On Saturday, private firms estimated the cost of LA fire to $135 billion to $150 billion. The scale of damage to the second-biggest US city could be the costliest ever recorded.
Firefighters are battling relentlessly against the raging flames, which have spread further due to strong winds, creating an apocalyptic scene in iconic parts of the city, including the Hollywood Hills. With the fires continuing to blaze through the eastern and western flanks of Los Angeles, officials warn the death toll is likely to rise.
While the cost of the damage hasn’t been officially released, private firms estimate it could soar to $135 billion to $150 billion. The fires have damaged nearly 10,000 structures, leaving entire neighborhoods unrecognizable.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna described the devastation as akin to an atomic bomb strike, saying, “It looks like an atomic bomb dropped in these areas. I don’t expect good news, and we’re not looking forward to those numbers.”
Meanwhile, due to fear of looting and crime growing, California Governor Gavin Newsom deployed the National Guard to bolster law enforcement. A nighttime curfew has been imposed in evacuated areas, and dozens of arrests made.
“This curfew will be strictly enforced,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. “We are not screwing around with this.” The five separate fires have so far burned more than 35,000 acres (14,000 hectares), California’s fire agency reported.
