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
Utilities 'significantly damaged'
The power, transportation and sewer systems have been "significantly damaged" in the fires, Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said during the briefing, as they focus on utility restoration.
There is also a "tremendous amount of debris" that needs to be cleared, he said, warning that some debris may be hazardous and toxic.
He said the reservoirs are full and "continue to be ready and at the disposal of our firefighting friends," though the municipal water system "continues to suffer poor water quality" due to the ash and debris.
"I would just say, with all caution, anyone who's remained behind, if there is any residence in your area that is burned to the ground and you are still there, you should just go ahead and boil water," he said.
Nearly 180,000 under evacuation orders in LA
Nearly 180,000 residents in Los Angeles are under evacuation orders, with nearly 200,000 others under evacuation warnings, authorities said Thursday.
"I cannot emphasize enough that I urge residents that are asked to evacuate to follow our warnings," Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said during the press briefing.
Luna warned that not following an evacuation warning is a misdemeanor.
'Much better posture' on fire response today, chief says
Los Angeles is in "much better posture" to battle the wildfires on Thursday, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said during the briefing.
"The number of resources assigned to this fire siege event has increased significantly," she said. "Out-of-state resources continue to arrive in Los Angeles county and city, and we are appreciative to our fire partners from throughout the western United States for providing assistance to Los Angeles County in our time of need."
Crowley said growth of the Eaton Fire has been "significantly stopped," with the fire remaining at 10,600 acres burned.
The Lidia Fire in Acton has been 40% contained and "forward progress has been stopped," she said.
Mayor Bass gives public remarks on wildfires
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass made public remarks on the devastating wildfires during a press briefing on Thursday as she faces criticism over how they have been handled.
"Los Angeles will stand united and stand strong," said Bass, who returned to the city after traveling to Ghana earlier this week to attend the presidential inauguration of John Dramani.
Bass had received criticism from some who said she should not have gone to the inauguration while red flag warnings were in effect.
"My thoughts are with the thousands of Angelenos who are impacted by this emergency, as more Angelenos were forced to make the terrifying decision to evacuate," she said. "Our priorities, of course, are to keep Angelenos safe and to protect homes."
Bass commended residents for following evacuation orders while noting Angelenos should "continue to proceed with caution," as the weather conditions have "created a perfect storm that has driven people from their homes and have taken people's homes, and that has taken people's lives."
"We have pre-deployed. We are executing a strategy, and we are adapting to conditions on the ground in real-time. This is absolutely an unprecedented, historic firestorm, but we are all hands on deck," she said.