Fri Jan 10 13:39:19 UTC 2025: ## Devastating California Wildfires Kill at Least 10, Displace Thousands

**Los Angeles, CA (January 10, 2025)** — Massive wildfires fueled by Santa Ana winds have ravaged Los Angeles County, leaving at least 10 dead and over 180,000 displaced. The blazes, which began earlier this week, have destroyed entire neighborhoods, including upscale areas like Pacific Palisades and Malibu, home to numerous celebrities.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner announced the death toll late Thursday, as firefighters battled the infernos throughout the night. A temporary lull in the winds allowed for increased aerial firefighting efforts, but new fires continue to ignite as winds pick up again.

Authorities reported instances of looting in the affected areas, prompting Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna to announce a nighttime curfew. Governor Gavin Newsom deployed thousands of National Guard troops to patrol and maintain order, vowing zero tolerance for looting. Some residents, fearing insufficient security, have taken self-defense measures.

The largest fire has consumed nearly 20,000 acres in Pacific Palisades, while another near Altadena has burned over 13,700 acres. Firefighters reported containing six percent of the Pacific Palisades fire’s perimeter, but the risk remains high with the return of strong winds and the emergence of new blazes, including one near the celebrity enclave of Hidden Hills.

President Biden pledged additional federal funding and resources to aid California in what he called the state’s most devastating fire in history. The devastation has also disrupted daily life, forcing school closures, widespread power outages, and the relocation of an NFL playoff game.

An aerial survey revealed the extent of the destruction, with multi-million dollar mansions completely incinerated or swept into the ocean. Survivors have described scenes of utter devastation, with uncertainty about when, or if, they will be able to return home.

Meteorologists warn that critical fire conditions may persist, increasing the likelihood of further fire growth. While wildfires occur naturally, scientists attribute the severity of these events to climate change, exacerbated by the current dry conditions following two wetter years. An investigation is underway into an incident where a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft collided with a drone.

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