At least five people have lost their lives as uncontrolled wildfires are ravaging through Southern California, devouring neighborhoods across the greater Los Angeles three days after igniting.
The out-of-control raging wildfires have already forced some 180,000 residents to evacuate as another 200,000 people remain under evacuation warnings, authorities said.
Catastrophic wildfires, which have claimed over 1,500 properties so far, continued to burn around Los Angeles on Thursday, as firefighters faced challenges containing the raging flames three days after they commenced, fueled by powerful winds sweeping through the mountains and foothills.
“This firestorm is ‘the big one’ in magnitude,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who is under fire for her leadership during the crisis and for budget cuts to Fire Department.
According to Cal Fire, Los Angeles County is currently experiencing five active wildfires.
Palisades Fire, which is the largest of all, has already burned over 17,200 acres in Pacific Palisades and destroyed more than 300 structures since Tuesday, with 800 firefighters working to contain it. Eaton Fire, which is raging near Pasadena, has claimed five lives and scorched 10,600 acres.