A massive wildfire in Los Angeles, California has so far reduced nearly 12,000 structures to ashes and claimed the lives of at least 11 people. The fire started on Tuesday, which is being caused by strong gusts of Santa Ana winds. The intensity of the fire decreased slightly on Thursday, but meteorologists have warned that the fire will intensify again by the weekend. The financial impact of the damage caused by the fire is not yet clear.
Private weather data company AccuWeather has estimated that the damage could cost $135 billion to $150 billion. Government officials have not yet released an official damage estimate.
More than 5,300 structures in the hilly coastal area of Pacific Palisades, including the homes of celebrities such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Billy Crystal, were damaged or destroyed. More than 7,000 structures north of Pasadena, including homes, apartments, commercial buildings and vehicles, were burned to the ground.
More than 150,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as of Friday. Air quality and dust warnings have been issued for 17 million people in Southern California as thick clouds of smoke and ash blanket the sky.
More than 175,000 customers are without power in Los Angeles County, nearly half of them in Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County Supervisor Katherine Barger has appealed for help to those affected by the fire and also warned to avoid fraud. He advised people to find ways to help by visiting LAWorks.com/2025fires.
