Five killed as wildfires tear through Los Angeles, forcing 130,000 to evacuate

At least five major wildfires are raging across southern California, killing five people, destroying nearly 1,900 structures and threatening iconic landmarks.

The blazes, which have burned almost 28,000 acres, have forced 130,000 residents to evacuate from densely populated areas stretching from Pacific Palisades to inland Pasadena. The Sunset fire is burning dangerously close to the Hollywood Bowl and within a mile of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said more than 7,500 firefighters are battling the fires, including 395 incarcerated firefighters deployed across 29 crews.

Of the five active fires listed by CAL Fire, only the Hurst and Lidia fires have been partially contained. The Pacific Palisades fire has caused the most destruction, scorching over 15,000 acres and devastating the coastline along Malibu.

Pasadena’s fire chief Chad Augustin reported that intense winds have overwhelmed firefighting efforts, despite stretched water systems and power outages.

Among those who lost homes are celebrities Billy Crystal, Paris Hilton and Eugene Levy.

One victim, Victor Shaw, 66, died trying to protect his family home in Altadena, his sister Shari Shaw told local broadcaster KTLA. She said he refused to evacuate despite firefighters’ urgings.

The disaster began Tuesday afternoon when strong winds spread flames through Pacific Palisades, triggering mass evacuations. While wildfires are common in California, they rarely affect metropolitan areas with such intensity. Climate crisis has significantly increased their destructive potential in recent years.