Specifically, four fires broke out in the coastal area between Malibu and Santa Monica in Los Angeles City, spanning 63 square kilometers earlier this week and have yet to be contained.
The fires destroyed at least 1,000 structures, making it the deadliest fire ever in Los Angeles.
Wildfires in Los Angeles. The Palisades Fire burns down homes along the Pacific Coast Highway. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
The Los Angeles County Fire Department did not have enough manpower to fight the fires because it was “prepared for one or two large fires, but not four at once,” the Los Angeles County Sheriff said.
Initially, strong winds fanned the flames and firefighting efforts were slow. Some progress was made in the afternoon of January 8, when planes and helicopters began to drop water on the flames. However, the district authorities warned that the fires would take time to contain.
A house on fire in Altadena, Los Angeles County, California (USA) on January 8. Photo: AFP
On January 8, US President Joe Biden visited a fire department in Santa Monica, Los Angeles.
“We’re doing everything we can to get this fire under control. It’s going to be a long road and it’s going to take a long time,” Biden told reporters.
The cause of the wildfire in Los Angeles, California (USA) is still unknown. Photo: THE NEW YORK TIMES
“I have never seen anything like it, it was like hell in every direction,” said Stefan Simchowitz, an art dealer.
Mr. Simchowitz returned to his art business in Pasadena on Jan. 8 after evacuating the night before. He found some of his artwork still standing, covered in dust and windblown debris, but he had heard from at least five friends and neighbors whose homes had burned.
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