California wildfires destroy homes, kill at least 10 people

California authorities continue to battle wind-driven wildfires sweeping across the state, prompting the evacuation of at least 180,000 residents and claiming the lives of at least 10 people.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for parts of Los Angeles County as efforts to contain the fires ramp up. Several fires broke out across Los Angeles this week, with the Pacific Palisades Fire becoming the most destructive fire in the region, burning more than 19,978 acres.

Travel disruptions and closures

Operated in Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)Located approximately 19 miles south of Pacific Palisades, the project continues largely undisturbed. However, travel in the region has been severely impacted as wildfires continue to rage across the region.

The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that as of 7 p.m. Thursday, the Pacific Coast Highway remained closed between the McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica and Topanga Canyon, with the Los Angeles Police Department managing traffic to support evacuation efforts. In addition, the California Department of Transportation announced multiple road closures throughout the region, further complicating travel for residents and visitors.

We urge travelers to check local advisories and monitor flight schedules for possible delays or changes as conditions change. Several popular attractions in and around Los Angeles have been temporarily closed due to wildfires affecting the area.

For a complete list of which Los Angeles attractions are closed, how to help, and read the official information statement from Los Angeles Visitors and Convention Bureau (Los Angeles Tourism Bureau)visit Explore Los Angeles.

Fire and damage

• Fence fire: Covering 19,978 acres, it destroyed numerous homes, businesses and landmarks in Pacific Palisades and along the Pacific Coast Highway west to Malibu.
• Eaton Fire Protection: 13,690 acres burned, destroying many structures in Altadena and Pasadena. Additional evacuation orders were issued Thursday afternoon, but some mandatory evacuations were lifted as residents in Glenox and Chevy Chase Canyon were allowed to return to their homes.
• Kenneth Fire: 960 acres of land near the Los Angeles-Ventura County border were scorched, prompting evacuation orders.
• Sunset Fire: Sixty acres burned in Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills. The Los Angeles Fire Department lifted evacuation orders Thursday morning.
• Hurst Fire: It covers 855 acres and is located in the Sylmar area. Authorities have since lifted all evacuation orders.

Hotel opens doors for displaced residents

In response to ongoing fires in Southern California, hotels across the region are stepping up to assist displaced residents, with conditions including Malibu closing and Santa Monica opening. The Los Angeles Hotel Association reports that hotels have accommodated thousands of evacuees and provided discounted rates and necessities such as toiletries. Many also accept pets and donate bedding and personal care items to the shelter.

Prevue will provide updates as the situation develops.