L.A. fires kill 5. Death toll expected to rise as several blazes rage unabated
Washington Post, January 9, 2025 at 2:44 p.m.
Out-of-control wildfires are raging across greater Los Angeles, killing at least five people, devouring neighborhoods and forcing the evacuation of about 180,000 people as the blazes enter their third day. An additional 200,000 people are under evacuation warnings.
L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said he expects the death toll to rise. There are now five active wildfires burning in Los Angeles County, according to Cal Fire; some areas “look like a bomb was dropped on them,” Luna said.
The Palisades Fire, which has burned 17,234 acres, is “one of the most destructive fires in the history of Los Angeles,” Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said. The Eaton Fire, at 10,600 acres, remains uncontained. The Sunset Fire has burned 60 acres since it started Wednesday in the Hollywood Hills. High wind speeds, which fueled the blazes, decreased overnight, but another wind surge is forecast for late Thursday into Friday, with gusts up to 60 mph.
Key updates
- Another surge of winds expected in Southern California
- What to know about the wildfires in Los Angeles
- Devastating and deadly wildfires rage in Los Angeles, with more feared
- Fire hydrants ran dry in Pacific Palisades as a major wildfire raged
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