LA wildfires: 7 killed, thousands of homes destroyed; survivors patrol streets as looters prey fire wrecked homes
PTC News Desk: The wildfires in California's Los Angeles have cause massive destruction across the city. A t least seven people have been killed, 9,000 structures across the city have been destroyed. Fast moving wildfire intensified by strong winds swept through the houses and businesses forcing tens of thousands people to flee.
Officials fear the death toll could rise as rescue and recovery efforts continue. Amid this, looting has broken out. At least 20 people have been arrested in the aftermath of wildfires that started on Tuesday. Survivors are forced to patrol the streets to cordon off looters.
More than 7,500 personnel, including firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency support staff, are working to combat the fires. California has deployed over 1,400 firefighting personnel, with additional teams sent from Oregon, Washington, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.
The fires were exacerbated by powerful Santa Ana winds that gusted to over 70 mph (112 kmph) in some areas. Although the winds have decreased, the National Weather Service warned that even reduced gusts could still spread fires rapidly.
- PTC NEWS
