California Wildfires: The glittering city of Los Angeles in southern California was shrouded in an eerie orange glow as devastating wildfires, fueled by the dry, hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, tore through the region on Wednesday. The flames reached Hollywood Hills after ravaging affluent neighborhoods like Altadena, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades, leaving behind destruction that claimed the homes of numerous Hollywood celebrities.
Dramatic visuals shared on social media depicted scenes of devastation, with some likening the fiery landscapes to an apocalyptic nightmare. Unverified videos showed fireballs leaping from house to house, consuming vast stretches of California’s prized real estate. Aerial footage, reportedly from Hollywood Hills, revealed the area engulfed in flames, with thick smoke turning the once-iconic skyline into a grim inferno.
One striking video captured a surreal scene: an almost pitch-black sky looming over an orange horizon, with faint sunlight struggling to break through the thick smoke. In another post on X, a user shared a harrowing clip of someone filming massive walls of fire surrounding a house, accompanied by another person and a dog. The caption expressed concern for their safety, as it was unclear why they hadn’t evacuated.
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The fires have left a devastating toll, claiming five lives and destroying hundreds of homes, including landmarks like the historic ranch house of Hollywood legend Will Rogers and the Topanga Ranch Motel, built by publisher William Randolph Hearst in 1929, according to the Associated Press.
One of the most emotional moments unfolded in Altadena, where nearly 100 elderly residents were evacuated from senior care facilities. Many were rushed out in hospital beds and wheelchairs as flames encroached, braving the chilly night air in thin bedclothes.
The wildfires, which erupted on Tuesday, were driven by Santa Ana winds gusting at hurricane-like speeds of over 70 mph (112 kph), hampering firefighting efforts. Aerial firefighting was delayed until Wednesday morning due to the dangerous winds but has since resumed in a desperate effort to contain the blazes.
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