Death toll may rise in Los Angeles wildfires – local officials (VIDEOS)
President-elect Donald Trump has called the catastrophe “one of the worst” in US history
Los Angeles city officials have warned that the death toll from the wildfires ravaging the area may rise as search and rescue operations proceed and as firefighters struggle to contain the blazes. At least 16 people are confirmed death, 13 are missing, and over 12,000 structures have been destroyed, according to officials.
The fires have scorched 39,000 acres and forced 180,000 residents to evacuate. Strong winds, with gusts up to 100 mph (160km), are creating hazardous conditions for firefighters.
Los Angeles county sheriff Robert Luna said the death toll is expected to rise as search dogs are deployed to the devastated areas.
President-elect Donald Trump has criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of the fires, accusing him of prioritizing environmental concerns over firefighting.
“The fires are still raging in L.A. The incompetent pols have no idea how to put them out. Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and many more will soon be lost. There is death all over the place. This is one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our Country. They just can’t put out the fires. What’s wrong with them?” he posted on Truth Social on Sunday.
The first and largest of the wildfires is the so-called Palisades Fire, which began on January 7 in Pacific Palisades. It has now burned 23,500 acres and is only 11% contained.
California wildfires Los Angeles#California #LosAngeles #LA #forestfire #2025 pic.twitter.com/FhJ3z8aSTS
— FreedomHack (@freedomhack101) January 12, 2025
A video posted on X captured a massive fire tornado, or “firenado,” forming during the Palisades Fire. This rare phenomenon, caused by intense heat and turbulent winds, creates a spinning vortex of flames that spreads fire rapidly. Another video shows bikers racing through fire-engulfed streets, documenting the neighborhood ablaze.
????????Dark hypocrisy exposed
— Tibo91 (@Tibortibor15) January 12, 2025
Hundreds of inmates,making up one-third of the firefighting force,are battling wildfires in Southern California,according to local authorities.
Yet,the US criticizes China for using forced labor,even passing laws to sanction goods allegedly produced by… pic.twitter.com/QaJxUisQvA
In Altadena and Pasadena, the Eaton Fire has caused eight fatalities and destroyed over 7,000 structures. Evacuation orders are in place for Altadena, Kinneloa Mesa, La Canada Flintridge, and parts of Pasadena and Arcadia.
???? #California’s Wildfire Crisis: A Fiery Reckoning for Leadership and Policy ‼️
— Dr. Shahid Siddiqui (@shahidsiddiqui) January 12, 2025
#CaliforniaWildfires : California burns again, but these wildfires aren’t just #nature’s doing~ they’re the result of policy neglect and #leadership failure. Over 22,000 acres have been scorched,… pic.twitter.com/G5mJbpnbvN
The Kenneth Fire, which was ignited on January 9 in West Hills, has expanded to over 1,000 acres, threatening homes in Calabasas and Hidden Hills. Evacuations have been ordered for the affected neighborhoods.
California faces a new nightmare!
— Sneha Mordani (@snehamordani) January 12, 2025
After devastating wildfires, a massive fire tornado fueled by extreme heat and strong winds emerges, spreading flames at terrifying speed and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.#PalisadesFire #CaliforniaWildfires #wildfires https://t.co/gBZb2TrSEL pic.twitter.com/puHbqoItRd
Newsom declared a state of emergency and deployed National Guard personnel to assist. He also called for a state investigation into why the fire hydrants ran dry, a circumstance that has hampered firefighting efforts.
Absolutely insane scenes from Los Angeles.
— ???????????????? ???????????????? ♛ ✡︎ (@NiohBerg) January 12, 2025
Is this the first time a major, deadly fire has been so well documented with high resolution video? I can't remember anything like this. pic.twitter.com/Ilb786Nggj
President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration, which enables federal resources to be directed toward response and recovery operations.
READ MORE: Who to blame for deadly LA wildfires? The woke virus
Investigators are looking into the causes of the blazes. There have been reports of electrical explosions preceding some of the fires.