California fires live updates: At least 10 fire-related deaths, medical examiner says

An air quality alert has been issued for the Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel Valley and the Los Angeles County coastal areas due to increased fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke.

The alert will remain in effect until 5 p.m. PST.

"Particles in wildfire smoke can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing. Everyone can be affected, but people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk," according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Los Angeles County and all 29 fire departments in the county "are not prepared for this type of widespread disaster," despite officials prepositioning resources from northern California, according to LA County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone.

"There are not enough firefighters in LA County to address four separate fires of this magnitude," Marrone said.

"The LA County Fire Department was prepared for one or two major brush fires, but not four -- especially given the sustained winds and low humidities. Like our director of emergency management said, this is not a normal red flag alert," Marrone said.

California officials urged residents to follow evacuation orders to keep themselves and first responders out of danger as the fires continue to grow.

"There is nothing worth your life," LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a press conference Wednesday.

Officials said there has been a high number of injuries among those who did not follow evacuation orders.

The Palisades Fire has spread to 5,000 acres with 0% of the fire contained.

At least 1,000 structures are estimated to have been destroyed in the fire.