Heartbreaking videos and photos shared on social media show the shocking devastation caused by the Southern California wildfires that have consumed over 17,000 acres, left five individuals dead, and forced thousands to evacuate.
According to CBS News, as of Thursday morning, California officials had confirmed that at least five wildfires in the Los Angeles region have raged across 45 square miles, leading to the death of at least five individuals and evacuation orders for approximately 179,000 residents. The outlet noted that over 1,300 structures have been consumed in the California wildfires, while over 60,000 structures have been threatened by the wildfires as they continue to rage across Southern California.
CBS News reported that three of the five major wildfires were not contained at all by Thursday morning, including the Eaton and Palisades wildfires, which currently remain the two largest wildfires.
READ MORE: Videos: Wildfires force 30,000+ to evacuate in California amid ‘extreme wind conditions’
On Wednesday night, Gov. Gavin Newsom tweeted, “More than 7,500 firefighting personnel are on the ground working with local and federal partners to respond to California’s ongoing historic wildfires. Southern California residents — please remain vigilant tonight. Listen to local officials and be ready to evacuate if you’re near impacted areas.”
According to Fox News, over 1,100 fire engines, 53 bulldozers, and 31 helicopters have been deployed to aid firefighters battling the massive California wildfires.
A photo shared on X, formerly Twitter, by actor Antonio Banderas shows the Los Angeles region engulfed in flames and smoke.
Mohamad Safa, a United Nations diplomat, shared a video highlighting a community that was burned to the ground in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires.
Podcaster Kate Casey shared a video contrasting Malibu before this week with Malibu after wildfires devastated the region on Tuesday and Wednesday. The video shows similar streets that are barely recognizable due to the destruction inflicted by the wildfires.
Media personality Oli London shared a photo of the Pacific Palisades Thursday on social media, noting that the Los Angeles neighborhood had been “completely destroyed by the Palisades wildfire.”
Social media influencer Sheikh Khan shared a video and pictures of the raging wildfires in southern California, describing the situation as an “unprecedented wildfire crisis.”
“The situation is dire, with all but one fire completely uncontained,” Khan wrote. “Streets in Hollywood are gridlocked, and residents are fleeing with whatever belongings they can carry, shrouded in a thick blanket of smoke. The latest blaze in the Hollywood Hills has forced more evacuations, including in areas home to celebrity residences.”
Sharing a picture of a firefighter in front of a burning building on Wednesday evening, Newsom tweeted, “To the heroes, firefighters, and first responders battling these fires in Los Angeles: Your sacrifice and determination inspire the entire state. California is deeply grateful for your dedication and service.”