Los Angeles wildfires

Five people have been confirmed dead as several fast-moving wildfires continue to spread across the Los Angeles area, threatening iconic structures such as the Hollywood sign.

The National Guard has been deployed to assist in what many consider an unprecedented situation. Wildfires occur every year in Southern California, but nothing like this spreads to cities, where Santa Ana winds and extreme dryness create a perfect storm of destruction.

President Biden has canceled a trip to Italy, where he had planned to meet with the pope to coordinate the federal response to wildfires. According to the New York Times, the White House said it had arranged for Navy helicopters to join the firefighting effort.

President Biden also appeared at a fire station in Santa Monica with California Governor Gavin Newsom. “We are prepared to do whatever it takes, as long as necessary, to contain the fires and help rebuild and make sure we get back to normal,” Biden told the media and gathered officials.

The largest fire burned more than 5,000 acres in Pacific Palisades, a picturesque community in western Los Angeles County between the beach towns of Santa Monica and Malibu. It is the hometown of many film, television and music stars. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said at a news conference Wednesday that more than 1,000 structures had been destroyed.

Another fire, the Eaton Fire, burned about 30 miles (50 kilometers) inland from Altadena near Pasadena and has grown to more than 2,000 acres. Two people were reported dead there, but officials said they had no further details.

The Hearst Fire, located in Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley northwest of Los Angeles, has burned more than 500 acres. All three fires are “0% contained,” officials said Wednesday.

Explore Los Angeles A statement has been issued providing information on how to help and providing regular updates on the wildfires, which are expected to continue into Thursday.

Tens of thousands were forced to flee

After the fire broke out on Tuesday, residents began to evacuate as the fire spread and roads became so congested that some people abandoned their cars to escape the fire. Emergency crews went door to door issuing evacuation orders.

Evacuees who fled include Hollywood celebrities such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Mandy Moore and Mark Hamill. Paris Hilton and Adam Brody were also among the celebrities who lost their homes, according to the BBC.

Prevue will provide updates as the situation develops.