Los Angeles Wildfires Cause Evacuations, Deaths, and Losses

The deadly wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed at least five lives and destroyed over 1,000 structures, with economic losses estimated between $50 billion and $57 billion. The fires, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, have forced the evacuation of over 70,000 residents, including celebrities like Mark Hamill and Mandy Moore. The largest blazes, the Palisades and Eaton Fires, have burned more than 25,000 acres combined, impacting areas such as Pasadena and Altadena. In response, 1,400 California fire personnel, along with additional resources from Oregon, are battling the flames, although strong winds initially hindered aerial firefighting efforts. Edison International is investigating the fire's origin near its transmission lines in Eaton Canyon. Evacuations have been chaotic with gridlocked roads, and local shelters are accommodating displaced residents and animals.