At least five dead as wildfires ravage upscale Los Angeles enclaves

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More than 100,000 residents in Southern California were ordered to evacuate and five people were confirmed dead as wildfires in the Los Angeles area burned out of control for a second day.

The fires spread into the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday, forcing evacuations from densely populated mountain neighborhoods overlooking famous landmarks such as the Hollywood Bowl and the Walk of Fame.

The Hollywood fire put even more pressure on firefighters struggling to contain multiple blazes blazes across the city and its suburbs since it began Tuesday in Pacific Palisades, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the United States.

Insurers are preparing for what is expected to be one of the costliest natural disasters in California’s history.

Strong winds fanned flames in at least four different locations across more than 25,000 hectares, sending dark clouds of acrid smoke and ash across the city. Wind gusts of 50 to 80 miles per hour gusted across the region, negating efforts to contain the fire, according to the National Weather Service.

Air quality in much of Los Angeles was rated “very unhealthy” as parts of the city far from the fires smelled strongly of smoke. At a news conference on Wednesday, authorities admitted they were struggling to keep pace with rapidly evolving events.

Little is known about how the fires started, but the windy conditions that allowed them to spread are expected to continue. Low humidity and drought conditions are expected to continue in Los Angeles and Ventura counties through at least Friday.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, allowing the deployment of the National Guard. President Joe Biden on Wednesday released federal funds to finance temporary housing, home repairs and loans to cover uninsured property damage. Los Angeles County said schools would remain closed Thursday.

Destruction began Tuesday in Pacific Palisades, home to high-profile Hollywood stars such as comedian Billy Crystal and Paris Hilton, whose homes were among the more than 1,000 buildings destroyed.

The fire quickly spread north to Malibu and threatened buildings in Santa Monica to the south as embers carried by strong gusts engulfed entire streets. The fire has since spread to more than 15,800 hectares.

Areas north and east of Los Angeles have also burned, including the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita, Altadena and Pasadena.

Efforts to contain the fires on Wednesday were hampered as so-called super scooper planes, which scoop up water from the sea, remained grounded due to strong winds. But that evening, helicopters dropped water on the Hollywood fire.

Pacific Palisades residents, some of whom fled on foot Tuesday, called friends and family members to find out whose homes were still standing. Many who were evacuated to nearby Santa Monica were told they would have to move again as the flames followed.

“This is a tragic time in our history here in Los Angeles,” said Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell. “It’s important that we be patient, stick together and remain focused on saving lives.”

The fires have paralyzed work in Hollywood and forced Oscars screenings and celebrations to be postponed. Warner Bros. halted production at its Burbank lot because of the fires and Paramount postponed the premiere of its new film. Better man. Universal on Friday canceled a party hosted by Donna Langley, chairman of NBCUniversal Studios & Entertainment.

Predictions of financial devastation are increasing. AccuWeather estimates that total damage and economic loss could be up to $57 billion.

In the Palisades area, home prices average about $3.5 million, meaning billions of dollars in claims could be made for this neighborhood.