PASADENA, Calif. − Wind-whipped wildfiresravaged the Los Angeles area Wednesday as crews struggled to contain the rapidly growing blazes that killed at least five people, destroyed hundreds of homes and forced evacuations for over 100,000 residents.
As crews battled infernos across the county, a new brush fire, dubbed the Sunset Fire, ignited in Hollywood Hills Wednesday evening, spurring mandatory evacuation orders and scorching 60 acres, according to CalFire and the Los Angeles Fire Department.
President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration on Wednesday and Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as firefighters struggled to control the fires, most still 0% contained. Winds were expected to ease overnight Wednesday, but forecasters warned conditions will remain critical through at least Thursday.
The governor’s office said nearly 5,000 first responders were on the ground, including crews from Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington state.
Meanwhile, Biden announced that the Defense Department is providing additional resources to battle the California blazes, including firefighting personnel and Navy helicopters with water delivery buckets. Later Wednesday, the White House announced Biden’s decision to cancel an upcoming trip to Italy to “remain focused on directing the full federal response” for the wildfires.
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo confirmed the five deaths late Wednesday afternoon. More than 100,000 people were under mandatory evacuation orders, the mayor said.
The fires destroyed more than 1,000 homes, businesses, and other structures, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said at a briefing. There also were a “high number of significant injuries to residents who did not evacuate, in addition to first responders who were on the fire line,” he said.
“We’re facing a historic natural disaster. And I think that can’t be stated strong enough,” said Kevin McGowan, director of emergency management for Los Angeles County.
