At least five people have lost their lives in a wildfire in Los Angeles, according to officials.
It was gathered that firefighters are battling multiple blazes, including a new one in the iconic Hollywood Hills.
Strong winds and dry conditions have made it difficult to control the fires, leading to evacuation orders for over 130,000 residents across the Los Angeles area.
Among the latest evacuation zones are parts of the Hollywood Hills, where the Sunset Fire erupted on Wednesday, and areas of Santa Monica, known for its famous pier.
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said that the largest wildfire, the Pacific Palisades blaze, has grown to over 15,800 acres.
Firefighters are also tackling the Hurst Fire to the north, spanning 700 acres, the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, and a newly ignited fire near Acton.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone confirmed that the five fatalities occurred in the Eaton Fire.
At a press briefing, Police Chief James McDonnell described the situation as a challenging moment for Los Angeles.
He said, “This is a tragic time in our history here in Los Angeles, but a time where we’re really tested and see who we really are.
“It’s critical that at these times we be patient, that we come together, that we focus on saving lives and to be able to the very best job we can.”
McDonnell urged residents to follow evacuation orders, emphasizing that these orders could mean “the difference between life and death.”
Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass warned of continuing strong and unpredictable winds, stating that the fight against the fires in Palisades and Sylmar (Hurst) remains active.
He said, “As we head into tonight, we are still facing strong and erratic winds. In Palisades and Sylmar (Hurst), we are very much in an active firefight.”
However, Karen Bass noted progress in containing the Woodley Fire in the Sepulveda Basin.
The fires have devastated vast areas of Los Angeles, including affluent neighborhoods and celebrity homes.
Socialite Paris Hilton revealed that her Malibu home was destroyed, sharing her heartbreak on on the X social media platform.
She wrote: “Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience.
“This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix [her son] took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London [her daughter].”
“While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family is safe. My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires.”
KanyiDaily recalls that in 2018, Kim Kardashian was also forced to flee her home in Calabasas, after Caitlyn Jenner’s home in the Malibu hills was destroyed in California’s raging wildfires.