California fires live updates: Palisades Fire one of most destructive in LA history

President Joe Biden has canceled his trip to Italy amid the Los Angeles fires, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement Wednesday. Jean-Pierre added that Biden will instead "remain focused on directing the full federal response in the days ahead."

The decision comes after Biden returned from the Los Angeles area Wednesday, where he was briefed by local law enforcement. Biden was scheduled to leave for Rome on Thursday and was planning to meet with the Pope and Italian leaders including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

--ABC News' Michelle Stoddart

"It's like a third-world country out there," said Kathryn Barger, chair of the LA County Board of Supervisors, characterizing the fires at a press conference alongside LA Mayor Karen Bass just after 5 p.m. PT.

Barger described the Eaton Fire — which was then 10,600 acres with 0% containment — as unlike anything she had ever seen before.

"We are prone to wildfires, but nothing like what I witnessed today,” she said.

The local sheriff's station was evacuated, she added, before telling those impacted: "You are not alone" and instructing the public to lean on one another, to reach out and "love thy neighbor."

At the same press conference, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said that the Eaton Fire was being closely monitored.

"If it does come into the city, we are ready," she said.

Firefighters and first responders remain focused on protecting life and property, she assured, explaining that the wind-driven fires were expected to continue growing into the night.

Her statement came minutes before the Sunset Fire erupted in the Hollywood Hills, adding 10 acres to the total of nearly 27,000 burning in Southern California.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone appeared at a press conference alongside Mayor Karen Bass and described the origins of the Eaton Fire as "unknown."

He said that it remained under investigation, expressing confidence that those responsible would be caught in the event that foul play was involved.

Over 750 personnel were fighting on the front lines of the Eaton Fire, he said, citing the five deaths, many injuries and over 1,000 structures damaged or destroyed.

As the fires raged on, he said that LA was requesting additional support from both Northern California and the surrounding states, with over 100 units on their way to assist.

Sheriff Robert Luna also spoke at the briefing and emphasized the cooperation taking place throughout and beyond the state to ensure the public's safety. Naming Pasadena and Santa Monica in particular, he said that law enforcement throughout the region was working together and supporting each other's work.

Woodley Fire, one of five that had been active throughout the afternoon and spread to over 30 acres, was under control, LA Mayor Karen Bass said at an early evening update on the multiple fires raging throughout the County of Los Angeles.

However, she cautioned, "We are very much still in an active firefight."

The announcement came minutes ahead of a new fire's eruption in the Hollywood Hills: the Sunset Fire.

Fortunately, winds had subsided enough that air support was able to resume, the mayor said, explaining that this effort would make a significant difference in the ongoing fight.

"We are fighting for you," Bass said. She thanked everyone who heeded the call to evacuate and suggested that further orders were likely to come throughout the evening.

Regardless of the hardships and unknowns, she assured the public that she had been in touch with both President Joe Biden and California Gov. Gavin Newsom and said, "They assured me of full federal and state support."

"Make no mistake," she said, "Los Angeles will rebuild."