LA fires continue to wreak havoc in California after Palisades flare-up | Live Updates from Fox News
Wildfires in Los Angeles have continued to wreak havoc for five days, leaving devastation in their path. On Friday evening, new evacuation orders were issued as the Palisades Fire flared up, prompting authorities to act swiftly to protect residents from Mandeville Canyon to the Interstate 405 freeway. Tragically, these relentless fires have claimed at least 16 lives, with over 12,300 homes and buildings reduced to ashes.
Firefighters faced a challenging battle as strong winds fueled the flames earlier in the week. By Friday, the winds began to subside, giving crews a chance to make progress. As of Saturday morning, reports confirmed that the Palisades Fire was 11% contained, while the Eaton Fire reached 15%. Encouragingly, firefighters have managed to contain 80% of the Kenneth Fire, 76% of the Hurst Fire, and completely extinguished the Lidia Fire.
The devastation has not only been physical but deeply emotional for residents. Jon Kahn, a songwriter from Pacific Palisades, shared his heartbreaking story. Kahn had never evacuated for a fire before but was forced to leave this time. He described how, as he drove to his father’s home six miles away—a journey that took over two hours in the chaos—he checked footage from his Ring camera and saw his fence engulfed in flames. By the time he reached safety, his house was gone.
Despite the despair, Kahn expressed gratitude for the overwhelming kindness shown by friends and strangers alike. “At least 30 people have offered me a place to stay,” he shared. “It’s a testament to the human spirit, even in times like these.”
On Saturday, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in Los Angeles announced it would lead an investigation into the origins of the Palisades Fire. Authorities hope to determine the cause and prevent future tragedies of this scale.
The death toll, currently at 16, may rise as rescue teams navigate piles of rubble and debris. Many areas remain inaccessible due to unstable conditions, including ruptured gas lines. Emergency crews are working tirelessly to locate missing residents and restore safety to the region.
For many, these wildfires are a grim reminder of the dangers posed by the extreme weather conditions. As the situation unfolds, residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for potential evacuations.
The resilience and unity shown by affected communities provide a glimmer of hope amid the destruction. For now, the priority remains on extinguishing the fires, supporting survivors, and beginning the long road to recovery.
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