The deadly fires in Los Angeles, California have so far claimed the lives of 16 people with authorities warning that the count isn’t likely the final one.
At least six fires had been reported since the first one broke out on Tuesday, with fire fighters working round the clock both on the ground and on air to put off the fires.
The Eaton Fire which ranks among California’s deadliest wildfires has claimed the most lives, killing 11 people.
It has so far swept through 14,117 acres, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake and is 15% contained.
READ: New fire erupts in Los Angeles as damage reaches $52 billion
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Palisades fire has claimed five lives bringing the total number of fatalities to 16.
The fire which broke out in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood has since spread, sweeping through an area of more than 23,700. It is now 11% contained, with the containment of Hurst and Kenneth fires availing the much-needed resources to contain it.
As of time of publication, the Hurst fire and Kenneth had been contained at 76% and 90% respectively.
High winds expected
At least four wildfires were still sweeping through different parts of Los Angeles County with each fire more and more contained and freeing up resources to battle the largest and least-contained Palisades Fire.
High winds are projected to sweep through LA, further threatening to undo the gains made in bringing the fires under control.
The winds are potentially getting dangerous and strong again. I believe the red flag warnings have been put back in place, and so I think the biggest thing that people need to know is that this is still dangerous, and they still need to make sure they’re listening to their local officials so they can keep themselves safe.
Looters arrested, thousands under evacuation orders
The tragedy has also attracted looters keen on cashing in on the plight of others.
READ: Deadly Los Angeles wildfires stretch further east leaving trail of destruction
Los Angeles police have so far arrested seven looters in the neighbourhoods impacted by the fires.
Two of those arrested were posing as fire fighters to access property left behind by families that have been forced to leave their homes and business.
At least 150,000 people in Los Angeles County were under evacuation orders Saturday night, authorities said, with 700 people sheltering at nine available shelters.