At least five people were killed in the wildfires across Los Angeles that continued to grow Wednesday and ravaged some of the most picturesque neighbourhoods. The thick fires covered the city with smoke and ash, prompting hundreds and thousands of people to evacuate the area.
Over 1,000 of structures were destroyed in the fire and several people were hurt in the fires. The fires have consumed a total of about 42 square miles (108 square kilometres) — nearly the size of the entire city of San Francisco. Pictures of the devastation showed luxurious homes that collapsed in a whirlwind of flaming embers. Swimming pools were blackened with soot, and sports cars slumped on melted tyres.
LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said, “This morning, we woke up to a dark cloud over all of Los Angeles. But it is darkest for those who are most intimately impacted by these fires. It has been an immensely painful 24 hours.” US President Joe Biden signed a disaster declaration over the California fires on Wednesday following being briefed on the four wildfires ablaze in Southern California.
Biden said, “It’s astounding what’s happening here.” He further pledged that the federal government will continue to provide support for as long as it takes. “We’re prepared to do anything and everything, as long as it takes, to tame these fires and help make sure they get back to normal,” the President said, adding, “It’s going to be a hell of a long way.”
Following the brief with US President Joe Biden, Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said, “We knew there was a potential for significant threat to our constituents due to the weather event. High-high-high winds. I’ve never seen the winds in my 25-year career.”Recalling the horrific experience, a local recalling the incident said, “It’s just really weird coming back to somewhere that doesn’t really exist anymore.”
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