Los Angeles fires force mass evacuations, at least 10 confirmed dead

Fires across Los Angeles County have burned over 19,000 acres, forcing mass evacuations and destroying a number neighborhoods, Kazinform News Agency reports.

Officials confirm 10 fatalities and significant property losses as containment efforts continue.

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reports that about 180,000 Los Angeles County residents have been evacuated as flames continue to destroy Southern California. More than 10,000 structures may have been damaged or destroyed, with 5,316 confirmed as impacted as of Thursday afternoon.

Over 19,000 acres have been destroyed by the fires, leaving businesses and homes along Pacific Coast Highway and Pacific Palisades in ruins.

The Palisades Fire, which has burned approximately 19,978 acres, is only 6% contained as of Thursday evening (9:00 PM PST / Friday, 11:00 AM Atana time). LAFD reports over 2,321 personnel, including outside agencies, are battling the flames.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed 10 fire-related fatalities as of Thursday night. High winds, with gusts of 25-55 mph, are expected to persist.

Meanwhile, the Kenneth Fire, reported at 3:15 PM Thursday (5:15 AM Atana time), has burned 50 acres south of Los Angeles. Unified Command efforts are underway, involving LAFD, LA County Fire, and Ventura County Fire.

The Sunset Fire, which has burned 60 acres as of late Thursday night (11:50 PM PST / Friday, 1:50 PM Astana time), has prompted the closure of a residential area north of Franklin Avenue. The affected zone spans from Camino Palmero Street on the east to North Sierra Bonita Avenue on the west.

Yesterday's report from Kazinform News Agency showed Southern California suffering catastrophic losses, with AccuWeather estimating damages at between $52 billion and $57 billion.