Los Angeles Wildfires: A Devastating Disaster in Figures
Total figures expected to grow once it is safe enough for firefighters to conduct house-to-house searches
NEWSVIRAL
Los Angeles Wildfires: A Devastating Disaster in Figures
The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles have caused significant loss of life, widespread destruction, and devastating economic damage. Here's a breakdown of the key figures highlighting the scale of this catastrophic disaster:
Five Major Blazes:
Los Angeles is currently battling five large fires, with the largest being the Palisades Fire, which has consumed 86 square kilometers (33 square miles), ravaging the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
The second major fire, Eaton Fire, has spread across 56 square kilometers (22 square miles) in the Altadena suburb.
Three smaller fires, Kenneth Fire (4 sq km), Hurst Fire (3 sq km), and Lidia Fire (1.6 sq km), have been partly contained with containment rates of 50%, 70%, and 98%, respectively.
150 Square Kilometers Affected:
Over 37,000 acres (15,000 hectares or 150 square kilometers) have been burned so far, which, though smaller in size compared to past Californian wildfires, are highly destructive due to their proximity to residential areas.
11 Confirmed Deaths:
The wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 11 people. Two deaths occurred in the Palisades Fire, and five were reported in the Eaton Fire. If the number of deaths rises to six in any of the fires, it will become one of the 20 deadliest wildfires in California's history.
10,000 Buildings Destroyed:
At least 10,000 structures, including homes and businesses, have been destroyed, with 5,000 buildings lost in the Palisades Fire and 4,000 to 5,000 in the Eaton Fire, making these the most destructive fires in Los Angeles County's history.
180,000 People Evacuated:
Authorities have evacuated around 180,000 residents from affected neighborhoods, urging them to follow evacuation orders as fires threaten their homes.
20 Arrests for Looting:
As the fire-stricken areas face the additional danger of looting, 20 people have been arrested for theft. A nighttime curfew and National Guard deployment are in place to maintain order and protect properties.
$150 Billion in Damage:
The fires have caused extensive destruction, particularly in luxury neighborhoods. AccuWeather estimates the total damage at $135 to $150 billion, making it potentially the most costly wildfire disaster in history.