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California fires live updates: If you fly a drone, you'll be prosecuted, DA warns
Thousands of firefighters are battling the sprawling wildfires across LA.
At least 10 people are believed to be dead -- with the Los Angeles County sheriff saying he expects that number to rise -- as devastating fires spread 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 LA area. The largest, the Palisades Fire, in Pacific Palisades, has scorched over 20,000 acres, destroyed thousands of structures and is 8% contained. The Eaton Fire, in Altadena, now stands at more than 13,000 acres and 0% contained. More than 150,000 people are under evacuation orders.
David Muir anchors a special edition of "20/20" with continuing coverage of the deadly California fires. “American Catastrophe: LA Burning - A Special Edition of 20/20” starts tonight at 9/8c on ABC.
Key Headlines
- Biden says death toll likely to increase
- If you fly a drone, you’ll be prosecuted: DA
- Eaton Fire now at nearly 14,000 acres, with thousands of structures damaged, destroyed
- Palisades Fire scorches over 20,000 acres, 8% contained
- Despite 'frustration' from erroneous alerts, public shouldn't disable phone messages: Official
Biden says death toll likely to increase
President Joe Biden said he expects the death toll from the fires to increase.
"It will increase, whether significantly or not, we don't know yet. There's still a lot of people around, accounting for," Biden said.
The president said the White House is coordinating with the incoming Trump administration on the federal response.
"Everything they know, every single thing we're doing about the report, the response. My hope is that they'll have -- at least acknowledge we have some significant experience in this, we've done really well on it. I’m praying that they continue the focus," he said.
Biden said the Federal Emergency Management Agency has activated its critical needs assistance, which provides a one-time payment of $750 to survivors so they can quickly purchase critical items like water, formula, gas and prescription drugs.
"This is not going to be over, even when all the fires are out," Biden warned.
"We're going to need the United States Congress to follow up with appropriations to help provide for significant help," Biden said.
The president and Vice President Kamala Harris praised the work of first responders and Harris noted the moments of optimism amid the devastation.
"People looking out for each other, regardless of where they come from or who they voted for, they're looking out for each other and showing the best of the American spirit in a moment of crisis," Harris said.
-ABC News’ Michelle Stoddart, Kelsey Walsh and Molly Nagle
Possible arson suspect identified by residents near Kenneth Fire
A man was detained by residents near the Kenneth Fire under suspicion of arson, but due to lack of probable cause he was not arrested or charged, Los Angeles police said Friday.
However, he was arrested on a felony probation violation, Los Angeles police said.
Curfew in place for all evacuated areas, violators will be arrested
A 12-hour curfew is in effect for all evacuated areas to protect the structures and prevent looting, Los Angeles officials said at a press conference Friday. Any violators of the curfew will be arrested.
"People may talk about no bail, but I assure you, if someone is caught you will not be cited and released -- you will be booked and go to jail," Los Angeles County Sherrif Robert Luna said at a press conference Friday.
Law enforcement will be strictly enforcing the curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., with exceptions allowed for disaster workers and credentialed media.
If you fly a drone, you’ll be prosecuted: DA
A super scooper plane fighting the Palisades Fire struck a drone on Thursday, leaving it out of commission until at least Monday as it gets repaired, officials said.
This was one of only two super scoopers available, officials said.
LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman warned that anyone flying a drone will be prosecuted.
"If you're thinking that it's fine to send a drone up in the area for your own amusement, or you want to get information that nobody else can get, and you do it in one of these areas that for which drones are not permitted … you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will be punished to the full extent of the law," he said.