As apocalyptic wildfires tear through Southern California, the state finds itself engulfed in a deadly inferno. For a third relentless day, winds exceeding hurricane-force levels fan the flames of five monstrous blazes — the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, and Sunset fires — leaving devastation in their wake. More than 29,000 acres have already been scorched, and 2,93,000 residents are under evacuation orders, turning tranquil neighborhoods into smoldering wastelands.
The death toll, now at five, is expected to rise, as the fires ravage homes, schools, and businesses. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared the situation a “statewide catastrophe,” estimating the economic toll at $52 billion, which could make this the costliest wildfire event in US history.
“This is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. The ferocity of the winds, the dryness of the landscape, and the speed at which these fires are spreading — it’s overwhelming,” Newsom said while surveying the ruins of a school destroyed by the flames.
Devastation across Los Angeles
The Palisades Fire alone has incinerated over 17,200 acres, leveling more than 1,000 structures. Entire neighborhoods, including parts of the celebrity-packed Pacific Palisades, now lie in ashes. Schools have not been spared either — the Los Angeles Unified School District confirmed that two elementary schools and a high school were destroyed, prompting officials to close all schools indefinitely and explore online learning.
“The confluence of wind, fire, and smoke has created an unprecedented challenge,” district administrators said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire has claimed an additional 1,000 structures, marking it as one of the county’s most destructive blazes in history.
Amid the chaos, water shortages have further hindered firefighting efforts. Residents in affected areas have been asked to boil water due to possible contamination, while reports of depleted water tanks have sparked outrage.
“It’s shameful,” said one evacuee. “We’re paying sky-high taxes, and yet we don’t even have enough water to fight fires.”
A Hollywood tragedy
Hollywood’s elite have not been spared. Celebrities including Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, and Anthony Hopkins lost their homes, while James Woods shared a heartbreaking image of his burning house on social media.
“This tests your soul. Losing everything at once, I must say,” Woods wrote on X, blaming “liberal idiots like Gavin Newsom” for the state’s failure to manage the crisis.
Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar slammed Los Angeles’ leadership on Instagram for failing to provide proper evacuation routes, saying, “City of LA, you want everyone to evacuate, yet you have complete gridlock and not one traffic cop on the roads helping.”
Meanwhile, Sara Foster, daughter of music mogul David Foster, accused state leaders of prioritizing “fish over people,” referencing a controversial water policy.
Political inferno: Trump vs. Newsom
The wildfires have sparked a fierce political war, with Donald Trump launching scathing attacks on Newsom via Truth Social.
“One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States is burning to the ground. Gavin Newscum [sic] should resign. This is all his fault!” Trump wrote.
The former president accused Newsom of favoring environmental policies over practical disaster management, saying, “He wanted to protect a worthless fish instead of providing water to fight fires. Now the ultimate price is being paid.”
Newsom fired back, telling CNN, “This is not the time for politics. This is a time for action.”
Leadership under fire
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has also faced backlash, with critics labeling her “the most incompetent politician in America” after she botched a press conference, urging locals to visit “URL” for fire updates.
Bass, who recently returned from a controversial trip to Ghana, has been slammed for cutting the fire department’s budget and failing to prepare the city for such a large-scale disaster.
“This firestorm is the big one,” Bass admitted, but her vague and unprepared responses have drawn sharp criticism.
“FIRE THIS DUMBASS NOW,” one user raged on X, while others accused her of “going all Joe Biden, not knowing what she’s saying.”
Chaos amid the flames
As the fires rage on, looters have taken advantage of the chaos. Two arrests were made Wednesday, with Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna vowing to prosecute offenders.
“It’s always sad when I have to say this,” Luna said. “But if you’re thinking of stealing from our community members already impacted by this disaster, you will be caught.”
The situation remains dire, with over 10,300 homes at risk and firefighters battling dwindling resources.
A long road ahead
For now, California’s battle against nature’s wrath continues. As flames devour the land and political tempers flare, millions watch helplessly, wondering when — or if — the Golden State will ever recover.