More than 10, 000 homes, including many businesses are said to have been destroyed in the Los Angeles fire.
So far, at least 11 lives have been reported lost in the incident.
For some, it was a first look at the staggering reality of what was lost as the region of 13 million people grapples with the gargantuan challenge of overcoming the disaster and rebuilding.
A new flare-up in Southern California has led to more mandatory evacuation orders as the Palisades Fire moved northeast, according to reports.
Fox News reports that the latest order is in effect from Sunset Boulevard north to Encino Reservoir and from the 405 Freeway west to Mandeville Canyon. Brentwood has also been threatened.
The Getty Center Dr. and Skirball Center Dr. off-ramps are now closed on both I-405 northbound and I-405 southbound.
“The Palisades Fire has got a new significant flare-up on the eastern portion and continues to move northeast,” Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott told KTLA.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office said a curfew is now in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in all mandatory evacuation areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton wildfires. The sheriff’s office urged residents to avoid these areas for their own protection and to allow first responders to work effectively.
The curfew will be strictly enforced and violators may face serious consequences, including fines of up to $1,000 or possible imprisonment, the sheriff’s office said.
Newsom Invites Trump To California To Tour Wildfire Devastation
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday invited President-elect Trump to tour the wildfire devastation in California as he prepares to take office once again.
Newsom wrote in a letter addressed to Trump at Mar-a-Lago that his office is grateful that President Biden “swiftly approved our major disaster declaration – a strong indication of the partnership California needs and appreciates with any federal administration.”
But, he added the “threat to lives and property remains acute,” and invited Trump to come to the state as he prepares to take office in two weeks to “meet with the Americans affected by these fires, see the devastation firsthand, and join me and others in thanking the heroic firefighters and first responders who are putting their lives on the line.”
He reminded Trump of his past visit to California during his first term when he toured the wildfire destruction from the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, – the deadliest in the state’s history – and from the Woolsey Fire near Malibu.
“In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines. Hundreds of thousands of Americans – displaced from the their homes and fearful for the future – deserve to see all of us working in their best interests to ensure a fast recovery and rebuild,” he wrote.
Trump has placed blame for the fire’s destruction on Newsom and other California Democrats.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Visit Southern California To Support Wildfire Victims
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are working to support Southern California wildfire victims and relief efforts, as the wildfires continue to sweep through the region.
The couple made their second visit to Pasadena on Friday, when they met with Mayor Victor Gordo about ongoing recovery efforts, Fox 11 reported.
Earlier this week, the pair anonymously delivered food to families displaced by the fires, according to the outlet.
“In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighbourhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centres, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life. A state of emergency has been issued,” the pair wrote on their website Thursday, describing the situation in Southern California.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also provided a list of organizations actively helping wildfire victims.
All LAUSD Schools Remain Closed
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said that the L.A. County school district will remain closed and officials will make a decision on reopening plans on Sunday.
“We appreciate your patience as we respond to the air quality and fire concerns that have impacted our campuses across the region,” he said in a Friday evening update. “Although air quality and fire containment have improved, fire and wind conditions have remained dynamic and unstable.”
“Because the safety and well-being of our students and employees are our primary concern, we will continue assessing conditions and provide a preliminary update on Saturday regarding air quality levels and prevailing conditions,” he said. “A final decision will be made Sunday.”
Evacuation Orders Issued
New evacuation orders were issued near Encino Reservoir as the Palisades Fire spread and strengthened on Friday evening.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAFD) issued the new set of evacuation orders at 7 p.m. local time, warning residents to seek shelter.
“Evacuate now from the area of Sunset to Mandeville to Encino Reservoir to the 405 freeway,” the LAFD said. “Those not in the evacuation area should shelter in place.”
Fast Facts:
- The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Kenneth Fire, Hurst Fire and Lidia Fire have burned more than 27,000 acres in the Los Angeles area, officials say.
- The Eaton and Palisades fires have claimed at least 11 lives, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Growth of that fire “has been significantly stopped,” LA County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone announced Friday.
- L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said Thursday that 20 people have been arrested so far for looting during the southern California wildfires.
- As of Friday morning, the fires have destroyed more than 10,000 homes and buildings, according to local officials, while 153,000 people are under evacuation.
