The Palisades Fire, which ignited on Tuesday, has now scorched over 23,000 acres and remains only 11% contained, according to Cal Fire. The fire, which has spread eastward toward Brentwood, continues to wreak havoc, with a stark aerial image captured on Saturday showing the grim aftermath of the blaze in Pacific Palisades.
Homes and buildings have been reduced to rubble, while several trees stand blackened, signaling one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna described the destruction as resembling a “war zone,” noting downed power poles and smoldering fires still present in the area. “It is not safe,” he warned on Sunday. “We want to get you back into your homes, but we can’t allow that until it is safe for you to do so.”
As wildfires continue to ravage the region, at least 16 people have been confirmed dead. Four major wildfires are still burning in and around Los Angeles, with officials urgently working to contain the flames before high winds threaten to undo any progress. The Palisades Fire has become one of the largest of these fires, with more than 23,700 acres burned so far, but only 11% containment achieved.
However, the Hurst and Kenneth fires are 89% and 90% contained, respectively, allowing for resources to be shifted toward tackling the Palisades Fire. Cal Fire spokesperson Chris Harvey informed CNN that additional resources are being mobilized to support the ongoing battle.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone emphasized the persistent fire risk, urging the public to understand the necessity of power shutoffs for safety. “These winds, combined with low relative humidities and low fuel moistures, will keep the fire threat very high,” Marrone said. He also mentioned that 70 water tenders had been deployed to support firefighting efforts.
With high winds predicted, the situation remains tense. “The more resources that are flooding in to help us with our current fires, the better we are prepared to pre-deploy, knowing that this wind event is coming,” said Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin M. Crowley. The focus remains on controlling the fires while bracing for further challenges posed by the incoming winds.
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