{"id":6239,"date":"2025-01-11T09:29:24","date_gmt":"2025-01-11T09:29:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/?p=6239"},"modified":"2025-01-11T09:29:29","modified_gmt":"2025-01-11T09:29:29","slug":"video-shows-miles-of-smoldering-ruins-replacing-multimillion-dollar-mansions-as-wildfires-rage-on","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/archives\/6239","title":{"rendered":"Video shows miles of smoldering ruins replacing multimillion-dollar mansions as wildfires rage on"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class='\"entry-meta' category-meta><strong>Astonishing video captures miles of scorched earth in LA, where multimillion-dollar mansions once stood, now reduced to smoldering ruins as wildfires continue\n<div><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"alignnone' wp-image-6240 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/momentsunfolded.com%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2025%5C/01%5C/Screenshot-2025-01-11-162317-300x268.png%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"681\"' height='\"608\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-11-162317-300x268.png' https: sizes='\"auto,'>\n<div class='\"entry-content\"' data-word-count='\"886\"' data-p-count='\"28\"'>\n<div id='\"ez-toc-container\"' class='\"ez-toc-v2_0_71' counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction>\n<nav>\n<ul class='\"ez-toc-list' ez-toc-list-level-1>\n<li class='\"ez-toc-page-1' ez-toc-heading-level-2>Blocks of Multi-Million-Dollar Mansions reduced to ashes\n</li><li class='\"ez-toc-page-1' ez-toc-heading-level-2>Iconic areas and infrastructure devastated\n</li><li class='\"ez-toc-page-1' ez-toc-heading-level-2>Scientists attribute fires to \u2018Hydroclimate Whiplash\u2019\n</li><li class='\"ez-toc-page-1' ez-toc-heading-level-2>Leaders face tough questions amid catastrophe\n\n\n\n<h2><span id='\"Blocks_of_Multi-Million-Dollar_Mansions_reduced_to_ashes\"' class='\"ez-toc-section\"'>Blocks of Multi-Million-Dollar Mansions reduced to ashes\n<figure class='\"wp-caption' aligncenter><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"lazy' loaded src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/photo.wikiany.net%5C/uploads%5C/photos%5C/2025%5C/01%5C/10%5C/astonishing-video-captures-miles-of-scorched-earth-in-la-where-multimillio__u29__0-71064900_1736495645.JPG%5C%22" alt='\"astonishing' video captures miles of scorched earth in la where multimillio width='\"882\"' data-src='\"https:\/\/photo.wikiany.net\/uploads\/photos\/2025\/01\/10\/astonishing-video-captures-miles-of-scorched-earth-in-la-where-multimillio__u29__0-71064900_1736495645.JPG\"' data-was-processed='\"true\"'><figcaption class='\"wp-caption-text\"'>\n<p>Drone\u00a0footage reveals entire blocks\u00a0of luxury homes turned to ash, leaving behind only charred tree stumps and skeletal remains of buildings.\n</p><p>Small fires still burn in the debris, showing the relentless nature of the infernos.\n</p><p>Fire Chief Kristin Crowley described the blaze as unprecedented. She reported it began accidentally in a backyard around 10 a.m. Tuesday.\n</p><p>Within minutes, the fire grew uncontrollably, fanned by bone-dry vegetation and powerful winds.\n<figure class='\"wp-caption' aligncenter><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"lazy' loaded src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/photo.wikiany.net%5C/uploads%5C/photos%5C/2025%5C/01%5C/10%5C/astonishing-video-captures-miles-of-scorched-earth-in-la-where-multimillio__u29__0-16418600_1736495645.JPG%5C%22" alt='\"astonishing' video captures miles of scorched earth in la where multimillio width='\"746\"' data-src='\"https:\/\/photo.wikiany.net\/uploads\/photos\/2025\/01\/10\/astonishing-video-captures-miles-of-scorched-earth-in-la-where-multimillio__u29__0-16418600_1736495645.JPG\"' data-was-processed='\"true\"'><figcaption class='\"wp-caption-text\"'>\n<p>According to report, less than 48 hours after the first spark, the fire had destroyed vast areas, causing an estimated $60 billion in damages.\n</p><p>Pacific Palisades, a celebrity enclave, has been hit hardest.\n</p><div class='\"google-auto-placed' ap_container>\n<p>&nbsp;\n</p><div id='\"aswift_3_host\"'>\n<p>&nbsp;\n\n</p><p>Nearly 12,000 acres have burned, including homes of stars like Paris Hilton and Anthony Hopkins.\n</p><h2><span id='\"Iconic_areas_and_infrastructure_devastated\"' class='\"ez-toc-section\"'>Iconic\u00a0areas\u00a0and infrastructure devastated\n<figure class='\"wp-caption' aligncenter><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"lazy' loaded src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/photo.wikiany.net%5C/uploads%5C/photos%5C/2025%5C/01%5C/10%5C/astonishing-video-captures-miles-of-scorched-earth-in-la-where-multimillio__u29__0-58022300_1736495647.JPG%5C%22" alt='\"astonishing' video captures miles of scorched earth in la where multimillio width='\"898\"' data-src='\"https:\/\/photo.wikiany.net\/uploads\/photos\/2025\/01\/10\/astonishing-video-captures-miles-of-scorched-earth-in-la-where-multimillio__u29__0-58022300_1736495647.JPG\"' data-was-processed='\"true\"'><figcaption class='\"wp-caption-text\"'>Wildfires destroyed miles of luxury homes in LA, causing $60 billion in damages and widespread devastation.\n<p>&nbsp;\n</p><p>Sunset Boulevard, a famous stretch through Pacific Palisades, was engulfed in flames.\n</p><p>Banks, restaurants, and homes were obliterated. Emergency crews used bulldozers to clear abandoned luxury cars, creating pathways for firefighters.\n</p><p>In Studio City, a four-story building fire spread to neighboring homes, adding to the destruction.\n<figure class='\"wp-caption' aligncenter><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"lazy' loaded src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/photo.wikiany.net%5C/uploads%5C/photos%5C/2025%5C/01%5C/10%5C/astonishing-video-captures-miles-of-scorched-earth-in-la-where-multimillio__u29__0-84832800_1736495646.JPG%5C%22" alt='\"astonishing' video captures miles of scorched earth in la where multimillio width='\"890\"' data-src='\"https:\/\/photo.wikiany.net\/uploads\/photos\/2025\/01\/10\/astonishing-video-captures-miles-of-scorched-earth-in-la-where-multimillio__u29__0-84832800_1736495646.JPG\"' data-was-processed='\"true\"'><figcaption class='\"wp-caption-text\"'>Poor management left fire hydrants dry, sparking criticism of LA Mayor and city officials amid the disaster.\n<div>\n<div><span class='\"ctaText\"'>See also\u00a0\u00a0<span class='\"postTitle\"'>Two men pose as newlyweds on honeymoon for hotel perks but encounter awkward moment\n\n<p>At least 2,000 structures have been lost, with 20 square miles of land destroyed.\n</p><h2><span id='\"Scientists_attribute_fires_to_%E2%80%98Hydroclimate_Whiplash\"' class='\"ez-toc-section\"'>Scientists attribute fires to \u2018Hydroclimate Whiplash\u2019\n<p>Experts from UCLA blame the disaster on \u201chydroclimate whiplash.\u201d\n<figure class='\"wp-caption' aligncenter><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"lazy' loaded src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/photo.wikiany.net%5C/uploads%5C/photos%5C/2025%5C/01%5C/10%5C/astonishing-video-captures-miles-of-scorched-earth-in-la-where-multimillio__u29__0-51150500_1736495646.JPG%5C%22" alt='\"astonishing' video captures miles of scorched earth in la where multimillio width='\"901\"' data-src='\"https:\/\/photo.wikiany.net\/uploads\/photos\/2025\/01\/10\/astonishing-video-captures-miles-of-scorched-earth-in-la-where-multimillio__u29__0-51150500_1736495646.JPG\"' data-was-processed='\"true\"'><figcaption class='\"wp-caption-text\"'>Scientists link fires to \u201chydroclimate whiplash,\u201d with dry vegetation and strong winds fueling the blaze.\n<p>This phenomenon involves rapid shifts between extreme wet and dry weather.\n</p><p>Last year\u2019s El Ni\u00f1o rains fueled vegetation growth, which later dried and became highly flammable.\n</p><p>Santa Ana winds further intensified the flames. These gusty, warm winds swept across the region, driving the fire\u2019s rapid spread.\n</p><div class='\"google-auto-placed' ap_container>\n<p>&nbsp;\n</p><div id='\"aswift_6_host\"'>\n<p>&nbsp;\n\n</p><p>A litany of failures by city officials has come to light. Fire hydrants lacked water due to unfilled reservoirs, and live electrical cables fueled the flames.\n</p><p>Developer Rick Caruso criticized the city\u2019s infrastructure and leadership, calling the situation \u201ca systemic problem.\u201d\n<figure class='\"wp-caption' aligncenter><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"lazy' loaded src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/photo.wikiany.net%5C/uploads%5C/photos%5C/2025%5C/01%5C/10%5C/olympic-hero-gary-hall-jr-fears-losing-gold-medals-in-la-wildfires__u29__0-93985900_1736489349.JPG%5C%22" alt='\"olympic' hero gary hall jr. fears losing gold medals in la wildfires width='\"867\"' data-src='\"https:\/\/photo.wikiany.net\/uploads\/photos\/2025\/01\/10\/olympic-hero-gary-hall-jr-fears-losing-gold-medals-in-la-wildfires__u29__0-93985900_1736489349.JPG\"' data-was-processed='\"true\"'><figcaption class='\"wp-caption-text\"'>\n<p>Firefighters radioed stations about dry hydrants, leaving homes defenseless.\n</p><p>Caruso also condemned LA Mayor Karen Bass for being abroad during the disaster. \u201cResidents are paying the ultimate price for failed leadership,\u201d he said.\n</p><h2><span id='\"Leaders_face_tough_questions_amid_catastrophe\"' class='\"ez-toc-section\"'>Leaders face tough questions amid catastrophe\n<p>California Governor Gavin Newsom became emotional addressing criticism from Donald Trump, who blamed him for the wildfires.\n<figure class='\"wp-caption' aligncenter><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"lazy' loaded src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/photo.wikiany.net%5C/uploads%5C/photos%5C/2025%5C/01%5C/10%5C/astonishing-video-captures-miles-of-scorched-earth-in-la-where-multimillio__u29__0-14519900_1736495646.JPG%5C%22" alt='\"astonishing' video captures miles of scorched earth in la where multimillio width='\"870\"' data-src='\"https:\/\/photo.wikiany.net\/uploads\/photos\/2025\/01\/10\/astonishing-video-captures-miles-of-scorched-earth-in-la-where-multimillio__u29__0-14519900_1736495646.JPG\"' data-was-processed='\"true\"'><figcaption class='\"wp-caption-text\"'>Thousands evacuated as iconic areas burn; 2,000 structures destroyed and at least five people confirmed dead.\u00a0\n<p>&nbsp;\n</p><p>Meanwhile, Mayor Bass was questioned by reporters about her absence during the crisis.\n</p><p>Asked if she owed residents an apology, she offered no response, underscoring the anger and frustration among displaced citizens.\n</p><p>Five people have lost their lives, and the death toll may rise as authorities deploy K-9 units to search for remains.\n<figure class='\"wp-caption' aligncenter><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"lazy' loaded src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/photo.wikiany.net%5C/uploads%5C/photos%5C/2025%5C/01%5C/10%5C/astonishing-video-captures-miles-of-scorched-earth-in-la-where-multimillio__u29__0-14316800_1736495648.JPG%5C%22" alt='\"astonishing' video captures miles of scorched earth in la where multimillio width='\"1058\"' data-src='\"https:\/\/photo.wikiany.net\/uploads\/photos\/2025\/01\/10\/astonishing-video-captures-miles-of-scorched-earth-in-la-where-multimillio__u29__0-14316800_1736495648.JPG\"' data-was-processed='\"true\"'><figcaption class='\"wp-caption-text\"'>\n<p>Thousands of residents have fled, leaving behind everything they owned.\n</p><p>This unprecedented disaster has left LA scorched and grieving, with recovery efforts expected to take years.\n</p><div>\n<div><span class='\"ctaText\"'>See also\u00a0\u00a0<span class='\"postTitle\"'>Plus-size influencer responds to critics after sharing she needs two chairs to eat at restaurant\n\n<p>The resilience of those affected, however, continues to inspire hope.\n</p><p><iframe loading='\"lazy\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/www.youtube.com%5C/embed%5C/S9uZ7tPnY80?si=ntY1k4RW6z6kBOub%5C%22" width='\"560\"' height='\"314\"' allowfullscreen='\"allowfullscreen\"' data-mce-fragment='\"1\"'>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Astonishing video captures miles of scorched earth in LA, where multimillion-dollar mansions once stood, now reduced to smoldering ruins as wildfires continue Blocks of Multi-Million-Dollar Mansions reduced to ashes Iconic areas and infrastructure devastated Scientists attribute fires to \u2018Hydroclimate Whiplash\u2019 Leaders face tough questions amid catastrophe Blocks of Multi-Million-Dollar Mansions reduced to ashes Drone\u00a0footage reveals [&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6241,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6239","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6239","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6239"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6239\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6243,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6239\/revisions\/6243"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6241"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6239"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6239"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6239"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></iframe></p></span></span></div></div></figcaption></figure></p></figcaption></figure></p></span></h2></figcaption></figure></p></div></div></figcaption></figure></p></span></h2></span></span></div></div></figcaption></figure></p></figcaption></figure></span></h2></div></div></figcaption></figure></p></figcaption></figure></span></h2></li></ul></nav></div></div></div></strong></div>