Deadly Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles, 10 Confirmed Dead, National Guard Deployed to Restore Order

Massive wildfires that have ravaged entire neighborhoods in Los Angeles have left at least 10 people dead, authorities confirmed late Thursday. The devastating fires have displaced thousands, with large parts of the city left in ruins. As firefighting efforts continued overnight, bolstered by water-dropping helicopters during a temporary lull in winds, new fires continued to ignite, and complicating containment efforts.

In response to the escalating crisis, California’s National Guard has been deployed to assist local law enforcement in maintaining order. Governor Gavin Newsom stated that a thousand state personnel, including National Guard soldiers, are now patrolling the affected areas to protect communities and prevent further chaos. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced plans for a nighttime curfew, aiming to curb looting in evacuation zones.

“We’re throwing everything at our disposal—including our National Guard service members—to protect communities in the days to come,” Governor Newsom said. He issued a stern warning to anyone attempting to take advantage of the chaos, emphasizing that looting would not be tolerated.

Despite the authorities’ efforts, some evacuees expressed concern that not enough was being done to secure the vast areas affected by the fires, with reports emerging of residents taking matters into their own hands to protect their property. As the fire crisis continues, the full extent of the damage and loss of life remains uncertain.