Firefighting aircraft bombarded steep hillside terrain with water and retardant Saturday to try to halt the eastward march of the Palisades wildfire, which has now burned more than 22,000 acres (8,900 hectares), officials said. Ground crews battled intense flames amid warnings that wind gusts of up to 70 mph (110 kph) could complicate containment efforts.
Worsening Conditions and Fatalities
Six simultaneous blazes have scorched neighborhoods in Los Angeles County since Tuesday, leaving at least 16 people dead, according to multiple media outlets citing the county medical examiner’s office. Over 12,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed, and 13 people remain missing. Officials expect the death toll to climb as further house-to-house searches get underway.
Expanded Evacuations
Mandatory wildfire evacuation orders have now displaced 153,000 residents, with 57,000 structures at risk. An additional 166,000 people have been warned that they may also need to leave. Officials declared a public health emergency over the dense, toxic smoke blanketing much of the region.
Wind Threat and Containment Challenges
Already burning through parts of the Mandeville Canyon area, the Palisades Fire threatens to jump into Brentwood and the San Fernando Valley, and is edging near the 405 freeway. While the blaze is 11% contained, increasing Santa Ana winds forecast to intensify through Wednesday pose a heightened threat of further spread.
Power Restorations and Federal Assistance
Southern California Edison said nearly 50,000 customers remain without power, down from over half a million just days earlier. President Joe Biden has declared the fires a major disaster and approved federal assistance for affected residents, with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials on-site in Pasadena to help survivors navigate aid applications.
Significant Damage Across the Region
The Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire combined have scorched over 36,000 acres (14,500 hectares)—an area more than twice the size of Manhattan. Some neighborhoods have been reduced to ash, as families return only to find chimneys and statues standing amid rubble. Officials have deployed additional search-and-rescue teams to check for victims and reunite separated families.
Economic Impact and Insurance Concerns
AccuWeather estimates total damage and economic loss from the wildfires could range from $135 billion to $150 billion. State officials have urged insurers to suspend non-renewals and cancellations, raising concerns among homeowners worried about coverage disputes.
Meanwhile, with arrest reports for burglary, looting, and possession of concealed firearms, officials have warned residents to comply with curfews or face jail time.
Photo courtesy: Mick Rhodes