Two Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles, Forcing Thousands to Evacuate

Two massive wildfires erupted near Los Angeles, California, overnight Wednesday to Thursday, prompting the evacuation of over 31,000 people.

According to California’s fire protection services, the first blaze broke out Wednesday afternoon in the “Bel Air” area, destroying more than 4,000 hectares within hours.

The second fire, called “Sepulveda,” spread north of Los Angeles, near “Palisades.” Since January, this fire has consumed approximately 10,000 hectares and destroyed thousands of buildings.

American media reported that, in addition to the 31,000 people evacuated, around 23,000 others were warned to prepare for a potential evacuation.

The National Weather Service warned that these fires are worsening due to ongoing drought conditions and strong winds reaching up to 110 km/h expected throughout Thursday.

In other parts of Los Angeles County, authorities have managed to contain wildfires that ravaged the “Pacific Palisades” and “Eaton” areas for two weeks, with containment rates of 70% and 95%, respectively.

Since January, these wildfires have claimed 28 lives and caused damages estimated at tens of billions of dollars.