At least 10 dead, as California wildfires burn down thousands of homes and over 17,500 hectares of forest

Raging wildfires, the worst to hit Los Angeles, California devoured 13,750 hectares of forest, burned down about 10,000 homes and other structures, killing over 10 people and forcing evacuation of 180,000 people, so far.

The fires raging from Eaton in the east and Palisades in the west have brought more destruction to the Pacific Palisades and Altadena, burning down multi-million-dollar homes, including those of Holywood celebrities like Paris Hilton, Anthony Hopkins, and Billy Crystal.

Firefighters from land and air were trying to douse the fires as and when the wind eased, giving a temporary relief as the fires burned into a third night on Thursday.

The evening fire in Hollywood Hills on Wednesday night, nearly burned down the iconic Holywood logo and forced evacuation of thousands before firefighting helped contain the flames to some extent, allowing residents to briefly return on Thursday.

The authorities have called in the National Guard as fresh fires erupted on Thursday evening on the West hills neighbourhood of Los Angeles, devastating nearly 230 hectares overnight.

President Joe Biden has pledged federal funds to support California’s efforts to tame the devastating wildfires, even as Governor Gavin Newsom issued a warning against looting that broke out in some areas where authorities have evacuated residents.

The fires have also ignited fresh political clash between President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump who criticised California governor Newsom over alleged water mismanagement, and dubbed him as “Gavin Newscum” in a post on his Truth Social network. 

Social media was abuzz with conspiracy theories, even as the real cause of the fire is yet to be established. 

Wildfires raging in the US almost every year for decades now, are attributed to various unsubstantiated factors such as dried up vegetation, dry weather, laxity on the part of utilities supplying electricity, etc. 

Southern California had no rains for the past eight months and weathermen expect the dry spell to continue.