Southern California residents describe the catastrophic wildfires that have torn through Los Angeles County, leaving at least two dead, forcing mass evacuations and devastating entire communities.
The fires began earlier this week, fueled by fierce winds and dry conditions across Los Angeles County. Areas like Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Sylmar have been hit hardest, with flames engulfing neighborhoods and forcing tens of thousands to flee.
Many locals and impacted families shared their harrowing accounts and experiences with Yahoo News.
"It's very strange and scary to be evacuated," said Canyon Crest resident David Rager. "The uncertainty. We're watching the next neighborhood over live on the news. Right now it's just a few houses burning; it's spotty, not all ablaze. But we don't know what's going to happen next—if it will grow and spread to where we live. We heard there's a brush fire in the lower part of our canyon."
Many recall similar tragedies, including the 2008 Sayre Fire, which claimed homes and lives in the region.
"It was about 10 o'clock last night, the winds were fierce and the power lines arced together. They shorted out, there was a bright light, there was a slight boom and I looked down at the bottom of the standard and there was a small ball of flame. ... Earlier in the evening, they were talking about cutting off the wire because of the impending windstorm. Apparently they didn't," said Michael, a Sylmar resident who was impacted by the 2008 Sayre Fire.
Despite warnings, the unpredictability and intensity of the current fires have caught many off guard.
"It was like a movie. Like the end of the world," Venice resident Mike Kerns said.
Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the flames, but high winds and dry conditions continue to fuel the fire.
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