LA Police confirmed on Wednesday that at least two people had lost their lives in Eaton and many were injured as multiple fires continued to burn out of control in Los Angeles. There are currently 70,000 under evacuation orders.
In a press conference late on Wednesday, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said firefighters were still struggling to extinguish four fires raging around Los Angeles.
Flames rise from a structure as the Eaton fire burns in Pasadena, California, U.S. January 8, 2025. Photo: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni
Referring to the Eaton fire, he said it was now burning close to Pasadena, adding that it was a “rapidly” changing situation”.
Luna said authorities were “prioritizing life over everything else”.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said the fires in Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Woodley were “stretching the capacity of emergency services to their maximum limits”.
The ongoing fires named “Palisades” broke out earlier on Tuesday affecting Eaton, Hurst and Woodley and burning thousands of acres of land.
According to US media reports, the Palisades fire has led to the evacuation of more than 32,000 people and burnt more than 1,000 structures.
Meanwhile, the country sheriff said two arrests had been made for looting and warned that anyone caught stealing or looting from evacuated homes or businesses would be arrested and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson said major LA attractions including LA Zoo, the Hollywood sign, and Griffith Park had been closed as well as surrounding roads.
