Historic wildfires devastating Los Angeles have now killed at least 10 people and devoured nearly 10, buildings with five separate blazes burning into a fourth day this morning as desert winds continue to fan the flames. Stunning images showed how Malibu - a beachside paradise just days ago - was obliterated by the inferno, its signature rows of palm trees reduced to blackened stumps.
Rows of glitzy waterfront houses lay in charred ruins after the punishing blaze ripped through them - save for one miracle structure which stood alone. Dozens of blocks were flattened in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood moments away, home to a slew of A-list celebrities. For many, only the outlines of homes and their chimneys remained. The so-called Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on LA's western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena already rank as the most destructive in Los Angeles history, consuming more than 34, acres 13, hectares - or some 53 square miles.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told a press conference late last night that he expected the death toll of 10 to grow rapidly. I don't expect good news, and we're not looking forward to those numbers,' Luna said, as reports of horrific deaths endured by those trapped emerged. Anthony Mitchell, a year-old amputee, and his son, Justin, who had cerebral palsy, were waiting for an ambulance to come, but they did not make it out, Mitchell's daughter, Hajime White, told The Washington Post.
Crews found his body with a garden hose in his hand. In this aerial view taken from a helicopter, burned homes are seen from above during the Palisades fire in Malibu, Los Angeles county, California on January 9, Aerial view captures Pacific Palisades fire devastation showing miles of ash and destruction. In this aerial view taken from a helicopter, burned homes are seen during the Palisades fire in the Malibu area of Los Angeles county, California on January 9, Massive wildfires that engulfed whole neighborhoods and displaced thousands in Los Angeles remained totally uncontained January 9, People embrace while looking over the remains of a home that was destroyed by the Eaton wildfire in the Altadena, California.
Tina Haworth walks through the remains of her burned home during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles county, California on January 9, People embrace as they return to the home after it has been burned down by wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
