LA Wildfires Continue to Burn as Evacuation Orders Expand and Search Efforts Intensify

The battle against wildfires in Los Angeles rages on, with evacuation orders remaining in place for vast areas threatened by flames. Officials are defending their response as fire crews work tirelessly to contain the blazes and cadaver dogs search for potential victims in the aftermath.

The Palisades Fire, the largest and most destructive of the current wildfires, has grown to over 22,000 acres, an increase of 1,000 acres overnight. Containment has risen slightly to 11%, but evacuation orders remain active for communities in Brentwood and Encino, where residents are reeling from the impact.

Josh Sautter, head of the Encino Neighborhood Council, described the panic caused by the evacuations: “People were completely freaked out as the orders swept through the community.”

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Los Angeles is now dealing with four active fires, a reduction from six earlier in the week. The contained Archer, Lidia, Sunset, Woodley, and Olivas fires no longer pose a threat.

Here are the latest updates on the remaining wildfires:

• Palisades Fire:
  The first fire to ignite last Tuesday, it has scorched more than 22,000 acres, including areas of the Pacific Palisades. Officials warn it could become one of the most destructive fires in California’s history. Containment is at 11%.
• Eaton Fire:
  Burning in the northern parts of the city, including Altadena and areas near Pasadena, this fire covers nearly 14,000 acres and is now 15% contained, a significant improvement from 3% yesterday. Evacuations have expanded to include Hastings Ranch, Sierra Madre, and Arcadia.
• Hurst Fire:
  North of San Fernando, this fire has burned approximately 800 acres since it began Tuesday night. Containment has reached 76%.
• Kenneth Fire:
  Situated on the Los Angeles-Ventura County border, this fire has scorched over 1,050 acres. Authorities report it is now 80% contained, with no structural damage reported.

In addition to the expanded evacuation zones, search-and-rescue teams are working in areas previously devastated by flames to locate any victims. The use of cadaver dogs underscores the severity of the situation.

Efforts to control the fires are ongoing, with containment lines being reinforced to prevent further spread. Officials urge residents to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation orders for their safety.