Updated

More evacuated as worst fire in LA history spreads to Hollywood Hills

Of the five fires burning across Los Angeles only one has been brought under control, as early estimates put initial damage at about $90 billion.

Matthew CranstonUnited States correspondent

Updated Jan 9, 2025 – 5.38pm, first published at 10.01am

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Washington/Los Angeles | Los Angeles plunged into its worst natural disaster in decades as wildfires driven by hurricane-strength wind gusts tore through prosperous neighbourhoods, killed at least five people and forced up to 150,000 residents to flee.

Even as firefighters struggled to contain two massive fires – one in the upscale coastal enclave of Pacific Palisades, the other bearing down on Pasadena – a new blaze flared up in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday evening (Thursday AEDT), prompting evacuations.

Matthew Cranston was The Australian Financial Review’s United States correspondent.