Editor-DN
As wildfires rage across Southern California, the state finds itself in the grip of a deadly blaze. For a third relentless day, winds rising to hurricane-force levels fan five ferocious fires—the Palisades, Eaton, Hearst, Lydia, and Sunset Fires—leaving devastation in their wake. More than 29,000 acres have already burned, and 2,93,000 residents are under evacuation orders, turning peaceful neighborhoods into smoky wastelands.
The death toll, now five, is expected to rise, as the fire destroys homes, schools and businesses. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the situation a “state disaster,” with economic losses estimated at $52 billion, making it the costliest wildfire event in U.S. history.
“It’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen. The intensity of the winds, the dryness of the landscape, and the speed at which this fire is spreading — it’s overwhelming,” Newsom said of the fire-ravaged school. said while surveying the ruins of
Destruction in Los Angeles
gave The Palisades fire alone has burned more than 17,200 acres, leveling more than 1,000 structures. Whole neighborhoods, including parts of celebrity-studded Pacific Palisades, are now in ashes. Schools weren’t spared either — the Los Angeles Unified School District confirmed that two elementary schools and one high school were destroyed, prompting officials to close all schools indefinitely and explore online learning. indicated.
“The confluence of wind, fire and smoke has created an unprecedented challenge,” district administrators said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Eton Fire has claimed another 1,000 structures, marking it as the most destructive wildfire in the county’s history.
Amid the chaos, water shortages have further hampered firefighting efforts. Residents in affected areas have been told to boil water over possible contamination, while reports of water tanks running out have sparked outrage.
“It’s embarrassing,” said one evacuee. “We are paying sky high taxes, and yet we don’t even have water to fight the fire.”
Hollywood Tragedy
Hollywood’s elite were not spared either. Celebrities including Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal and Anthony Hopkins lost their homes, while James Woods shared a heartbreaking photo of his burning home on social media.
“It tests your soul. Losing everything at once, I must say,” Woods wrote on X, blaming “liberal idiots like Gavin Newsom” for the state’s failure to deal with the crisis. stayed
Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar slammed Los Angeles leadership on Instagram for failing to provide adequate evacuation routes, saying, “City of LA, you want everyone to get out, yet you have There is complete gridlock and not a single traffic cop on the roads to help.”
Meanwhile, Sarah Foster, daughter of music mogul David Foster, accused state leaders of prioritizing “fish over people,” citing the controversial water policy.
Political volcano: Trump vs. Newsom
The wildfires have sparked a fierce political battle, with Donald Trump attacking Newsom via Truth Social.
“One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States is burning to the ground. Gavin Newscom [sic] Should resign. It’s all his fault!” Trump wrote.
The former president accused Newsom of supporting environmental policies to combat natural disasters, saying, “He wanted to protect a useless fish instead of providing water to fight fires.” Now the ultimate price is being paid.”
“This is not a time for politics. This is a time for action,” Newsom told CNN.
Leadership under fire
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has also faced backlash, with critics labeling her “America’s most incompetent politician” after failing to hold a press conference, asking locals for fire updates at “URL “Insisted to go.”
Bass, who recently returned from a controversial trip to Ghana, has been criticized for cutting the fire department’s budget and failing to prepare the city for such a large-scale disaster.
“This firestorm is the biggest,” the boss admitted, but his vague and unprepared answers have drawn sharp criticism.
One user raged at X, “Fire that dumbass right now,” while others accused him of being “Joe Biden who doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”
Chaos among the flames
As the fire raged, looters took advantage of the chaos. Two arrests were made Wednesday, with Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna vowing to prosecute the perpetrators.
“It’s always sad when I have to say that,” Luna said. “But if you are thinking of stealing from members of our community who are already affected by this disaster, you will be caught.”
The situation remains dire, with more than 10,300 homes at risk and firefighters struggling with dwindling resources.
A long road ahead
For now, California’s battle against nature’s wrath continues. As flames consume the land and political anger rages, millions watch helplessly, wondering when the Golden State will be restored.
