Tens of thousands ordered to evacuate as fires tear through Los Angeles area

Fierce wildfires in Los Angeles area force evacuations, destroy homes of celebrities, prompting federal disaster declaration for aid.

Fierce wildfires are raging in the Los Angeles area, fuelled by powerful Santa Ana winds, sending residents fleeing from burning homes through flames, ferocious winds and towering clouds of smoke.

Thousands of firefighters were battling at least three separate blazes on Wednesday (January 8, 2025), from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena. One of the fires was the most destructive in the modern history of the city of LA.

Tens of thousands of people have been notified by authorities to evacuate their homes because of the multiple fires burning in the Los Angeles region. Officials say at least five people have died in the wildfires.

American actor and comedian Billy Crystal and wife lost their home of 45 years in Palisades fire.

The couple released a statement confirming their home was among the hundreds burned in fires in and around Los Angeles.

“Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can't be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this,” the Crystals wrote in the statement.

Mandy Moore, Cary Elwes and Paris Hilton are among the stars who have lost homes in the blazes. Many others are among the tens of thousands who have evacuated due to the flames, with some still awaiting word on the fate of their homes.