As Los Angeles faces its most devastating wildfires in history, the city has been left reeling from the destruction caused by the raging flames. Tens of thousands of buildings have been reduced to ashes, and hundreds of thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes in the face of the relentless blazes.
The largest fire, which has engulfed more than 23,000 acres in the Pacific Palisades area, is now the worst fire on record for the city of Los Angeles. To put this into perspective, the affected area is comparable to the size of large parts of lower Manhattan and Queens in New York.
In a BBC News special report, we hear firsthand accounts from those on the front lines of the wildfires, as well as from the residents who have lost everything to the disaster. The emotional toll of losing homes, livelihoods, and cherished possessions is immeasurable, as families grapple with the aftermath of the wildfires.
As the city begins the long path to recovery, the focus is now on assessing the damage, rebuilding the destroyed communities, and providing support to those who have been affected. The road to recovery will be a challenging one, but with the resilience and strength of the people of Los Angeles, the city will undoubtedly rise from the ashes.
For more news, analysis, and features on the LA wildfires and other global events, visit www.bbc.com/news.
Watch the video by BBC News
Video “How the LA wildfires unfolded and what’s needed for recovery | BBC News” was uploaded on 01/15/2025 to Youtube Channel BBC News