A state of emergency has been declared in Los Angeles due to wildfires that have spread across several areas in the western part of the city. According to the latest reports, two people have died. Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated, and nearly 1,500 firefighters are battling the flames, but strong storm winds have made it difficult to contain the fires.
Three wildfires are currently raging on the outskirts of the Los Angeles metropolitan area
At a press conference on Wednesday, the head of the Los Angeles County Fire Department stated that two people had died as a result of one of these fires near the city of Pasadena.
According to Fire Department Chief Anthony Marroun, many people have suffered burns, some of them severe.
The fire near Pasadena has already burned more than 900 hectares, and efforts to contain it have been unsuccessful, despite the efforts of 700 firefighters.
Authorities are warning that the situation is worsened by the strong storm winds and dry weather, and there is currently no way to contain the fire.
The “Santa Ana winds”—a regular local natural phenomenon—are reaching speeds of 80-100 km/h, and in some areas, particularly in elevated regions, they have reached 160 km/h.
Anthony Marroun reported that the fire near Pasadena has already destroyed over 100 buildings and is threatening all residents of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.
“Strong winds and low humidity have put the entire Los Angeles County at risk,” said the fire department chief.
Los Angeles County has a population of 9.66 million.
Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters that 32,500 residents of Pasadena and the surrounding areas have been ordered to evacuate, and 38,600 more have been warned about a potential evacuation.
In the Pacific Palisades area, which is affected by the third fire, 37,000 people have been given evacuation orders, according to Luna.
The head of the Los Angeles Fire Department, Kristin Crowley, reported that several firefighters and local residents have already suffered burns and injuries.
Crowley added that another fire in the Sylmar area, about 20 km from the Pasadena fire, has spread across approximately two square kilometers in less than 24 hours since it started. More than 3,000 people have been evacuated from this area.
Dania Bacchus, who is reporting from the Pacific Palisades area—one of the hardest-hit areas—told the BBC that these are the worst fires in the region in 19 years.
Bacchus mentioned that strong gusts of wind are hindering rescue efforts, as firefighters are unable to use helicopters to combat the flames.
Around 200,000 residents in Los Angeles County and nearly 26,000 in neighboring Ventura County are without electricity, although utility companies are working around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible.
