prepared at all.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom called for a “full independent review” of the handling of the fires, highlighting concerns over a lack of water supplies during the initial response. A curfew was imposed in evacuated areas due to reports of looting, and the National Guard was deployed to support law enforcement.
The five fires have already burned more than 37,000 acres, destroying approximately 12,000 buildings. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed the death of an additional person, bringing the toll to 11, with more fatalities expected.
The Palisades fire remains only 8% contained as it spreads east, having consumed 21,600 acres. Emergency officials warn that conditions remain extremely dangerous, with winds set to increase in the coming days.
Celebrities such as Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, and Anthony Hopkins were among those whose homes were destroyed. Meanwhile, political tensions have risen, with Biden criticizing incoming President Donald Trump for spreading misinformation about the fires.
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley pointed to chronic underfunding of the fire department, citing staffing shortages as a key factor in the delayed response. Experts agree that while wildfires are natural, human-caused climate change is intensifying the severity and frequency of such disasters.
