Death Toll Rises to 10 as Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles, Thousands of Homes Destroyed

At least 10 people have lost their lives in the wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles, California, according to the county coroner’s office. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue to sift through the rubble.

The fires, which began on Tuesday, have been devastating Southern California, particularly the Los Angeles area, including the famous Hollywood region. Thousands of structures have been destroyed, and many residents, including several high-profile Hollywood figures, have lost their homes. 

More than 10,000 buildings have been affected by the blazes, with emergency responders working around the clock to contain the fires. The ongoing flames are being fueled by powerful winds, complicating efforts to control the situation and leading to significant damage.

The fires were intensified by Santa Ana winds, which reached speeds of over 70 mph (112 kph) in some areas. Though the winds eased slightly on Thursday, the National Weather Service has cautioned that even the reduced gusts could continue to spread the fires rapidly. Stronger winds are expected to return in the coming days.

The Pacific Palisades neighborhood, a wealthy coastal area home to many celebrities, has been among the hardest hit. Over 5,300 buildings were damaged or destroyed there, making this the most destructive fire Los Angeles has ever seen. Large swaths of the neighborhood, covering more than 30 square miles (77 square kilometers), have been reduced to ash, with only the foundations and chimneys of homes remaining.

In addition to Pacific Palisades, the Eaton Fire north of Pasadena has burned over 5,000 structures, including residential homes, businesses, and vehicles. The fire has also heavily damaged five schools in Altadena, where more than 21 square miles (54 square kilometers) have been scorched.