Aircraft dropped water and fire retardant on steep hills to combat the Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles as winds up to 70 mph threatened to worsen the situation.
Over the last 24 hours, the fire expanded by 1,000 acres, destroying homes and damaging 12,000 structures. The blaze has claimed at least 16 lives, with 13 people reported missing.
Officials reported 11% containment of the Palisades Fire, which has burned over 22,000 acres and spread into neighborhoods like Mandeville Canyon and Brentwood, threatening the 405 freeway. Santa Ana winds are expected to intensify, heightening fire risks through Wednesday.
Evacuations cover 153,000 residents, with another 166,000 on alert. Meanwhile, Southern California Edison has restored power to most areas, though investigations continue into whether its equipment caused another fire. President Biden’s disaster declaration unlocked FEMA aid, assisting affected residents.
Search-and-rescue teams, including cadaver dogs, are combing through devastated areas. The fire has reduced neighborhoods to ashes, consuming over 36,000 acres in total alongside the Eaton Fire.
Aid has poured in from neighboring states, Canada, and Mexico to assist firefighting efforts as officials declare a public health emergency due to toxic smoke.
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LA Wildfires
Los Angeles wildfires claim 16 lives, burning 40,000 acres and destroying 12,000 structures, with over 150,000 residents under evacuation orders. Containment efforts continue.
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Real estate agent Jenna Cooper, with help from celebrities like Sharon Stone and Halle Berry, created a pop-up store to provide clothing and essentials to those affected by LA's devastating wildfires.
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LA Wildfires
Wildfires ravage Los Angeles, destroying thousands of homes and claiming 10 lives as crews battle uncontained blazes. Damages soar to $50 billion, with arson suspected in one major fire.
17:07
Firefighters report progress against Los Angeles County's wildfires, but strong winds threaten to worsen conditions. Over 34,000 acres have burned, with 10 fatalities and nearly 10,000 structures destroyed, as efforts focus on controlling the region’s most devastating blazes.
17:36
Highland Park resident Sabrina gives a firsthand account of fleeing the devastating Southern California wildfires, as fierce 80 mph winds drive the Eaton Fire toward residential areas. In an exclusive interview, Sabrina details her experience joining the other 130,000 displaced citizens.
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