LOS ANGELES: Death toll rises, fires bring devastation

(Patria) - The death toll from the terrifying wave of wildfires that engulfed several parts of Los Angeles has risen to ten, the fires have "devoured" about 10,000 houses and other buildings, and the number of evacuated citizens has increased to about 180,000.

The Palisades fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the western edge of the city and the Eaton fire to the east near Pasadena are already considered the most devastating in the history of Los Angeles, having "devoured" about 13,750 hectares of land so far, turning entire neighborhoods into ashes, Reuters reports, as carried by Hina.

Earlier, it was stated that the Eaton fire damaged or destroyed four to five thousand buildings, while, according to officials, the Palisades fire destroyed another 5,300. In addition, orders have been issued for about 180,000 citizens to evacuate their homes, while about 200,000 more are under warning.

Reuters states that five fires are currently burning in Los Angeles County. Numerous planes are dropping retardants and water on the burning hills, and the efforts are also aided by weakened winds, which were previously blowing at hurricane speeds.

Some celebrities, such as actors Billy Crystal, James Woods, Adam Brody, and hotel heiress Paris Hilton, have also been left homeless by the fires.

Actress Jamie Lee Curtis announced on Thursday that her family will donate one million dollars (1.9 million KM) to help Los Angeles and its citizens.