Wildfires have continued to ravage some of Los Angeles’ most picturesque neighbourhoods, spreading destruction and claiming at least five lives as of Wednesday.
Fire crews are battling three major, uncontrolled blazes that have already consumed more than 1,000 structures, most of them homes.
Despite easing winds and reinforcements arriving from across California, the danger remains imminent.
During an update on the fires, a new blaze erupted in the Hollywood Hills, prompting expanded evacuation orders that now encompass Santa Monica. Over 130,000 residents from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena are under orders to leave, with that number fluctuating as new fires ignite.
Thick smoke blankets much of Los Angeles, with at least seven schools reported damaged or destroyed.
Mayor Karen Bass announced that firefighters from across the state and air support are combating the flames, though erratic winds—while less severe than Tuesday night—continue to pose significant challenges.
In Pasadena, the Eaton Fire inflicted severe damage, destroying or damaging between 200 and 500 structures since it was fanned by hurricane-force winds on Tuesday night.
Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin described the conditions as catastrophic, noting that embers were carried miles ahead of the flames, igniting new blazes with unstoppable speed.
“We were not stopping that fire last night,” Augustin admitted, highlighting the challenges posed by high winds and a strained water system further hampered by power outages.
On the Pacific Coast, the Pacific Palisades fire emerged as the most destructive in Los Angeles’ modern history, leveling entire blocks, including grocery stores, banks, and homes.
Over 1,000 structures have been reduced to ash, with numerous injuries reported, including among first responders.
LA County Fire Chief, Anthony Marrone, described the devastation, and images captured luxury homes reduced to rubble, blackened swimming pools, and melted sports cars.
“This morning, we woke up to a dark cloud over all of Los Angeles. But it is darkest for those who are most intimately impacted by these fires,” said LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, reflecting on the immense toll of the past 24 hours.
Affluent neighborhoods such as Calabasas and Santa Monica are among those at risk as the flames push toward heavily populated areas.
Notable Hollywood figures, including Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, and James Woods, were forced to evacuate.
In Palisades Village, landmarks such as the public library, grocery stores, and boutiques have been obliterated.
Dylan Vincent, a resident, returned to find his elementary school destroyed and entire blocks flattened.
“It’s just really weird coming back to somewhere that doesn’t really exist anymore,” he said.
Pasadena resident Jennie Girardo described her alarm as a neighbor came to check on her. “When I opened my door, it smelled like I was living inside of a fireplace,” she recalled. “Then I also started to see the ash. And I’ve never seen that in my life. Like raining ash.”
The fires have advanced so quickly that many residents barely escaped in time. In one harrowing scene, senior citizens in wheelchairs and hospital beds were pushed down streets to safety as flames approached.
In the Pacific Palisades, flames leapt across Sunset Boulevard, severely damaging Palisades Charter High School, a site familiar from Hollywood productions such as Carrie and Teen Wolf.
Roads became clogged as people abandoned vehicles and fled on foot, some carrying their children or pets.
“People were getting out of the cars with their dogs and babies and bags,” said Kelsey Trainor, who escaped through falling ash and flames burning on both sides of the road.
January wildfires are not unheard of in California, though they remain rare. Climate change has prolonged fire seasons, with delayed rains and drier conditions contributing to winter wildfires.
In 2025, dry winds—including the infamous Santa Anas—have fanned the flames, with gusts reaching up to 100 mph in some areas.
President Joe Biden has pledged to sign a federal emergency declaration after receiving a briefing with Governor Gavin Newsom at a Santa Monica fire station. Governor Newsom stated that over 1,400 firefighters have been deployed, along with National Guard troops, but warned that the crisis is far from over.
“We are absolutely not out of danger yet,” said LA City Fire Chief Kristin M. Crowley.
Among the landmarks damaged was the Reel Inn, a Malibu seafood restaurant beloved by locals. Its owner, Teddy Leonard, expressed hope for the future. “When you look at the grand scheme of things, as long as your family is well and everyone’s alive, you’re still winning, right?” she said.
The Pacific Palisades fire, now the most destructive in Los Angeles’ history, has surpassed the 2008 Sayre fire and the 1961 Bel Air fire in terms of devastation. Residents are urged to limit water usage as the city’s system struggles to meet demand. Schools across the region remain closed, with officials confirming severe damage to multiple campuses.
Despite the devastation, firefighters and residents alike continue their battle against the blazes, hoping to reclaim what they can amid the destruction.
