Los Angeles wildfire: 11 killed, 10,000 homes destroyed amid threat of new fires – India Today
Friday was a devastating day for Los Angeles as wildfires destroyed more than 10,000 homes and buildings, leaving at least 11 people dead. The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, among other blazes, have scorched over 27,000 acres across Southern California. Officials have confirmed that 153,000 residents are under evacuation orders, with the fires continuing to rage.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reported that the Eaton and Palisades Fires alone claimed 11 lives. LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone announced Friday that efforts to contain the fire had made progress, but the damage was already staggering.
In addition to the destruction, police arrested 20 individuals suspected of looting in evacuated areas. Sheriff Robert Luna expressed frustration, stating that such actions exploit the community’s pain during a crisis.
The fires have forced families to flee their homes in the middle of the night. Deisy-Suarez Giles and her family of four are among those who lost everything. Returning to the ashes of their home in Altadena, her young boys found only a couple of toys amidst the rubble. “It’s heartbreaking to see everything gone,” Suarez-Giles said, holding back tears.
Firefighting efforts have been hindered by staffing shortages and budget cuts. Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley criticized city leaders, blaming reduced funding for the delayed response. The department faced a $17.6 million budget cut earlier this year, a decision Crowley warned would impact emergency response times.
Despite the scale of the disaster, community resilience shines through. Evacuation centers are at capacity, offering shelter and aid to those displaced. Donations and support have poured in from across the country, showing solidarity during this time of need.
The fires serve as a grim reminder of the worsening impact of climate change on wildfire-prone regions. Southern California officials continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders. The road to recovery will be long, but Los Angeles is no stranger to rebuilding in the face of adversity.
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