“The buildings stopped burning only because the fire had already consumed literally everything”

The most serious of the fires, called the Palisades Fire, has burned almost seven thousand hectares since Tuesday evening local time and is still not under control. This is already the most destructive fire in the county's history. In total, an area of ​​nearly 30,000 square meters burned. ha – CNN reported. Effective firefighting is prevented by very strong winds, which spread the flames quickly.

– We are facing a historic natural disaster. “It can't be stated enough,” said Kevin McGowan, Los Angeles County's emergency management director.

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the death of at least five people on Thursday. According to the latest information, almost two thousand buildings were destroyed, but according to the services and authorities, this number will probably increase.

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On Wednesday, the number of evacuated residents increased to over 130,000. The luxurious Pacific Palisades district, inhabited by many Hollywood stars, was completely evacuated. The media describe apocalyptic scenes caused by the element. – Some buildings stopped burning here only because the fire had already consumed literally everything – reported CNN reporter Leigh Waldmann.

– It's total devastation, Armageddon. The town probably doesn't exist (…) There are no schools, shops, restaurants anymore. Everything disappeared in one night – says one of the Polish women who lived in Pacific Palisades in an interview with TVN24.

The fight against the elements was led by, among others, Jose Velasquez from Altadena, which is part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. When flames appeared near his house, he started pouring water on it, thanks to which he saved the building, which also houses his family business selling churros.

Others weren't so lucky. Many of Velasquez's neighbors were at work when they lost their homes. “We had to call several people, then people sent messages asking if their house was still standing,” Velasquez told the AP, adding that he often had to personally break the bad news to neighbors.

Firefighters from six other US states were called to extinguish the fires. In some places there is no water to extinguish the fire, so firefighters draw it from, among others, private swimming pools.

– There are no illusions here. All firefighters who were scheduled to have days off or rest after their shifts were brought back to their units. (…) Every person counts, every firefighter who is able to help – Marcin Wrona, a correspondent of “Fakty” TVN, reported from California.

Due to the fire in the Pacific Palasides district, stars such as James Woods, Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, Cary Elwes and Paris Hilton lost their homes. 2023 Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis wrote on Instagram that her house may be on fire, but her family is safe. She appealed to her followers to share only verified news and avoid disinformation, which is particularly dangerous in this situation.

Read also: “This is what's left of our beautiful home.” Celebrities suffered in the fires in Los Angeles

On Thursday, the fire approached Hollywood, threatening the famous Walk of Fame, Hollywood Boulevard and other tourist attractions, noted “The Hollywood Reporter” magazine.

“The Hollywood Walk of Fame was bustling with activity and the streets around the TCL Chinese Theater and Madame Tussauds were packed with people as sirens sounded and low-flying firefighting helicopters flew overhead to drop water on the flames just a mile away from the walk. People with suitcases left the hotels while onlookers walked towards the fire, recording the flames spreading,” the AP reported.

The fire damaged or destroyed several schools in the area, including Palisades Charter High School, which has appeared in numerous Hollywood productions, including the 1976 horror film “Carrie” and the television series “Teen Wolf.”

Read also: The famous “Hollywood” sign in flames? Yes, but unreal

On Thursday, all schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District, America's second-largest school district, were closed.

Due to the fires, US President Joe Biden canceled his trip to Italy. According to the AP agency, the announcement of the Oscar nominations, originally scheduled for January 17, has been postponed.

The Polish consulate in Los Angeles called on Poles staying in the area of ​​fires to prepare for evacuation. People were asked to pay close attention to the emergency services' announcements and follow their instructions. The facility's website contains addresses and telephone numbers of shelters for people who had to escape from the elements.