Multiple flames that are out of control, including the devastating Palisades Fires, are causing tremendous destruction in Los Angeles County, displacing thousands of people, burning entire neighborhoods, and taking at least five lives. As the Palisades Fires and others spread across large areas of land, firefighters are overextended, and officials and locals are in shock at the swift devastation.

“This firestorm is ‘the big one’ in magnitude,” stated Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, at a press conference on Wednesday night. “It is astounding.” As the fires continue to burn, shock and sadness reverberate across the city, with much of the devastation yet unclear.

Major Fires: Palisades, Eaton, and Others

On Tuesday morning, the Palisades Fires, the biggest and most damaging fire in the city, started close to Pacific Palisades on the west side of the city. By Wednesday afternoon, it had burned over 15,800 acres, forcing at least 60,000 people to evacuate their homes.

The Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades has been fully evacuated, leaving it deserted and resembling a “ghost town,” according to CNN’s Leigh Waldman, who reported directly from the scene. “The word ‘apocalyptic’ has been used repeatedly, but it doesn’t even begin to capture the reality,” Waldman shared.

Speaking with CNN’s Polo Sandoval, Waldman recounted that just hours ago, an art gallery and another business in the upscale area were intact—now, they have been reduced to rubble.

The Eaton Fire, which started in the northeast near Pasadena, more than quadrupled in size Wednesday morning, reaching 10,600 acres. As it spread, more than 70,000 people in Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, and portions of Glendale had to be evacuated.

There are now smaller, but no less important, fires. By early Wednesday evening, the San Fernando Valley’s Hurst Fire had consumed almost 700 acres. At the same time, the Lidia Fire grew to cover almost 348 acres, further taxing firefighting efforts.

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New Fires and Weather Challenges

Sixty acres were burned when the Sunset Fire broke out close to the Hollywood Hills late on Wednesday afternoon. Officials had said the Sepulveda Basin’s Woodley Fire was contained.

Hurricane-force winds have significantly contributed to the flames’ quick spread. Officials warned that although these gusts are predicted to subside Wednesday evening, they may reintensify late Thursday, making firefighting conditions more difficult.

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