New Delhi: Two devastating wind-fed fires have killed at least 16 people and swept through 37,000 acres in the greater Los Angeles area, destroying entire communities and more than 12,000 structures. Crews are also making progress on containing two smaller fires in the region.
At least 13 people are missing, L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said today. It’s unclear if the missing persons reports are related to the fires, he said.
Evacuation orders for the largest blaze, the Palisades Fire, have expanded as it sweeps east and threatens Brentwood and Encino. It is 11% contained.
At least 153,000 L.A. residents were under evacuation orders overnight. A map of the evacuation zone is here.
Gov. Gavin Newsom called for an independent investigation into the loss of water pressure to local fire hydrants and the reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir.
Los Angeles County declared a public health emergency, warning that smoke and particulate matter could pose immediate and long-term threats.
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