At Least 10 Dead as Wildfires Destroy 10,000 Homes in Los Angeles Area

Two wildfires in the Los Angeles area have claimed at least 10 lives and destroyed around 10,000 homes and structures, local officials have confirmed. The latest blaze, the Kenneth fire, erupted in West Hills, a neighbourhood in the San Fernando Valley, on Thursday afternoon, as firefighters were still battling the Palisades and Eaton fires.

As of 9pm local time, the death toll had risen to 10, up from seven earlier in the day, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. The Palisades and Eaton fires have each destroyed over 5,000 structures, including homes, vehicles, and outbuildings, and have consumed more than 30,000 acres (12,000 hectares) of land, according to Cal Fire.

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Nearly 180,000 people are under evacuation orders, with another 200,000 residents facing evacuation warnings. Over 285,000 people are without power in Southern California, and significant damage has been reported to water and sewage infrastructure. The fires have also caused widespread destruction in affluent areas like Malibu and Pacific Palisades, with winds exceeding 70mph (112km/h) exacerbating the spread.

Among those affected by the fires are celebrities such as James Woods, Paris Hilton, and Billy Crystal, all of whom have lost their homes. The National Weather Service has warned that winds are expected to intensify on Thursday evening, potentially worsening the situation.