TV4 The news on the spot • Ghost towns and desperation • New fires and rising death toll
At least ten people have lost their lives and the death toll is feared to rise in the fires raging in the Los Angeles area. About 10,000 homes and buildings have burned in what has been described as the worst fires in California history
The devastation in Pacific Palisades is hard to grasp. Where people’s homes stood, only smoking rubble remains.
– This is my house. I have lost it. It has burned down. I have lost everything, Leo Irby, resident of Altadena, to TV4 Nyheternas reporter Tomas Kvarnkullen.
You have lost everything. What do you have left?
– All I have are the clothes in my bag. I don’t even have a toothbrush or a towel so I can shower, says Leo Irby.
Highest costs ever
According to estimates, the costs of the fires are expected to be the highest so far in the history of the United States, and new fires are still flaring up. Most recently in West Hill, another fire is expected to spread in the strong wind.
US President Joe Biden is now promising to cover the costs of fighting the fire.
– To all the families affected by this disaster: You are living in a nightmare, I know. I promise that we will help you through this so that you can recover and rebuild, says Biden last night.
Curfews are planned
A curfew is now being planned for areas in the fire zones, above all the neighborhoods covered by a mandatory call to evacuate.
The curfew is supposed to apply between six in the evening and six in the morning, according to Sheriff Robert Luna.
– The purpose is to protect these neighborhoods from anyone who wants to cause damage, which unfortunately we have had some people who wanted to, he says.