The series of wildfires engulfing the Los Angeles area has tragically resulted in five deaths, numerous injuries, and the evacuation of over 100,000 residents. California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the death toll may rise as the fires continue to spread. Thick smoke blankets the city, and more than 10,000 hectares have already been scorched. Some neighborhoods have been completely obliterated, with estimates indicating over 1,000 structures destroyed, marking this as one of the most devastating fire events in the city's modern history. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for regions affected by three major fires: the Palisades fire, which threatens Pacific Palisades located between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains; the Eaton fire, impacting Pasadena and Altadena; and the Hurst fire near Sylmar. The Eaton fire has been linked to the five reported fatalities. As firefighters battle the Sunset Wildfire, which ignited near Hollywood Hills on Wednesday afternoon, the situation remains critical. This fire, which began around 5:45 p.m. local time, is reportedly advancing towards Hollywood Boulevard, prompting immediate evacuation orders for nearby neighborhoods. The fire has already consumed approximately 8 hectares (20 acres). In response to the crisis, President Joe Biden has declared a federal disaster for Los Angeles County, unlocking federal resources for temporary housing, home repairs, and additional support programs for those affected. A delegation of California lawmakers is urging Biden to grant a major disaster declaration to Governor Newsom. Biden has also canceled a planned official visit to Italy, where he was set to meet with Pope Francis and Italian leaders, citing the urgent situation in Los Angeles as the reason. Former President Donald Trump has attributed the disaster to the current governor, asserting that the responsibility lies with him. Firefighters are facing significant challenges due to high winds and water supply issues, particularly in the Palisades area, where the fire first ignited on Tuesday. The local hydrant system failed during this critical time, complicating firefighting efforts. Despite sufficient water reserves in Southern California, logistical hurdles have hindered timely access to necessary water supplies in the affected areas. Destructive scenes have emerged from the community of approximately 23,000 residents, where homes, businesses, and public spaces have been devastated by the flames. Panic ensued on the roads as evacuations led to significant traffic jams, causing some individuals to abandon their vehicles and flee on foot. According to fire chief Anthony C. Marrone, the fire in this vicinity is currently at zero percent containment, with crews focusing solely on preventing the spread of flames between structures. In Pasadena alone, the Eaton fire has damaged between 200 and 500 buildings, according to the local fire chief. Strong winds have exacerbated the situation, contributing to the rapid spread of the fire, as seen in both the Eaton and Hurst fires in the Sylmar area. Authorities are still investigating the origin of the wildfires that have encircled the city. A combination of fierce winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation due to prolonged drought conditions has created a perilous environment for fire containment. Los Angeles has experienced several months of minimal rainfall, despite it being typically a wetter time of year during December and January.