Unprecedented fires: Southern California experiences a firestorm not seen in known history, driven by near-hurricane winds and severe drought.
Government response: President Biden has pledged defense assistance to support overwhelmed local firefighter efforts amidst uncontained blazes.
Destruction and evacuations: The Palisades fire has devastated over 10,000 acres, leading to hundreds of homes destroyed and mass evacuations in affected areas.
Economic impact: Early estimates suggest the economic toll might reach tens of billions, potentially marking these wildfires as among the most damaging in U.S. history.
Future risks: Ongoing severe weather conditions may spur additional fires, indicating a new era of complex climate disasters in Los Angeles.