LAHera2024
Massive wildfires raging through the Los Angeles area destroyed communities Wednesday, killing at least two people and endangering Hollywood landmarks as terrified residents fled through flames that expanded out of control thanks to hurricane-force winds.
Three huge fires that sparked just the day before grew significantly, while winds threw embers far and wide. The fires engulfed the city in a thick cloud of smoke and ash, destroying residences from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena, the site of the famous Rose Parade.
One of the fires was the most damaging in LA’s modern history, destroying grocery shops and banks and leveling entire blocks.
With thousands of firemen already battling the blaze, the Los Angeles Fire Department asked off-duty and out-of-state personnel to assist. The winds briefly halted aircraft from dropping water from above, allowing them to resume missions.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone reported that the fires damaged over 1,000 structures and injured numerous people, including first responders.
Images of the damage depicted opulent homes collapsing in a maelstrom of blazing embers. Swimming pools were dark with smoke, and sports cars sat on melted tires.
