Explosive Los Angeles wildfires rage on even as fierce winds ebb

Two massive wildfires menacing Los Angeles from the east and west were still burning uncontained on Thursday, but a brief respite from the fierce winds that have fanned the flames for two days allowed crews to slow their explosive spread.

The Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city's western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena already rank as the most destructive in Los Angeles history, consuming nearly 28,000 acres (11,330 hectares) so far - an area exceeding the size of Disney World - and turning entire neighborhoods to ash.

At least five people have been killed, thousands of structures have been incinerated and nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes, with another 200,000 under evacuation warnings, officials said.

The death toll is likely to rise, Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna told a press conference on Thursday morning.

The Eaton Fire's growth has been significantly stopped, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said, though it remains 0% contained. While still strong, winds have diminished since the 100-mile-per-hour (160-kph) gusts seen earlier in the week, permitting crucial aerial support for crews on the ground.

In Pacific Palisades, an upscale and picturesque enclave where many celebrities reside, once-palatial homes stood in ruins, while downed power lines and abandoned cars littered the roadways. The smell of heavy smoke filled the air, and residents wearing masks rode bicycles, hoping to catch a glimpse of their damaged houses.

"It is safe to say that the Palisades Fire is one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles," Crowley said.
Firefighting crews managed to beat back a third blaze, known as the Sunset Fire, which had forced mandatory evacuations in Hollywood and Hollywood Hills - including famous show-business locations such as the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame - late on Wednesday.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/hollywood-hills-burn-la-engulfed-by-the-big-one-2025-01-09/

Comprehension

What are the names of the two massive wildfires threatening Los Angeles?
How large is the combined area consumed by the Palisades and Eaton fires?
What are some of the damages caused by these wildfires?
How has the wind affected firefighting efforts earlier in the week, and how has this changed more recently?
What progress has been made in combating the Eaton Fire?
What iconic areas were affected by the third fire, the Sunset Fire?
How many people have been ordered to evacuate due to the wildfires?

Discussion

How do wildfires like the Palisades and Eaton fires highlight the challenges of urban planning in areas prone to natural disasters?
Should stricter building codes be enforced in fire-prone areas to minimize damage during wildfires? Why or why not?
What steps could Los Angeles and other wildfire-prone cities take to improve wildfire prevention and mitigation?
How might climate change be contributing to the frequency and intensity of wildfires in California?
What emotional and financial impacts do you think these wildfires have on residents who lose their homes?
How important is community preparedness and education in reducing the risks associated with wildfires?
What role do government agencies and first responders play in managing large-scale natural disasters like these fires?
How can individuals and communities contribute to rebuilding efforts after such devastating wildfires?

Vocabulary

Respite – A short period of relief or rest from something difficult or unpleasant.
Fan the flames – To cause a situation to become more intense or problematic.
Incinerate – To burn something completely to ashes.
Enclave – A distinct area within a larger region, often with unique characteristics.
Mandatory evacuation – A situation where people are required to leave an area for their safety.
Aerial support – Assistance provided from aircraft, such as water drops during firefighting efforts.
Containment – Efforts to control or limit the spread of something, such as a wildfire.
Ash – The residue left after the combustion of material, often referring to the aftermath of fires.