Los Angeles fires: 5 killed, 1000 structures destroyed; frantic scenes as people forced to flee on foot
PTC News Desk: At least five people have been killed and many others were injured as several fires erupted in Southern California amid dry and windy conditions.
The Eaton Fire, which broke out miles away from the Palisades Fire in California's Altadena, has burned 2,227 acres with zero per cent containment. Meanwhile, the Hurst Fire broke out and spread northeast of California's San Fernando, burning at least 500 acres.
According to LAPD Chief James McDonnell, Los Angeles County and all 29 fire departments in the county "are not prepared for this type of widespread disaster".
According to the statement released by the White House, the Biden-Harris administration, at the direction of US President Joe Biden, has been in constant communication with California Governor Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Bass, their teams, affected counties, and other local officials throughout the night.
The US federal government has taken action to support local firefighting efforts through four US Forest Service Large Air Tankers operating in Southern California with an additional Tanker en route.
- With inputs from agencies
