Los Angeles in smoke: A resident of Kharkiv reports from the scene of the massive wildfires in the U.S.

Wildfires in America, specifically in California, began on January 7. Currently, multiple hotspots have been identified, and efforts to extinguish them have not yet succeeded.

Kharkiv journalist Kristina Zagrebelyna reported on the situation in Los Angeles. She resides in Los Angeles, California.

“The winds are picking up strongly, which complicates firefighting efforts. Helicopters can't take off. So, living in California, you have to prepare for two things – either earthquakes, by having an emergency kit ready, or these fires, which occur every year. Not every year are they this severe, but California burns every year,” Zagrebelyna explained.

Video: Kristina Zagrebelyna

As of now, there are reports of five fatalities, and over 30,000 people have been evacuated. The fire has completely destroyed around a thousand buildings, with approximately 30,000 more at risk.

The fire initially engulfed the prestigious Pacific Palisades area, located between Santa Monica and Malibu, home to many famous Hollywood stars. The area affected covers 1,173 hectares, resulting in the destruction of dozens of buildings. Notably, it has been reported that the homes of actress and television host Paris Hilton and comedian Billy Crystal have been completely burned down. While firefighters were attempting to control two main hotspots, another one ignited in the Hollywood Hills. The fire is now raging in the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Woodley areas.

PALISADES FIRE | 2921 acres 0% containment. Extreme fire behavior, short & long-range spotting, continues to challenge firefighting efforts for the Palisades Fire. Winds gusts up to 60 MPH are expected to continue through Thursday. pic.twitter.com/QHKIh6u6FD

— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) January 8, 2025

This is by far the craziest video from the fire in Los Angeles. This guy is filming huge walls of fire surrounding a house they’re in, and there’s another person and a dog. I have no idea why they didn’t evacuate or what happened to them. Let’s hope they’re okay. #PalisadesFire pic.twitter.com/QYtsBSKvdl

— Sia Kordestani (@SiaKordestani) January 8, 2025

About a million people are without electricity, there is a shortage of water for firefighting, and President Joe Biden has declared California a disaster zone. This will allow for funding to be allocated for those affected by the fires, as well as to cover some of the expenses incurred due to the destruction.

Video: Kristina Zagrebelyna

The cause of the fires remains unknown. Authorities are working to determine the reason for the blazes, with one theory suggesting arson. It is also too early to discuss the losses the country will face due to the fires – experts will only be able to provide a final assessment once all fires have been extinguished. However, preliminary estimates by AccuWeather Inc. suggest that the damages could range from $52 to $57 billion.