America News Agency

Authorities have confirmed that at least seven people have died, but they warn that the exact number will remain uncertain until access to neighborhoods is secured. Since Tuesday, tens of thousands of people have been affected by evacuation orders.

With the weakening of Santa Ana winds, firefighters made progress in battling the fire on Thursday, but as the day went on, winds increased across the region. Authorities launched a major intervention into a new fire near the border of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, which caused evacuations. Residents are also struggling with polluted air and other dangerous conditions.

California Governor Gavin Newsom shared on social media Thursday night that the Palisades fire is now 6% contained, but according to firefighters, the fire has reached 19,978 acres.

Since it first broke out around 10:30 AM on Tuesday, it had been only 0% contained and had previously covered 17,234 acres.

Between the most devastating fire to hit Los Angeles County, the coastal Palisades Fire, and the Eaton Fire, which devastated communities under the Angeles National Forest to the east, around 10,000 buildings were destroyed. LA County requested support from the California National Guard and issued stern warnings to potential looters.

Law enforcement officials said that during a meeting organized by the Los Angeles County Fire Department in a municipal building, only one looting incident has been reported in the Palisades area so far.