Death Toll Expected to Rise as Fires Continue to Rage

The wildfires in Los Angeles County continued to rage on Thursday, displacing at least 130,000 people and destroying over 9,000 homes and structures. The Palisades fire, near the Pacific Ocean coastline, has burned about 26.9 square miles, while the Eaton fire, north of Pasadena, has burned about 16.6 square miles. The Hurst fire, in the San Fernando Valley, has burned 1.3 square miles, and the Sunset fire in the Hollywood Hills has burned less than a square mile.

Five people have died in the fires, and officials say the death toll is likely to rise. The fires have also caused widespread power outages, with more than 420,000 customers statewide without power as of Thursday afternoon.

President Joe Biden has approved more funding to help California fight the fires, and Vice President Kamala Harris has described the scene as "apocalyptic." President-elect Donald Trump has criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom's handling of the situation.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an ocean water advisory due to runoff from fire-fighting efforts. The department advises beach users to avoid all water contact, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers.

Los Angeles County plans to implement a 6 pm local curfew Thursday in the areas around the Palisades and Eaton fires to stem looting. At least 20 people have been arrested on suspicion of looting.