At least 18 individuals have been arrested on charges of looting and identity theft during the wildfire crisis, as per The New York Times. A mandatory evacuation order was issued by the Los Angeles Fire Department for the Palisades Fire region, including areas between Sunset Boulevard, Encino Reservoir, and Mandeville Canyon.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged residents in the evacuation zone to leave immediately, emphasising the growing threat posed by the wildfires. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an independent investigation into reports of firefighters running out of water during their efforts, calling it "deeply troubling."
The Palisades Fire, spanning between Santa Monica and Malibu, is only 8 per cent contained as of Friday. The Eaton Fire, located near Altadena and Pasadena, is 3 per cent contained, and both fires are now among California's five most destructive wildfires.
The Lidia Fire, covering 395 acres, has been successfully contained by 98 per cent, Governor Newsom confirmed in a social media post. US President Joe Biden warned that although winds have subsided, they are likely to remain a threat until early next week.
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been receiving briefings from California officials and FEMA to coordinate ongoing federal support. Emergency teams continue working round the clock to contain the blazes and provide aid to affected residents, as stated by President Biden.
