Palisades and Eaton Fires in Los Angeles remain 0% contained. The blazes could become California's most costly ever.

• this week.
• Thousands of people in the US are currently facing evacuation orders or warnings.
• Estimated insured losses could reach over $20 billion, according to JPMorgan analysts, the largest in California's history so far.

In the Los Angeles area, a prolonged battle against a series of extreme wildfires took place yesterday. These huge fires are having a devastating impact on the region's scenic mountains and hillsides - producing a harsh and eyefuls landscape of destroyed neighborhoods and local economies that could ultimately prove to be the most expensive natural disaster in California's history.

A disaster that occurred in the state in 2018 resulted in insured losses totaling $10 billion, which currently holds the record for the highest amount.

— with officials urging residents to prepare to leave their homes if the fires spreading near their homes got any closer.

Thick plumes of smoke could be seen extended in several directions from the city's downtown area — with at least five fires burning throughout the 4,000 square-mile county that's home to nearly 10 million residents.

Over 27,000 acres have burned so far — and at least five fatalities have been reported, officials stated. Authorities were unable to confirm a precise count of deaths at a Thursday briefing.

Authorities report that a significant number of homes and other buildings have been lost so far.

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Saying we've seen nothing like this since the 1990s is when Los Angeles was struck by the fires, the flooding, the earthquake, and the riots," Hochman said at the briefing, referring to the 1994 Northridge earthquake and the unrest following the Rodney King verdict, "is the most accurate description I've heard.

The fire is still at zero level containment, officials said. The National Weather Service forecasts that the "red flag warning" indicating high fire risk will continue to affect LA County and nearby Ventura County through Friday.

But there is some good news on the horizon: Officials said the weather is starting to work in favor of the firefighters.

Lauderdale County Sheriff Robert Luna stated at Thursday's briefing that 20 individuals have been detained on suspicion of looting in areas affected by the fires.

He issued a stern warning to the public: Anyone who stays in areas under mandatory evacuation orders is breaking the law, and his officers will start enforcing the rules. Additionally, he said that crimes such as looting could be punishable by serious felony charges.

witnessed the devastating destruction that followed in their path.

Here's a summary of the current situation regarding the major fires burning in the area:

Palisades Fire

The Palisades Fire, which took place on Tuesday morning in the Pacific Palisades area north of Santa Monica, was the first wildfire of the season in the region. As of Thursday morning, the fire had spread to over 17,000 acres, with no containment at all, making it one of the worst natural disasters in Los Angeles history, officials said on Thursday morning.

The fire has destroyed thousands of buildings, though the exact count is still unknown, according to the officials.

Wind gusts in the area have decreased somewhat since reaching nearly 100 mph on Tuesday, but still range up to 60 mph. They are anticipated to persist through Thursday.

Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley refused to confirm that the fire began in a homeowner's yard, stating that the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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Eaton Fire

The second-largest fire in Los Angeles County is the Eaton Fire, which broke out on Tuesday evening in the Pasadena-Altadena region near the base of the Angeles National Forest.

The fire has grown to over 10,000 acres and destroyed at least 1,000 homes, according to Thursday's reports by officials. The fire is also rapidly spreading and is currently 0% contained, similar to the behavior of the Palisades Fire.

Despite the fire's increased size, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone stated that the fire's forward movement has been "significantly stopped," but the cause of the fire is still unidentified.

Hurst Fire

A fire, referred to as the Hurst Fire, started in the northern part of the San Fernando Valley area on Tuesday night, and by estimate has burned approximately 855 acres, as reported by CalFire, a state agency.

The Los Angeles Fire Department's Crowley stated that the Hurst Fire was completely uncontrolled, whereas data from CalFire indicates that it is now 10 percent enclosed.

Firefighters have been able to keep the fire contained within a specified boundary and have set up a surrounding barrier.

Sunset Fire and others

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"Firefighters are currently trying to " extinguish isolated fires within the containment zones so the wind can't fan any new sparks," Crowley explained.

As of 7:30 a.m. Thursday, all evacuation orders related to the Sunset Fire were lifted, according to Crowley.

A major structure fire erupted in the Studio City area, engulfing two large homes. Despite the intense blaze, firefighters managed to keep its spread to a minimum, confining it to just one acre and preventing another brushfire from breaking out, according to Crowley.

Yet another fire, the Lidia Fire, started on Wednesday afternoon in Acton, close to the Antelope Valley, roughly 20 miles northeast of the San Fernando Valley. It has covered 348 acres, but its spread has been stemmed 40%, with no further growth by now, LA County Fire Department's Marrone reported.

One of this week's fires has been fully contained. The Woodley Fire, which started Wednesday morning in the southern part of the San Fernando Valley, has been brought under control and there are no active threats, Crowley said. Crews were patrolling the area for any signs of re-ignition, she added.

Several events have been canceled and several local landmarks closed due to heavy smoke contaminating the air in Los Angeles.

Events, big and small, have been canceled or delayed all over the LA area as the city struggles with the wildfires.

The Summit on the Hill, which was originally scheduled for this Sunday, has now been rescheduled to take place on January 26. A hockey game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Calgary Flames, set to be played on Wednesday night at Crypto.com arena, has been postponed. The LA Lakers have also pushed back their game, originally set for Thursday night. In addition, several music venues in the city have cancelled or postponed their shows - they include The Troubadour, The Wiltern, The Echo, the Kia Forum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and a few others.

Delays and cancellations were occurring at several airports, including Hollywood Burbank Airport, Ontario International Airport, and John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana.

The fires are also closing down tourist attractions in and around Los Angeles, which brings in nearly 50 million visitors annually.

These places include the Getty Center, Universal Studios, Universal CityWalk, and the Griffith Observatory.

Airbnb stated to CNN that it will be giving refunds for bookings in areas affected by the wildfires, following a viral social media post from a customer claiming Airbnb refused to offer her a refund.

California is currently facing an insurance crisis.

for loans, home insurance, and fire insurance - even in areas beyond the usual risk areas.

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Experts predict that costs are expected to keep increasing for individuals who can still secure insurance.

"California insurance agency owner Nick Ramirez observed that numbers have skyrocketed by 200%, 300%, and even 500% in a single year," Nick Ramirez told BI.

As the estimated damage from the fires continues to soar into the billions of dollars, some homeowners will have to rebuild their homes without insurance assistance.

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