Devastating wildfires are ravaging Los Angeles, with the Palisades and Eaton fires causing significant destruction. The blazes have claimed at least ten lives, destroyed thousands of structures, and forced approximately 180,000 residents to evacuate. Firefighters are battling the infernos amid strong winds and challenging conditions.
The iconic Eames House, Getty Villa, and other renowned sites in Los Angeles face significant risk as these devastating wildfires continue to sweep through Southern California. Since Tuesday, the blazes have destroyed over 2,000 buildings. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, stating, 'By no stretch of the imagination are we out of the woods.'
Photo: Dreamstime.
The fire originated in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday morning and quickly spread, fuelled by strong Santa Ana winds and rugged terrain. Additional fires, named Eaton, Hurst, Sunset, and Lidia, ignited in Altadena, Sylmar, Hollywood Hills, and Acton, respectively. Officials report approximately 13,000 structures remain in jeopardy.
Efforts to contain the fires have prioritised protecting lives and structures. Erik Scott, Public Information Officer for the Los Angeles Fire Department, described the intense challenges fire-fighters face due to wind gusts exceeding 100 miles per hour.
The Getty Villa, a museum of classical antiquities, has thus far remained unharmed. The institution's president, Katherine E. Fleming, credited advanced air filtration and double-walled gallery construction for safeguarding its collections.
Nearby, Villa de Leon, a 35-room historic estate featured in numerous music videos, suffered damage. The extent of the destruction remains unclear. The Eames House, an emblem of mid-century modern design, has also escaped harm. The Eames Foundation announced that every precaution had been taken to protect the site, though visits have been cancelled indefinitely.
Other properties have not fared as well. The historic Will Rogers estate, including its main house and stables, was entirely destroyed. Similarly, the Topanga Ranch Motel, slated for renovation, succumbed to the flames. California State Parks confirmed extensive losses at Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park, expressing deep sorrow over the devastation.
The Hollywood sign, though initially thought to be in danger, remains unscathed. False images depicting the landmark surrounded by flames circulated online, fuelling unnecessary alarm.
Some celebrity homes were among those destroyed, including properties belonging to Paris Hilton and Mandy Moore. Iconic businesses, such as the Malibu Feed Bin and Reel Inn, also succumbed to the inferno, leaving a void in the local community.
Source: www.architecturaldigest.com