Tens of Thousands Evacuate as Most Destructive Wildfire in Los Angeles History Rages

At least two people have died and some 80,000 residents have been evacuated from Los Angeles, California, as fierce winds stoked four raging wildfires on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Associated Press reported said the blazes are “the most destructive in L.A. history.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as fire fighters battled blazes in upscale neighborhoods such as Pasadena, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Sylmar, Venice Beach and Malibu, home to some of California’s most expensive real estate.

Thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed, and many more are still under threat. By Wednesday afternoon, more than 5,000 acres had burned.

Threatening winds: A “life-threatening and destructive” windstorm, expected to last through Thursday, stoked the fires. Officials warned of wind gusts of 80 to 100 mph. Red flag warnings are in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday.

The blaze is currently burning through the area of five football fields per minute.

Chaos: Firefighters quickly ran out of water on the ground, as fire hydrant reserves were used up. Aircraft were dousing the fire with water but had to be grounded due to poor visibility and dangerous wind conditions.

Rescue workers are now focusing on evacuating residents still in danger rather than putting out the fire.

Some residents have been trapped in their homes; others were blockaded by flames along the roadside.

For a purpose: Our cities are burning to the ground and the Bible explains why. Wildfires and other natural disasters are one way God gets the attention of people who have rebelled and sinned against Him. God is trying to tell the nation it needs to repent.

To learn more, read Why ‘Natural’ Disasters?