The fire which ignited Thursday afternoon is spreading in the West Hills area.
At least five people are believed to be dead -- with the LA County sheriff saying he expects that number to rise -- as a series of devastating fires grow uncontained across Southern California amid dry and windy conditions, leaving officials scrambling to contain the historic destruction.
Thousands of firefighters are battling at least five sprawling wildfires spread around the Los Angeles area. The largest, the Palisades Fire, in Pacific Palisades, has scorched over 19,000 acres, destroyed thousands of structures and remains zero percent contained. The Eaton Fire, in Altadena, now stands at more than 13,000 acres and zero percent contained. More than 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as the infernos spread.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday approved a federal major disaster declaration for Los Angeles County.
California officials have arrested 20 people, warning that looters will be held accountable and should not take advantage of the disaster.
"Shame on those preying on residents in time of crisis," LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said at a press conference Thursday.
President Joe Biden will give remarks on the response to the California fires following President Jimmy Carter's memorial service.
Biden approved a major disaster declaration and ordered federal assistance to supplement response efforts in areas affected by wildfires.
At least 420,000 customers are without power in California, as of 6:40 a.m. PT.
Los Angeles was the most impacted county with 210,981 customers without power, followed by San Bernardino where at least 87,282 are without power.
Los Angeles and San Diego are now in a severe drought, according to the National Drought Monitor. Dry weather is expected to continue for Southern California through next week.
The rain deficit in Los Angeles since Oct. 1 is over 4.5 inches and nearly 3.5 inches in San Diego.
The second driest period on record was May 5 to Dec. 31, 2024.
-ABC News' Max Golembo
