California fires live updates: At least 10 fire-related deaths, medical examiner says
The fire which ignited Thursday afternoon is spreading in the West Hills area.
At least 10 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.
Key Headlines
- Firefighters stop forward progress of Kenneth Fire
- New satellite images show extent of LA wildfire devastation
- Recent LA County evacuation warning alert sent in error
- Kenneth Fire grows to nearly 1,000 acres with 0% containment
- Federal government to cover 100% of disaster response for 180 days
- Eaton Fire burns near Mount Wilson Observatory
- LA mayor dodges question on criticism over trip to Ghana, budget cuts
Palisades Fire grows to 19,978 acres
The Palisades Fire has grown to 19,978 acres and remains 0% contained, Cal Fire said in an update Thursday.
Approximately 5,316 structures have been destroyed in the fire, based on an aerial survey conducted on Wednesday, Cal Fire said. That makes it the third-most destructive wildfire in California history.
The structures include homes and businesses, as well as smaller structures like RVs and sheds, Cal Fire said.
Harris calls fires 'apocalyptic,' warns of looming insurance burdens
During a briefing with President Joe Biden on Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris shared a message to those affected by the devastating Los Angeles fires, saying the scene is "apocalyptic."
Harris praised firefighters working to contain the slew of fires across the city and noted how the fallout will continue for "months and years to come."
The vice president also called attention to the financial burden of those affected by the fires, saying, "Sadly, many insurance companies have canceled insurance for a lot of the families who have been affected, which is only going to delay or place an added burden on their ability to recover."
Where to go for federal assistance
During his remarks Thursday, President Joe Biden pointed those who have lost anything in the fires to visit Disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Thursday also released an assistance guide for those affected by the wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
Federal government to cover 100% of disaster response for 180 days
The federal government will cover 100% of the disaster response to the Los Angeles wildfires for 180 days, up from the 75% to 90% that is typically covered, President Joe Biden said Thursday.
Biden said the increase comes following a request by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
"It's going to pay for things like debris and hazard material removal, temporary shelters, first responders, salaries and all necessary measures to protect life and property and folks," Biden said during a briefing.
The president vowed to help those impacted by the devastating wildfires.
"You're living through a nightmare, I know," he said. "I promise you, we're going to help you get through this, and eventually recover and rebuild."