Parts of Southern California have been devastated by ruthless wildfires, leaving houses, shopping centers and structures scorched in what the Los Angeles fire chief has called the “worst” fires seen there in 25 years.
Driven by dry conditions and mighty winds, the flames have claimed at least five lives so far and forced more than 100,000 residents to evacuate from their homes.
Five separate fires are blazing in the greater Los Angeles area so far, NBC News reported. Along the coast, the Palisades Fire erupted Tuesday and since expanded more than 17,000 acres. Overnight Wednesday, the Sunset Fire started in the Hollywood Hills and Studio City, prompting evacuations that led to a traffic gridlock on Hollywood Boulevard.
What caused the California wildfires to begin with? Here’s what we know.
What caused the L.A. wildfires?
Southern California is in a state of moderate to severe drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Portal’s map. The state has been without substantial rain since May, the Los Angeles Times reported last weekend, even during its current rainy season that can stretch between October and April.
This week, those dry conditions were combined with powerful winds, which reached up to 100 mph in some areas, according to NBC News. This set up a recipe for dangerous blazes to catch and spread.
TODAY’s Dylan Dreyer reported live from Pacific Palisades on Thursday and explained how these wildfires were able move so quickly throughout the region.
