At least two people have been killed and tens of thousands evacuated as multiple wildfires rage across Los Angeles County. The Palisades fire, now the most destructive in the city's history, has grown to 15,832 acres, destroying over 1,000 structures. About 37,000 residents are under evacuation orders in that area.
The Eaton fire north of Pasadena has reached 10,600 acres, destroying more than 100 structures and causing multiple significant injuries. Approximately 32,500 residents are under evacuation orders, down from over 50,000 overnight. The Hurst fire in the San Fernando Valley has burned nearly 500 acres, with more than 3,000 residents ordered to evacuate Sylmar.
President Joe Biden has approved a Major Disaster declaration for California, directing the Department of Defense to provide additional firefighting personnel and air support. The California National Guard is adding two modular air firefighting systems, while the Nevada National Guard is preparing two more. Ten navy helicopters have also been dispatched.
Over 1.5 million power customers are without power in southern California, with nearly a million in Los Angeles County. Officials urge water conservation as high demand has emptied three tanks, drying out some fire hydrants. The 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards, scheduled for Sunday in Santa Monica, have been postponed to 26 February due to the fires.
