The Palisades, Eaton and Hearst fires continue to burn. The number of deaths in California rises
Firefighters were making slow progress in their battle to contain the Pacific Palisades inferno, but spreading flames and strong winds still threatened communities in the densely populated San Fernando Valley.
Airplanes dropped water and fire retardant onto the steep hills to stop the Palisades Fire’s eastward spread, and while ground crews were able to save a number of homes, others were lost.
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“Los Angeles County witnessed another night of unimaginable horror and heartbreak,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said Sunday (Monday EST).
Six simultaneous fires that have torn through America’s second-largest city since Tuesday have killed at least 16 people. The police chief said that 16 others were missing.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said he expected the death toll to rise.
“We have brought out search and rescue teams. We have brought out cadaver dogs and there will likely be more.” Learn about journalism program.
Newsom said the fires are likely to be the worst natural disaster in U.S. history “just in terms of the costs associated with them.”
He signed an executive order to reduce the amount of red tape needed to rebuild lost homes and businesses.
Reuters.
