California Fires Caused Staggering Loses Burnt 10,000 Structures

 

In the news today: California fires have caused staggering losses; a strategy shift for Senate Democrats; and Earth records its hottest year ever in 2024. Also, Japanese women are defying decades-long taboos by brewing sake. Wildfires rage across Southern California. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope, Chris Pizzello, Mark J. Terrill, Nic Coury, Jae C. Hong) U.S. NEWS LA's devastating fires have killed 10 people and burned more than 10,000 structures The two biggest wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area have burned thousands of homes, buildings, and other structures, officials said. At least 180,000 people were under evacuation orders. Firefighters were able to establish the first bit of containment Thursday but a new blaze, the Kenneth Fire, also started in the San Fernando Valley and spread into neighboring Ventura County. Read more.

What to know: The region’s devastating wildfires have killed 10 people so far. Shari Shaw told KTLA that she tried to get her 66-year-old brother, Victor Shaw, to evacuate Tuesday night but he wanted to stay and fight the fire. Crews found his body with a garden hose in his hand. The level of devastation is jarring even in a state that has grown used to massive wildfires. At least five churches, a synagogue, seven schools, two libraries, boutiques, bars, restaurants, banks and groceries were burned. So too were the Will Rogers’ Western Ranch House and Topanga Ranch Motel, local landmarks dating to the 1920s. At least 20 arrests have been made for looting. The city of Santa Monica, which is next to Pacific Palisades, declared a curfew because of the lawlessness, officials said. National Guard troops arrived in Los Angeles on Thursday evening. They’ll be stationed near fire-ravaged areas to protect property.