Daylight Reveals Apocalyptic Scenes as Los Angeles is Devastated by Deadly Wildfires
By TNW News Breaking Team
Developing Story
LOS ANGELES – The apocalyptic and deadly wildfires ravaging Southern California remain extremely volatile on Thursday morning, as a terrifying third day of critical fire weather continues to grip much of Los Angeles County. With hurricane-force winds fueling the flames, the fires have already scorched over 29,000 acres, claiming at least five lives, with officials warning that the human cost will likely rise in the coming days and weeks.
"We're working with our coroner's office to figure out those numbers. So be patient with us when you ask us about death toll numbers right now. Frankly, we don't know yet. We eventually will," said LA County Sheriff Robert Luna.
The infernos have ignited five major fires across the region, with more than 293,000 residents ordered to evacuate. Destruction has been widespread, leaving homes leveled, cars melted, and entire neighborhoods reduced to ash.
Nearly 10 million residents received an evacuation alert on Thursday evening, which was designed to go out to a much more limited area. Some residents panicked over the alert, which was linked to a technical issue, according to a county official.
"All LA County residents just received a wireless emergency alert about evacuations from the county. There are NO updated evacuations in Santa Monica. EVACUATIONS IN SANTA MONICA ARE UNCHANGED," the city of Santa Monica stated.
County authorities sent out a secondary alert minutes later, clarifying that the evacuation notice was only designed for residents in close proximity to the Kenneth Fire.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation, announcing that he had signed a fire management systems grant and a major disaster declaration in response to the fires. The federal government will cover 100% of the costs for 180 days.
"Spare no expense," Biden said.
Biden announced additional resources for California, including:
The president also addressed water shortages caused by utility power shutoffs, explaining that generators would be used to restore pressure to hydrants. He praised local leaders and emergency responders for their efforts.
Vice President Kamala Harris, whose home is in an evacuation zone, described the fires as "apocalyptic" and commended community members who have opened their homes to displaced families. She acknowledged the challenges posed by major insurers pulling coverage in California, emphasizing the need for long-term recovery support.
Organizations across California continue to provide aid to those affected:
Mandatory evacuations continue in the affected regions, with emergency shelters established for displaced residents. The National Weather Service has issued a "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Fire Weather Warning, urging residents to comply with evacuation orders and prepare for rapid changes in conditions.
Uber is offering free rides (up to $40) to active evacuation sites. Residents can use the code WILDFIRE25 for rides to shelters such as Pasadena Civic Auditorium and Westwood Recreation Center.
With smoke drifting far from the fire zones, experts recommend staying indoors and using N95 masks if traveling outside. For tips on staying safe during this crisis, visit [this resource].
CAL FIRE and local agencies are continuing efforts to contain the fires. Thousands of additional firefighters and emergency responders have been deployed to the region.
Residents can stay informed through TNW Weather on TNWWeather.com, NewsBreak, and social media platforms like X, Instagram, and Threads. As the crisis unfolds, TNW News remains committed to providing live, up-to-the-minute coverage.
The fires have caused extensive road closures, and thousands remain without power as utility crews work to restore services. Due to dangerous conditions, local authorities urge people to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary.
Satellite timelapse videos from Colorado State University's Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) highlight the explosive spread of the fires, fueled by relentless winds.
Southern California Edison reported that over 75,000 customers are without power due to damaged transmission lines and safety shutoffs. Crews are working around the clock to restore service but caution that high winds may delay progress. Residents in affected areas should prepare for extended outages.
Local community centers and faith-based organizations have started donation drives, collecting essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, and clothing for displaced families. For those looking to contribute, drop-off points have been established at community centers in Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Glendale.
UCLA has canceled undergraduate classes and shifted graduate courses online due to poor air quality, although there is no direct fire danger to the campus. Nearby schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District have also suspended in-person classes and are providing virtual learning options.
State officials are coordinating long-term recovery efforts, including debris removal, housing assistance, and financial aid for affected families. FEMA is working with local authorities to expedite applications for disaster relief programs.
This is an ongoing crisis, and the situation remains fluid as officials work to protect lives and property. Stay with TNW News for continuous updates.
Editor-in-Chief: Todd Nardone
Content Producer: TNW News Center Team
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