California is ablaze. Catastrophic wildfires raging through Los Angeles County have claimed at least 24 lives and left nearly 100 homeless.
The scale of the disaster is staggering: California Governor Gavin Newsom has stated that the fires could be the most destructive in U.S. history. To date, more than 12 buildings have been damaged or completely destroyed. Entire residential neighborhoods have been reduced to ashes, including the ruined homes and property of many celebrities.
One of the largest fires in the Pacific Palisades has burned over 9500 hectares, and at the time of writing, only 13% of the fire is contained. The fires are approaching the iconic Brentwood neighborhood and other densely populated areas of Los Angeles, spreading panic and despair among residents. High winds, which caused the fire to spread rapidly, have exacerbated the situation.
Another fire, known as the Eaton Fire, is burning in the foothills east of Los Angeles and has spread over 5700 hectares. Although containment has increased from 15% to 27%, the danger remains extremely high.
The fire has destroyed roads connecting Los Angeles and Malibu, complicating evacuations and firefighting efforts. The iconic Hollywood sign in the Hollywood Hills is also under threat. Although the fires have not yet reached Hollywood Boulevard or the Dolby Theatre, home to the annual Oscar ceremony, tensions in the city are higher than ever.
Film critic David Shneiderov shared the horrific details of the situation with friends:
"Everyone I know is safe... for now. Pacific Palisades is burning," wrote Milla Jovovich's friend, actress Ekaterina Rednikova. "Brentwood is burning," wrote Galina Loginova, who was evacuated from the Hollywood Hills. The fire was extinguished, but a new one broke out under Milla's house. The situation was so intense that the fire completely burned the road from Los Angeles to Malibu, and people began returning to their homes, actor Nikolai Novopashin said. "The wind has picked up, and new evacuations are being prepared."
The owner of a house in the Vologda region died in a fire.
These fires are not just a natural disaster, but a tragedy that has shaken the world. The California fires are a wake-up call: we need to change the way we respond to wildfires and protect communities around the world. Meanwhile, Los Angeles continues to battle the fires, desperately fighting for every family, every life.
