The devastating wildfires around Los Angeles have claimed at least 24 lives and left thousands homeless, in what California Governor Gavin Newsom has described as potentially “the most catastrophic natural disaster in US history.”

The fires, now raging for six days, have scorched over 37,000 acres combined. The Palisades Fire has grown to 23,600 acres, with just 11% containment, while the Eaton Fire, spanning 14,000 acres, is 15% contained. Tragically, eight victims were found in the Palisades zone and 16 in the Eaton area.

Among the deceased is former Australian child star Rory Sykes, known for his role in the 1990s British TV series Kiddy Kapers. Meanwhile, over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, displacing more than 100,000 people and causing an estimated $135–150 billion in damages.

A fire tornado was reported in the San Fernando Valley, adding to the chaos. Though Santa Ana winds eased briefly over the weekend, officials warned they would return with gusts of up to 96 km/h, further fueling the infernos.

High-profile residents such as Anthony Hopkins, Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson, and Billy Crystal have lost their homes in the disaster, evoking scenes from a Hollywood movie.

Governor Newsom, a Democrat, has vowed to rebuild Los Angeles, referring to recovery plans as “reimagining L.A. 2.0.” Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump criticized state officials, saying, “This is one of the worst catastrophes in our country’s history. They just can’t put out the fires. What’s wrong with them?”

Authorities have launched a major investigation into the causes of the fires. While wildfires are often a natural part of ecosystems, deliberate or accidental ignition cannot be ruled out.

As firefighters battle on, Californians are bracing for a long road to recovery.

The devastating wildfires around Los Angeles have claimed at least 24 lives and left thousands homeless, in what California Governor Gavin Newsom has described as potentially “the most catastrophic natural disaster in US history.”

The fires, now raging for six days, have scorched over 37,000 acres combined. The Palisades Fire has grown to 23,600 acres, with just 11% containment, while the Eaton Fire, spanning 14,000 acres, is 15% contained. Tragically, eight victims were found in the Palisades zone and 16 in the Eaton area.

Among the deceased is former Australian child star Rory Sykes, known for his role in the 1990s British TV series Kiddy Kapers. Meanwhile, over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, displacing more than 100,000 people and causing an estimated $135–150 billion in damages.

A fire tornado was reported in the San Fernando Valley, adding to the chaos. Though Santa Ana winds eased briefly over the weekend, officials warned they would return with gusts of up to 96 km/h, further fueling the infernos.

High-profile residents such as Anthony Hopkins, Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson, and Billy Crystal have lost their homes in the disaster, evoking scenes from a Hollywood movie.

Governor Newsom, a Democrat, has vowed to rebuild Los Angeles, referring to recovery plans as “reimagining L.A. 2.0.” Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump criticized state officials, saying, “This is one of the worst catastrophes in our country’s history. They just can’t put out the fires. What’s wrong with them?”

Authorities have launched a major investigation into the causes of the fires. While wildfires are often a natural part of ecosystems, deliberate or accidental ignition cannot be ruled out.

As firefighters battle on, Californians are bracing for a long road to recovery.