A pair of massive wildfires threatening Los Angeles from the east and west remained uncontained on Thursday, two days after igniting, though firefighters managed to gain control of the fire scorching the Hollywood Hills.
The Palisades fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city’s western flank and the Eaton fire in the east near Pasadena have become the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history, burning nearly 28,000 acres, an area larger than Disney World, and reducing entire neighborhoods to ash.
At least five people have been killed, thousands of structures incinerated, and nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes. Firefighters have managed to significantly slow the spread of the Eaton fire, though it remains uncontained.
While the winds have eased slightly, with gusts now reaching up to 60 mph, officials warned residents to stay prepared for evacuation orders.
The fires, driven by powerful Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, have burned some of the world’s most luxurious real estate, including the homes of movie stars and celebrities.
