APPLENEWS - STORY ADD
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
'I've never seen the winds in my 25-year career': LA fire chief
During the briefing with President Joe Biden, Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley spoke of how unprecedented this fire event is.
"We knew there was a potential for significant threat to our constituents due to the weather event. High-high-high winds. I've never seen the winds in my 25-year career," Crowley said.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell echoed that sentiment.
"What we saw here in the last 24 hours is unprecedented. I've never seen anything like this," he said.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone told Biden they are now getting out-of-state resources, specifically from Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. They also have requested 250 more fire engines and 1,000 personnel to help respond, he said.
-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart
Water tankers positioned to protect Griffith Park
Water tankers and rangers are "positioned and ready" to protect Los Angeles' iconic Griffith Park if needed, a park attendant told ABC News.
The park, home to Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood sign, is closed until further notice due to the weather conditions.
The Hollywood sign is not in fire danger at the moment, according to Elizabeth Johnson, a member of the Hollywood Sign Trust.
-ABC News' Samira Said
NHL postpones tonight's Los Angeles Kings game
The NHL has postponed Wednesday night's game between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames, which was scheduled to be held at LA's Crypto.com arena, due to the wildfires.
"The thoughts of the entire NHL family are with the Kings, hockey fans and the people of the Los Angeles area during this difficult time," the NHL said in a statement.
A makeup game will be scheduled.
The NFL is also monitoring wildfires ahead of Monday night's NFC wild card game in Los Angeles, ESPN reported.
-ABC News' Karyn Rodus
Residents urged to conserve water amid 'tremendous demand'
Residents in Los Angeles were urged to conserve water, as firefighters battle multiple wildfires.
"We had a tremendous demand on our system and the Palisades," Janisse Quiñones, the head of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, said during a press briefing Wednesday. "We pushed the system to the extreme."
She said they saw four times the normal demand for 15 hours straight, which lowered the water pressure. Two tanks ran out of water on Tuesday, and a third early Wednesday morning, as firefighters battled the Palisades Fire.
"We were not able to fill the tanks fast enough," Quiñones said.
She said they were sending approximately 20 water tanks to support the fire department.
"If there's a message to take away from me today it's I need our customers to really conserve water -- not just in the Palisades area, but the whole system. Because the fire department needs the water to fight the fires, and we're fighting a wildfire with urban water systems, and that is really challenging," Quiñones said.