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
Palisades firefighting aircraft hits drone: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration said it is investigating after fire officials reported that a firefighting aircraft struck a drone while operating over the Palisades Fire on Thursday.
The aircraft landed safely, the FAA said.
"It’s a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands," the FAA said in a statement.
Vikings-Rams wild card game moved to Arizona
Monday's Vikings-Rams wild card game, which had been set to be played in Los Angeles County's SoFi Stadium, has been moved to Arizona "in the interest of public safety," the NFL announced Thursday.
"The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs and the NFLPA," the NFL said.
The game will be played at State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals.
Harris cancels trip abroad to focus on LA fires
Vice President Kamala Harris is canceling her foreign trip to Singapore, Bahrain and Germany, according to a statement from Press Secretary Ernesto Apreza.
Harris was set to visit military installations in those countries.
Instead, she will remain in the U.S. to "support the federal response in California" as brush fires continue to spread across Los Angeles County.
Harris was scheduled to leave on Jan. 13 and return on Jan. 17.
-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart
Recent LA County evacuation warning alert sent in error
An emergency message telling Los Angeles County residents Thursday afternoon that an evacuation warning had been issued for their area was sent in error, officials said.
The alert was intended for residents near the Kenneth Fire but was mistakenly issued countywide, officials said.
"Recent @ReadyLACounty alert to evacuate was sent in ERROR. Evacuation orders have not changed. See map for actual @LACity evacuation orders for some selected areas, ONLY!" LA City Emergency Management Department tweeted.
The message, sent just before 4 p.m. local time, told residents to "remain vigilant of any threats and be ready to evacuate."