- By Anushka Vats
- Sat, 11 Jan 2025 12:43 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Los Angeles Fire: The death toll in the California wildfire climbed to 11, as per the latest update on Saturday. As people fled their homes, several incidents of theft were also reported in different houses in the wildfire-affected areas. According to a report by the New York Times, at least 18 individuals have been arrested on charges such as looting and identity theft.
In the latest update on the California wildfire, an investigation has been launched to probe if Southern California Edison's utility infrastructure sparked a brush fire that is still burning in a Los Angeles suburb, SCE said Friday, adding no determination has been made. SCE is a unit of US utility Edison International.
"SCE does not know whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire," the utility said. SCE said preliminary information shows the circuit experienced a relay at 10:11 PM (0611 GMT) where the Hurst fire was reported around 10:10 PM on January 7.
What Caused California Wildfire?
The wind-driven fire began behind a house on Piedra Morada Drive, above a valley dense with trees, according to officials.
As the fire has caused massive destruction, officials are investigating what initiated the wildfire. Lightning which is the most common cause of fires, has been dismissed as the cause of this fire by the investigators, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
The officials have stated no reports of lighting. According to officials, there were no reports of lightning in the Palisades area or the area surrounding the Eaton Fire, which began in eastern Los Angeles County.
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The officials have also cited two other possible causes of the incident including a fire set intentionally, and one sparked by utility lines.
However, as of now, there is no source of the fire that engulfed thousands of houses and claimed 11 lives.
California Governor Invites President-Elect Donald Trump To Visit Affected Areas
After US President-elect Donald Trump held him responsible for the Los Angeles wildfires, California Governor Gavin Newsom invited the incoming president to visit the disaster site and meet with the fire victims. He also warned against politicising the tragedy or spreading false information. In a letter and a post on X, Newsom stressed the importance of unity and cooperation during this difficult time, underscoring the need to support the affected communities.
In a post on X, Newsom wrote, "@realDonaldTrump, as you prepare to assume the presidency once more, I invite you to come to California. The hundreds of thousands of Americans - displaced from their homes and fearful for the future - deserve to see us all working together in their best interests, not politicising a human tragedy and spreading disinformation from the sidelines."
California Wildfire: Firefighters Finally Start Gaining Control Over Wildfire
On Friday, firefighters began to regain control over two major wildfires on the eastern and western sides of Los Angeles as the strong winds that had intensified the fires for days finally subsided. Six simultaneous wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County neighborhoods since Tuesday, killing at least 11 people and damaging or destroying 10,000 structures.
As thousands lost their homes and thick smoke led to a public health emergency declaration, firefighters made significant progress in containing the Palisades Fire on the west and the Eaton Fire in the eastern foothills of the city.