The fires have already scorched more than 10 927 ha (27 000 acres) of land, destroyed over 2 000 homes and buildings, and claimed at least five lives. The rapid spread of the flames has forced the evacuation of more than 200 000 residents, leaving over 1 million people without power.
Authorities are describing the situation as one of the most destructive wildfire outbreaks the region has ever experienced.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire, at least 5 wildfires are burning throughout the state — down from 7 on Wednesday, January 8.
The Palisades Fire has burnt through more than 6 880 ha ( 17 000 acres) and is at 0% containment. The Eaton Fire has scorched through more than 4 250 ha (10 500 acres) and stands at 0% containment.
The Hurst Fire stands at 10% containment having burned through more than 344 ha (850 acres), and the Lidia Fire has also burnt through nearly 142 ha (350 acres) and has been 40 % contained.
Meanwhile, the Sunset fire had burned through at least 24 ha (60 acres) of land near Hollywood Hill at 0% containment.
More than 200 000 people are under mandatory evacuation order due to the fires, with both the Palisades and Eaton fires having destroyed more than 1 000 structures each. Both of the blazes have been ranked among the 20 most destructive fires in the history of California and the most destructive blazes to hit Los Angeles.
The Altadena Sheriff’s Office was forced to evacuate after its building caught fire. Hollywood actors, including Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, and James Woods, were among those forced to flee.
The home of Vice President Kamala Harris in Los Angeles was within one of the evacuation zones, although no one was present at the residence, according to a spokesperson.
More than 360 000 customers or just over 1 million people in southern California are out of power, according to Poweroutage.us.
Meanwhile, an unsafe water alert has been issued for areas affected by the wildfire.
The authorities have urged citizens to stick to bottled water as the city’s water supply might have been contaminated and residents should not attempt to treat the water on your own.
Winds are expected to shift to the north at 15 – 30 km/h (10 – 20 mph) overnight Thursday, with gusts up to 75 km/h (45 mph) in some areas.
Conditions will remain dry and windy through Thursday, with high fire weather risk persisting into Friday under a Fire Weather Watch.
Communities in wind-prone areas, especially near Highways 118 and 210, remain at heightened risk for damage and fire outbreaks.
Updates
08:14 UTC, January 10
The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner said it has received notification of 10 fire-related deaths as of Thursday evening (LT). However, officials warn the actual toll remains unclear and might be higher.
As many as 10 000 structures have been destroyed in Palisades and Eaton fires.
The Palisades Fire is now the most destructive ever to hit Los Angeles County, with over 5 316 structures destroyed. As of 03:00 UTC on January 10, the fire has consumed 8 084 ha (19 978 acres) of land and is 6% contained. While the extreme winds have subsided, winds gusting from 40 – 90 km/h (25 – 55 mph) were still expected.
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