Wildfire Breaks Out in Hollywood Hills as LA Battles to Contain Blazes

A new fire triggered evacuations Thursday in and around Los Angeles, even as firefighters, assisted by calmer winds, saw the first signs of effectively battling the region's fatal and destructive wildfires, and the extent of the enormity became clear.

The Kenneth Fire began in the late afternoon in the San Fernando Valley, close to the West Hills area and Ventura County. The evacuation order included portions of Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

Wildfire breaks out in the Hollywood Hills

The orders came as Los Angeles County officials stated that the Eaton Fire in Pasadena, which began Tuesday night, had destroyed over 4,000 to 5,000 structures, including vehicles. Thousands of more structures in Pacific Palisades, on the coast, also burnt.

The Kenneth fire broke out less than 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from El Camino Real Charter High School in Palisades, where people are seeking refuge from the fire. The two fires are around 10 miles (18 kilometers) apart.

Dozens of blocks were smashed into flaming ruins in the picturesque Pacific Palisades. Only the outlines of homes and chimneys remained. In Malibu, just burned palm strands remained above the wreckage where seaside houses had stood.

Read more: Multiple Deaths Reported as Snow Hits the Mid-Atlantic Region