The Los Angeles wildfires have emerged as one of the most devastating natural disasters in US history, potentially becoming the country’s most expensive wildfire incident. Officials confirmed five fatalities and the destruction of over 1,000 structures as intense fires swept through the region.
Residents evacuated from smoke-engulfed canyons and upscale neighbourhoods, known for their celebrity inhabitants. The fires, which began on Tuesday, were intensified by strong Santa Ana winds reaching speeds of 70 mph (112 kph). These persistent winds on Wednesday initially prevented aerial firefighting operations, though they resumed later that morning.
$52 billion to $57 billion in preliminary damage and economic loss
The fires around Santa Monica and Malibu are affecting premium properties where median home values exceed $2 million, according to AccuWeather Inc. The company estimates the total damage and economic loss between $52 billion to $57 billion.
The hurricane-force wind gusts threaten to push the flames further into residential areas, potentially destroying additional homes.
Historical data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration since 1980 shows Hurricane Katrina in 2005 as the costliest US natural disaster at $200 billion. The 2018 California fires, including the Camp Fire, resulted in approximately $30 billion in damages.
The extent of burned land was smaller compared to California’s historically massive wildfires, yet the financial impact remained significant due to the high property values in affected Southern California regions, explained Char Miller, professor of environmental analysis and history at Pomona College in Claremont, California.
“One of the realities in large fires that burn into subdivisions is the cost of the homes and the cost to replace the homes is astronomical,” Miller said. “That may explain why the Palisades Fire and the Eaton fire are going to be so expensive.”
Potential long-term health consequences
AccuWeather reports that beyond immediate property damage and human casualties in Los Angeles, the region faces potential long-term health consequences from toxic smoke and significant impacts on its tourism industry.
“This is already one of the worst wildfires in California history,” said Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist. “Should a large number of additional structures be burned in the coming days, it may become the worst wildfire in modern California history based on the number of structures burned and economic loss.”
What we know so far:
Most destructive fire in LA history
The most devastating fire in Los Angeles’ history has ravaged Pacific Palisades, destroying approximately 1,000 buildings. This surpasses the previous record set by the Sayre Fire in November 2008, which demolished 604 structures in Sylmar.
The blaze consumed 25 square miles (40 square kilometres) of Pacific Palisades, affecting notable landmarks including Palisades Charter High School, known for appearances in “Carrie” and “Teen Wolf.” The fire claimed the public library, two major grocery stores, banks and various shops in Palisades Village.
Traffic congestion from evacuating residents hindered emergency response vehicles. Emergency crews resorted to using bulldozers to clear abandoned vehicles. Residents report scenes of widespread devastation.
Other fires also causing severe destruction
Additional fires are causing significant damage across the region. The Eaton Fire north of Pasadena has affected 200-500 structures and damaged five schools in Altadena, covering 16.5 square miles. The Hurst Fire in Sylmar spans one square mile, while a new fire emerged in the Hollywood Hills.
Thousands ordered to evacuate
Evacuation orders affect approximately 100,000 residents. The Pasadena evacuation centre houses several hundred people, many of whom are elderly. Affluent areas including Calabasas and Santa Monica face threats, forcing celebrities like Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore and James Woods to evacuate.
Bad air quality impacting millions
The fires have created hazardous air conditions affecting 17 million Southern California residents. East Los Angeles recorded an unhealthy air quality index of 173. Dr Puneet Gupta warns of serious health risks from smoke exposure.
Numerous events face disruption, including postponed NHL matches and Critics Choice Awards. The Academy Awards voting period has been extended. Universal Studios has suspended both theme park operations and film productions.
Approximately 310,000 Southern California customers experienced power outages, with Los Angeles County most severely affected. All Los Angeles Unified School District institutions will remain closed on Thursday.
Biden cancels trip to Italy
US President Biden cancelled his final overseas trip as president on Wednesday, just before his planned departure to Rome and the Vatican, opting to stay in Washington to oversee the response to the severe California wildfires.
Following a memorial service in Washington where he was to deliver a eulogy for former President Jimmy Carter, Biden had planned to embark on a three-day diplomatic mission Thursday afternoon. The itinerary included meetings with Pope Francis, Italian leaders President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and a concluding in-person discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.