Firefighters intensify efforts to contain Los Angeles wildfires as winds ease

Wildfires in Los Angeles have devastated entire neighborhoods, with thousands of structures damaged or destroyed. Over 6,700 buildings have been impacted by the Eaton Fire alone, while hotels provide shelter for evacuees. The crisis is also straining Southern California’s housing market.

Devastation Strikes Los Angeles: Wildfires Leave Thousands of Structures Destroyed
As the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles continue to burn, entire neighborhoods have been obliterated, and dozens of lives have been lost. Many people were unable to escape or chose to remain in their homes, contributing to the staggering toll. Here’s what we know so far about the scale of the destruction caused by these fires.

Thousands of Structures Likely Destroyed or Damaged in Pacific Palisades Fire
As of January 9, satellite imagery analysis by CUNY and Oregon State University indicates that over 4,400 buildings have been affected in the Pacific Palisades and Eastern Malibu regions. While damage assessments are ongoing, Cal Fire currently estimates that around 5,000 structures have been either damaged or destroyed. Despite a smaller perimeter, the Eaton Fire may have caused more widespread damage, with preliminary estimates suggesting a higher toll on buildings.

At Least 6,700 Buildings Impacted by Eaton Fire in Altadena
A January 9 analysis of satellite images from CUNY and Oregon State University reports that most of the 6,700 buildings affected are located in the Altadena area. As assessments continue, Cal Fire estimates that nearly 7,000 structures in the region have been either damaged or destroyed by the fire as of Monday.

Though the Eaton Fire has a smaller perimeter than the Palisades Fire, estimates suggest it has likely caused more destruction. Here’s what we know so far about the damage in the heavily impacted Altadena neighborhood:

At Least 6,700 Buildings Affected by Eaton Fire
The majority of the damaged or destroyed structures are located in Altadena, California, according to a January 9 satellite imagery analysis by CUNY and Oregon State University. While damage assessments are still underway, Cal Fire now estimates that nearly 7,000 buildings have been either damaged or completely destroyed by the fire as of Monday.

Hotels Offering Shelter to Evacuees and First Responders Amid LA Wildfires

Several hotels in metro Los Angeles are continuing to support wildfire evacuees and first responders by providing free or discounted accommodations. As thousands of residents are displaced by the ongoing fires, hotels in the region have mobilized to offer shelter, with many providing complimentary or reduced-rate rooms for those affected by the fires and emergency personnel.

Hilton and American Express announced on Wednesday that they are donating 20,000 hotel room nights at no charge, adding to a growing list of organizations stepping in to help. In addition, Airbnb has teamed up with 211 LA, a community resource hub for Los Angeles County, to coordinate emergency housing for displaced individuals.

The Hotel Association of Los Angeles (HALA) and Santa Monica Travel & Tourism have compiled lists of available hotels throughout Southern California to support nearly 180,000 residents under evacuation orders.

“We are heartbroken by the devastation caused by the wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Hotels are currently housing thousands of Angelenos displaced by the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires,” HALA stated in a release.

While these lists will be regularly updated, they may not always reflect real-time availability. HALA encourages residents to directly contact hotels to inquire about available rooms and discounts.

Impact on Southern California’s Housing Market
Southern California's already strained housing market is facing additional pressure as displaced families seek long-term shelter, potentially for years. Real estate experts warned that the surge in demand from fire victims, combined with a limited supply of available homes, is likely to push up both rental and home purchase prices.

California law prohibits significant price hikes on essential items during emergencies, including rental housing, home repairs, emergency supplies, and medical necessities. Key items like building materials, gasoline, and transportation tickets are also protected under this legislation.

Under emergency circumstances, businesses are allowed to increase prices by no more than 10% unless they can provide valid justification for higher charges, as per Los Angeles County Consumer and Business Affairs.

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