US President Joe Biden likened Los Angeles to a “war scene” on Friday as multiple wildfires ravaged neighbourhoods, prompting concerns about looting and misinformation. Speaking from the Oval Office, Biden pointed out the seriousness of the situation, highlighting “clear evidence” of looting amid the destruction.
The President likened it to a battlefield, saying, “It reminded me of more of a war scene, where you had certain targets that were bombarded.” He attacked “demagogues” for spreading false information about the fires, which some took as an indirect way of taking jabs at former President Donald Trump for amplifying such falsehoods.
In response to the crisis, a curfew at night has been implemented in the affected areas, such as the Palisades and Eaton fire zones. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced the curfew from 6 pm to 6 am, stating that violators would be arrested. “We are not screwing around with this,” Luna declared, stressing the need to protect evacuated properties from looters.
Meanwhile, Assistant Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi reported an arrest related to an attempted arson in Woodland Hills. But there was not enough evidence to charge the suspect with the crime. The investigation continues.
The largest of five active wildfires, the Palisades fire, is only 8% contained as firefighters made overnight progress with favourable weather. However, rising wind gusts could challenge containment efforts. The Eaton fire, north of Pasadena, has burned nearly 14,000 acres and is just 3% contained, threatening thousands of structures.
Other fires are: Hurst fire: This fire burns 771 acres and is 37% contained. The Kenneth fire near San Fernando Valley is at 35%. The Lidia fire is the most controlled with 75% containment.
As the fires continue, evacuation orders have been lifted for some areas, reducing the number of residents under mandatory evacuation to 153,000. However, approximately 57,830 structures remain at risk, with another 166,800 residents still under evacuation warnings. Authorities remain vigilant as they battle the blazes and address the ongoing threat of looting.
