STORY: Devastating wildfires raging in California with thousands of homes, buildings burned
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Jan. 11, 2025
LENGTH: 00:01:18
LOCATION: LOS ANGELES, U.S.
CATEGORY: SOCIETY/ENVIRONMENT

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the wildfires

STORYLINE:

A series of devastating wildfires continue to roar across different parts of Los Angeles County on Friday, only partially contained, leading to widespread disruptions in the lives of residents there, including school closures and the cancellation of numerous entertainment, sports, and community events.
   
The fires, described as some of the worst in the region's history, have claimed at least 11 lives, according to the county medical examiner's office.

Over 10,000 buildings have been destroyed so far, primarily due to the Palisades and Eaton fires.
   
The fires have forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents, with at least 70,000 homes under threat and 10,000 destroyed. Looting has been reported in some evacuation zones, leading to multiple arrests.

The entertainment industry has also been severely impacted. Studios like Disney and Universal have suspended filming, canceled premieres, and closed offices due to fire and smoke conditions.
   
Early estimates place the economic losses from the wildfires between 52 billion and 57 billion U.S. dollars, exceeding the devastation caused by California's 2018 wildfires. JPMorgan analysts estimate insured losses could surpass 20 billion dollars, making these fires significantly more severe than the Camp Fire, which caused 10 billion dollars in insured losses.
  
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant as winds are expected to intensify, potentially complicating containment efforts.
   
The devastation caused by these wildfires highlights the urgent need for improved fire management strategies and greater climate resilience to protect communities from future disasters.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Los Angeles, U.S.
(XHTV)