The death toll from the widespread wildfires in California has risen to 10 individuals, but authorities warn that the full extent of the tragedy will only be revealed once access to remote areas is granted.
This has been reported by BBC and CNN.
Among the deceased are individuals from vulnerable population groups. It is known that among them is 67-year-old Anthony Mitchell, who used a wheelchair, and his 20-year-old son Justin, who had cerebral palsy. Anthony was found beside his son's bed. Additionally, 83-year-old Rodney Nickerson perished in Altadena.
The fires have devastated entire neighborhoods, causing catastrophic damage. Approximately 10,000 structures have been destroyed as a result of the fires in the Palisades and Eaton areas.
Rescue teams are facing challenges due to strong winds and low humidity. Consequently, aviation operations are limited, particularly near the Palisades, where flights were temporarily halted following a collision between a firefighting aircraft and a drone.
Eight C-130 military transport planes have been deployed to combat the flames, along with units from the California National Guard to assist local authorities.
As of the morning of January 10:
- The Palisades fire has spread over 19,000 acres, with containment at 6%.
- The Eaton fire has expanded to 13,000 acres, with containment at 0%.
- The Hurst fire has covered at least 771 acres, with 37% containment.
- The Kenneth fire, which ignited on the evening of January 9, has engulfed 1,000 acres and is 35% contained.
- The Kenneth fire broke out just 3.2 kilometers from a school that served as a shelter for evacuees from earlier affected areas.
Evacuation orders have been issued for 180,000 people, with an additional 200,000 in warning zones.
Experts predict that these fires could become the largest in the state's history and the most expensive in U.S. history.