What we know about the California wildfires
- At least five people have been killed as fast-moving fires are engulfing the Los Angeles area, prompting mandatory evacuations of more than 100,000 people.
- The Palisades Fire has already burned through more than 15,800 acres, the Eaton Fire has exploded to 10,600 acres, and the Hurst Fire has affected more than 700 acres. A much smaller fire, the Woodley Fire, was under control, and the Lidia Fire was around 80 acres, at 30% containment with forward progress stopped.
- The Sunset Fire broke out shortly before 6 p.m. in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles near the popular Runyon Canyon. It quickly grew to 20 acres, prompting mandatory evacuations.
- The Los Angeles County fire chief estimated that the Palisades Fire has destroyed 1,000 structures.
- More than 300,000 customers were without electricity in Southern California this evening, according to the tracking website PowerOutage.us.
- The fires, sparked by a combination of dry conditions and powerful winds, are having a huge effect far beyond the danger zones.
- Officials told people in evacuation zones to leave immediately — don’t wait. Those nearby should plan on places to meet other members of their households and know whom to call and how to flee safely. Also, pack a go-bag.
The Sunset Fire broke out shortly before 6 p.m. in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles near the popular Runyon Canyon.
It quickly grew to 20 acres, prompting mandatory evacuations from Laurel Canyon Boulevard on the west to Mulholland Drive on the north to the 101 Freeway on the east down to Hollywood Boulevard on the south.
