January 9, 2025 The death toll from the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles has risen to five, with officials warning that the situation remains dire as powerful winds continue to spread the flames. Thousands of residents, including prominent Hollywood figures, have been evacuated from neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades, which have been particularly hard-hit.
New Blaze in Hollywood Hills
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley reported a fresh fire near Runyon Canyon on Wednesday evening, further stretching firefighting resources. All available teams are responding to contain the flames, which have destroyed hundreds of buildings across Los Angeles County.
School Closures and Property Damage
The Los Angeles Unified School District announced that all schools will remain closed Thursday, with two elementary schools confirmed destroyed. In Palisades, three schools have suffered severe damage, and over 1,000 structures have been reduced to rubble.
Celebrity Homes and Landmarks Impacted
Numerous celebrities are awaiting updates on whether their homes have survived. Landmarks like Griffith Park, the Hollywood Sign, and the Los Angeles Zoo have been closed, while the Getty Center and Getty Villa will remain shut for several days.
Government Response
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have expressed solidarity with affected residents and first responders. Biden approved a major disaster declaration, unlocking federal resources for recovery. California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed the National Guard to assist firefighting efforts.
Severe Challenges for Emergency Services
Fire Chief Anthony Marrone admitted that the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local emergency services. Crews are battling at least three major blazes, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have collectively burned tens of thousands of acres with zero containment.
Community Impact
Power outages have affected 1.5 million residents, and evacuation orders are in place for areas like Santa Monica and Malibu. The Federal Aviation Administration has restricted flights over affected regions, complicating logistics further.
As firefighting efforts continue, officials urge residents to prioritize safety and evacuate when directed. The wildfires, described as among the most destructive in LA’s history, are expected to worsen due to ongoing windstorms.
