The largest wildfire sweeping across Los Angeles County shifted direction Saturday, prompting new evacuation orders and creating additional challenges for firefighters already battling exhaustion.
Six wildfires have scorched neighborhoods since Tuesday, leaving 11 people dead and destroying or damaging more than 10,000 structures, officials said. Firefighters have been unable to conduct house-to-house searches to assess the full toll of destruction.
The Santa Ana winds fueling the blazes eased Friday night, but the Palisades Fire, burning on the city’s western edge, moved northeast toward the Brentwood neighborhood and San Fernando Valley foothills, the Los Angeles Times reported.
“The Palisades Fire has developed a significant flare-up on its eastern edge and is heading northeast,” said Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Erik Scott.
The Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, burning in the foothills east of Los Angeles, have combined to scorch more than 35,000 acres — roughly 54 square miles. Officials said Friday night that the Palisades Fire was 8% contained and the Eaton Fire was 3% contained.
Authorities said more than 153,000 residents remained under evacuation orders, with another 166,800 warned to be ready to leave if the fires worsen.
Firefighters have made progress battling the Eaton Fire in the foothills, aided by aerial water drops and ground crews working to establish fire lines. Additional aid has come from neighboring states, federal resources, and even Canada.
The National Weather Service said wind speeds are expected to decrease over the weekend, but officials warned that dry vegetation and low humidity continue to pose critical fire risks. Strong winds could return as early as Tuesday.
California officials declared a public health emergency due to toxic smoke blanketing the area.
The Palisades neighborhood was among the hardest hit, with many homes reduced to ash. Residents returning to survey the damage found only chimneys standing among the rubble.
Kelly Foster, 44, described sifting through the remains of her home as “devastating.”
Rick McGeagh, 61, said his ranch house in Palisades was reduced to rubble, with only a statue of the Virgin Mary left standing.
Private forecaster AccuWeather estimated the fires would cost between $135 billion and $150 billion in damage and economic loss. The fires have displaced thousands of residents, left tens of thousands without power, and exposed millions to hazardous air quality.
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara urged insurers to extend grace periods for payments and suspend cancellations in affected areas.
President Joe Biden declared the wildfires a major disaster, ensuring federal reimbursement for 100% of recovery costs for six months.
