The devastating Eaton Fire has now claimed five lives as it continues to wreak havoc, scorching over 10,000 acres across Pasadena and Altadena, located east of Los Angeles. The fire erupted on Tuesday evening around 6:30 p.m. near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive. Fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds gusting up to 100 mph, the blaze rapidly escalated overnight.
Death Toll Rises Amid Ongoing Destruction
On Wednesday afternoon, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the death toll had risen to five, with three additional fatalities reported. Authorities have yet to determine the full extent of the damage, but numerous homes and businesses have been destroyed.
The Eaton Fire is one of four active wildfires in Los Angeles County currently driven by dry, hurricane-force winds. As of 3:20 p.m. Wednesday, the fire had scorched 10,600 acres, with zero containment reported. Over 700 firefighters are battling the inferno, utilizing nine hand crews, 79 fire engines, and eight water tenders.
“Very Fluid” Situation, Officials Warn
During a Wednesday morning press conference, L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna described the evolving situation as “very fluid,” while LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell referred to the region’s weather as “unprecedented and unpredictable.”
Firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Pasadena Fire Department are working tirelessly to control the blaze. However, with all 29 L.A. County Fire Department stations stretched to their limits, additional resources from other states are being deployed.
Evacuation Orders in Effect
Mandatory evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for parts of Pasadena, Altadena, La Cañada-Flintridge, Duarte, Monrovia, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, and La Crescenta. Residents are urged to leave immediately if in an evacuation zone and to stay off roads to allow emergency crews better access to threatened areas.
Mandatory Evacuation Zones
- Pasadena/Altadena:
- East of Altadena Drive
- Kinneloa Canyon Road, Outpost Lane, Glen Springs, Coolidge, Miranda, Roosevelt, Veranda, Kenclare, Foxridge, Canyon Close, Grand Oak
- North of New York Drive
- East of Altadena Drive
- West of Sierra Madre Villa Avenue
- Arcadia:
- North of Orange Grove/Rosemead Boulevard
- East of Lake Avenue
- West of Michillinda Avenue
Fire officials emphasized the importance of heeding evacuation warnings and preparing for emergency situations. Schools in the San Gabriel Valley and Glendale remain closed for the week.
Other Wildfires in the Region
The Eaton Fire is among several active wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The largest, the Palisades Fire, has burned 5,000 acres and destroyed approximately 1,000 structures. Meanwhile, the Hurst Fire in Sylmar has affected 500 acres, and the fast-moving Lidia Fire in the Antelope Valley has burned at least 50 acres and forced evacuations.
Two smaller wildfires, the Tyler Fire near Coachella and the Woodley Fire in the Sepulveda Basin, were reported on Wednesday but have since been extinguished.
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the Eaton Fire remains under investigation. Officials are urging the public to stay informed through official channels and avoid speculation.
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