27K+ Acres Burned, 5 Dead: These Are The Fires Ravaging SoCal

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — Since igniting on Tuesday, fast-moving fires in Los Angeles County have killed five people, burned more than 26,000 acres and prompted at least 70,000 evacuations, placing it among the most destructive blazes in the region's history.

Going into Wednesday evening, firefighters did not have any level of containment on either of the largest blazes — the Eaton and Palisades fires — but officials remain hopeful that Santa Ana winds will not be as intense and devastating as they were the previous night. However, Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustine warned that conditions could be unpredictable.

"We are encouraging people to stay updated, as the weather can continue to change very rapidly. Please, if we issue an evacuation order, heed our request, be prepared, have your go-bag and immediately evacuate."

As the fires raged on toward nightfall, school districts across Los Angeles County announced plans to close most schools. See which districts will be closed on Jan. 9 here. All Los Angeles Unified schools and child care centers will be closed tomorrow.

At 4 p.m. on Thursday, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said they will make a decision about whether to cancel school Friday as well.

"We've lost two schools," Carvalho said.

Both Marquez Elementary and Palisades Elementary were destroyed. Additionally, 30 percent of Palisades Charter High School was damaged, he said.

UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk announced that the university will "curtail campus operations, cancel undergraduate classes and move graduate courses to remote instruction" Thursday and Friday due to the fires burning in the region.

"While there remains no immediate fire danger to our campus, given an expected change in wind patterns in the hours ahead, it is likely that the air quality in Westwood will worsen," Frenk said in a letter to the UCLA campus community.

Of the four blazes burning in the LA metropolitan area — from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena, home of the famed Rose Parade — the Palisades fire has already been dubbed the most destructive fire in LA history.

One of the most famous streets in America — Sunset Boulevard — has been devastated by the Palisades Fire. Heading down Sunset toward the Village, the majority of homes on the north side have been reduced to ashes, along with entire strip malls and parking lots. For several blocks, only chimneys remain standing amid the rubble.

Some of the most valuable neighborhoods in the nation were also wiped out in mere hours. Celebrity enclaves and mansions overlooking the Pacific Ocean were destroyed by the dozens with few homes left standing in some neighborhoods. What was left was a surreal sight, a level of devastation rarely seen in California's history.

RELATED: Celebrity Homes Burn To The Ground In Palisades Fire: Reports

With an estimated 1,000 structures destroyed in the Palisades Fire, the blaze has been dubbed far more destructive than the second-most destructive fire in Los Angeles history, according to statistics kept by the Wildfire Alliance, a partnership between the city’s fire department and MySafe: LA.

The last most destructive fire was the Sayre Fire in November 2008 that destroyed 604 structures in Sylmar, the northernmost suburb of the city, which is, again, on fire Wednesday.

See The Major SoCal Fires Burning:

• Palisades - 15,832 acres burned since the fire sparked Tuesday in the Pacific Palisades area. More than 1,000 structures destroyed, 30,000 under evacuation orders and numerous people reported injured. Read latest.
• Eaton - At least 10,600 acres burned and five people dead since the fire broke out Tuesday night. As of Wednesday night, 972 structures have been destroyed and 84 structures have been damaged. Read latest.
• Hurst - 850 acres burned and 5,300 evacuated in the Sylmar Area. Read latest.
• Woodley - 75 acres burned in the Sepulveda Basin. Read latest.
• Olivas - 11 acres burned in Ventura County. The blaze is 100% contained.
• Lidia - 348 acres burned in the Acton area. By early Wednesday evening, containment had grown to 40%, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
• Tyler - 15 acres burned in Riverside County with forward progress stopped. Read latest.
• Sunset - 60 acres burned in the Hollywood Hills area. Read latest.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Joe Biden were briefed on the devastating blazes in Los Angeles by fire officials just after 11 a.m.

"It is impossible for me to express the level of appreciation and cooperation we've received from the White House," Newsom said.

Despite horrifying scenes throughout Los Angeles overnight, fire officials say conditions may worsen before they get better as a high wind warning remains in effect until 6 p.m., with gusts up to 60 mph possible in some areas.

The National Guard has been called in to protect affected neighborhood from those suspected to be looting homes, the White House said.

Biden has also directed the Department of Defense to mobilize additional firefighting resources to work with the National Guard under the Newsom's state of emergency. The National Guard is also deploying two Modular Air Firefighting System units, with two more coming from Nevada, and the Department of Defense Northern Command is preparing four additional units. Ten Navy helicopters equipped with water buckets are also being sent immediately to assist with aerial suppression, officials said.

What's more, as firefighters fight to gain control over the four blazes amid limited resources, they continue to face a "life-threatening and destructive windstorm." Read more here.

The Palisades Fire, which doubled in acreage westward into Malibu and surrounding mountains, has prompted evacuation orders for tens of thousands of people. The Eaton Fire — burning through the Altadena and Pasadena area — swelled to 10,600 acres overnight. As of Wednesday night, 972 structures have been destroyed and 84 structures have been damaged, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The Hurst Fire, burning in the Sylmar area, has scorched 850 acres and prompted some 5,300 evacuations. Then, the Woodley Fire had scorched at least 75 acres in the Sepulveda Basin on Wednesday morning.

In Ventura County, a new fire sparked on Wednesday and had burned at least 11 acres.

Meanwhile, over in Riverside County, two smaller fires, a 15-acre blaze (the Tyler Fire) and a 4-acre fire in Anza, had forced power safety shutoffs for 50,000 residents in the Inland Empire. Forward progress on the Tyler Fire

“We are prioritizing life over everything else,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. Several hundred deputies were helping residents evacuate and responding to emergencies, he said.

Fire officials warn that conditions are likely to get worse overnight.

"We are absolutely not out of danger yet," said Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley at a Wednesday morning news conference.

SEE ALSO: CA Fire Photos: Thousands Flee Homes As Deadly Fires Rage

Another "life-threatening and destructive" Santa Ana windstorm is affecting the Southland, which was expected to ravish dry and burning areas from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.

Seventy to 90 mph gusts continued in the mountains Wednesday morning and 60 mph gusts will be possible across the region through the afternoon.

Firefighters in LA County are at "drawdown," with every available firefighter already on the scene and no additional resources to draw from, LAFD Chief Anthony Marrone said at the morning conference.

"This is something that is going to get worse throughout the night," said Marrone.

In addition to five lives lost, Marrone reported that many others sustained injuries in the fires.

Overnight, images of the destruction revealed luxurious homes reduced to rubble amidst a whirlwind of fiery embers, with palm tree tops whipping against a glowing red sky.

Officials ordered tens of thousands of residents to evacuate as the flames advanced toward densely populated and affluent neighborhoods, home to many of California’s elite. Among those forced to flee were Hollywood stars such as Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore and James Woods.

A spokesman for Vice President Kamala Harris says her Brentwood neighborhood — affected by the Palisades fire — was put under an evacuation order Tuesday night.

'Most Devastating And Terrifying Night In LA's History'

The scene in the Pacific Palisades area was described as thick and gray with smoke, with vehicle headlights still glowing well after sunrise in the hardest-hit areas. The crackling of flames mixed with the rustling of palm trees in the strong wind and the urgent voices of emergency responders.

A firefighter stood atop a truck, watching a home consumed by fire. Outside the burning house, an abandoned recycling bin sat untouched.

Litter blew past, every stray piece a potential spark for another fire.

As of Wednesday afternoon, portions of the Palisades Charter High School campus were on fire as were nearby homes. Hydrants in the area ran dry overnight because high demand caused water pressure to drop. Firefighters, many of whom have been battling the blaze for more than 24 hours, used water from pools and ponds to try to save homes.

"Last night was one of the most devastating and terrifying nights that we've seen in any part of our city in our history, fire, literally jumping roads, taking out structures," said Marqueece Harris-Dawson, LA City Council president. "Our public safety professionals created an environment where injuries were kept to a minimum, fatalities are kept to a minimum, and we wake up this morning with a renewed spirit that we can defeat this fire to a brighter day"

Cancellations And Closures

Countless businesses and services were closed on Wednesday amid the fire. Events were also largely canceled across the region.

The Los Angeles Kings postponed their game on Wednesday and several television and film productions were canceled.

“Our hearts are with our entire Los Angeles community,” the Kings said in a statement. “We appreciate the hard working first responders who are diligently working to contain the fire and protect our community. We appreciate the league’s support in keeping our fans, staff, and players safe.”

The NFL is also paying close attention to the potential impact of the fires on the two playoff-bound Los Angeles teams’ preparations and the Rams’ wild-card postseason game against the Minnesota Vikings scheduled for Monday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

The Critics Choice Awards were set to take place on Sunday at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, only miles from the Pacific Palisades neighborhood where fire was raging. The event was postponed until Jan. 26.

“This unfolding tragedy has already had a profound impact on our community. All our thoughts and prayers are with those battling the devastating fires and with all who have been affected,” said Critics Choice Association CEO Joey Berlin. The awards will be broadcast live on E! and hosted by Chelsea Handler.

Tens Of Thousands Under Evacuation Orders

Between the four fires burning in Los Angeles County, tens of thousands of people fled for their lives overnight and at least 70,000 were under evacuation orders.

Those impacted by the Eaton Fire were under evacuation orders in La Cañada Flintridge along with parts of Altadena, Sierra Madre and Pasadena and Monrovia. Authorities urged residents to heed evacuation orders because residents and first responders are getting trapped by the fast-moving fire, sometimes having to shelter in place in their vehicles as the inferno rages nearby.

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin said much of the city of Pasadena is under evacuation orders as his department waits for winds to die down so he can get aircraft up to start dousing the flames from overhead.

Until that happens, it’s going to be difficult to get the blaze there under control, Augustin told KABC-TV, the ABC affiliate. Fire departments from across California were sending in firefighters as crews in the Los Angeles area were stretched to their limit, he said. He said there had been no loss of life there and thanked public safety officers for “pulling people out from burning buildings” overnight.

For those impacted by the Palisades fire, a mandatory evacuation order was issued for a wide swath of the Palisades area, covering 30,000 people, an analysis of U.S. Census data shows.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued in a "polygon"-shaped area from Merrimac Road on the northeast, west to Topanga Canyon Boulevard and south to Pacific Coast Highway. In Malibu, the orders cover north of PCH and south of Rambla Pacifico, between Carbon Beach Terrace on the west and Las Flores Mesa Drive on the east.

As of 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the city of Santa Monica has expanded a mandatory evacuation order to include all areas north of Montana Avenue from the beach to 11th Street due to the Palisades Fire. The order adds to the previously announced mandatory evacuations for areas north of San Vicente Boulevard from Ocean Boulevard to 26th Street.

An evacuation warning is in place for all other areas north of Montana Avenue, and for all areas north of Wilshire Boulevard and west of 10th Street.

Click here for up-to-the-minute evacuation orders.

Residents Urged To Protect Themselves Against Poor Quality

Smoke advisories were issued due to four fires burning out of control in Los Angeles County with many residents urged to protect themselves from severely hampered air quality.

"Even in areas far from fires or areas not covered by a smoke advisory, if you can smell smoke or see ash from a wildfire, avoid or limit outdoor activities," according to the South Coast AQMD.

Get wildfire smoke ash health and safety tips here.

Residents Advised To Avoid Tap Water

The State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water, along with the Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 29, advised customers in designated areas to use only boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking as a safety precaution. This is due to recent low water pressure caused by the Palisades Fire, according to Malibu city officials. The affected areas include the Sunset Mesa community from Topanga Beach and Coastline Drive on the south to Shoreheights Drive on the north, and from Topanga Canyon Road to Carbon Canyon Road in Malibu, which includes the Big Rock and Carbon Mesa communities.

Pasadena directed all residents not to drink the tap water due to the Eaton Fire. They should not even boil the water, but drink bottled water only. In the Palisades water zone, the boil water order applies just to the 90272 zip code and the adjacent community north of San Vicente.

Celebrities Among Those Evacuated, Losing Homes

Wildfires that ripped through the Pacific Palisades forced many Hollywood stars, including Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore and James Woods, to evacuate their homes.

The Pacific Palisades neighborhood is a hillside area along the coast dotted with celebrity residences and memorialized by the Beach Boys in their 1960s hit “Surfin’ USA.” In the frantic haste to get to safety, roadways became impassable when scores of people abandoned their vehicles and fled on foot, some toting suitcases.

“Evacuated Malibu so last minute,” wrote Hamill in an Instagram post Tuesday night. “Small fires on both sides of the road as we approached (the Pacific Coast Highway).”

Jamie Lee Curtis said Wednesday on Instagram that her family is safe, but she suggested her neighborhood and possibly her home is on fire. She said many of her friends lost their homes.

“It's a terrifying situation and I'm grateful to the firefighters and all of the good Samaritans who are helping people get out of the way of the blaze."

Other stars who have homes in the area include Adam Sandler, Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.

Biden Briefed In Santa Monica

President Biden was already in the state when the fires broke out as he had planned to fly from LA to Riverside County to announce the creation of two new national monuments.

White House officials canceled the air traffic restrictions necessary for his travel and noted that he stayed put in his hotel Tuesday to minimize his impact on first responders and law enforcement.

He was briefed by fire crews in Santa Monica before he headed back to Washington, D.C., later in the day.

"It's astounding what's happened," the president said at a fire news briefing just after 11 a.m. in Los Angeles.

State Of Emergency Declared

Newsom visited the scene at the Palisades fire, announcing that many homes had burned, though officials did not give an estimate of structures damaged or destroyed. Newsom declared a state of emergency as fire agencies became overwhelmed by multiple burning blazes.

"There aren't enough firefighters in LA County to address four separate fires of this magnitude," Marrone said. Crews were overwhelmed at times overnight, sometimes unable to get the backup they requested, he acknowledged.

Tens Of Thousands Without Power

More than 180,000 customers were without power in southern California, with the vast majority of them in Los Angeles County, according to PowerOutage.us, which tracks outages nationwide.

Power outages in Los Angeles are expected to last 24 to 48 hours. Shutoffs were intentional as flames moved in, and crews have to wait until it's safe to turn power back on, according to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

Angelenos Asked To Conserve Water

Amid the multiple blazes, Angelenos are being asked to conserve water because increased demand lowers the water pressure needed to get the water to firefighters on the frontline, officials said. People living in the fire areas are being asked to boil their water due to decreasing water quality.

As fires raged on, some firefighters reported that hydrants in the area of the Palisades fire were coming up dry.

“The hydrants are down,” one firefighter said on an internal radio system, the Los Angeles Times reported.

This is a breaking news story. Please refresh for the latest.

SEE ALSO:

Acton's Lidia Fire Blackens 50 Acres, Threatens Buildings

Schools Closed Wednesday Across LA County As Fires Spread

How To Help Los Angeles County Fire Victims: 100,000 Flee Homes

Public Safety Power Shutoffs Ongoing In These SoCal Counties

Sylmar Fire Map: See Hurst Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

Altadena Fire Map: See Eaton Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

Palisades Fire Map: See Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

3 IE Fires Ignite Overnight, Nearly 50K Residents Without Power

RivCo Resident Captures Fiery Sunset Photos Of Palisades Fire

Hollywood Hills' Sunset Fire Races Toward Homes Near Runyon Canyon

The Associated Press contributed to this report.