Death toll from Los Angeles wildfires rises to 24

KABUL (Pajhwok): The death toll from Los Angeles wildfires in California has risen to 24, a media report said on Monday.

The fires that began Tuesday just north of downtown LA have burnt more than 12,000 structures, the Associated Press reported.

Local officials have warned the blazes may spread further in the coming days due to strong winds.

In an interview aired Sunday on NBC, Governor Gavin Newsom said the fires could end up being the worst natural disaster in US history.

“I think it will be in terms of just the costs associated with it, in terms of the scale and scope,” he said.

Officials asked residents to avoid returning home in the current situation. More than 100,000 people are already under evacuation orders.

President Joe Biden has characterised Los Angeles as a war zone and warned the number of victims could increase.

The fires are estimated to have caused between $135 and $150 billion in damage to properties so far.

The Eaton and Palisades fires are likely the second and fourth most destructive wildfires in California's history, an official said.

Cal Fire spokesperson Brice Bennett said the blazes combined have burned nearly 38,000 acres.

The Eaton fire had burnt through more than 14,000 acres and was 27% contained, he said, while the Palisades fire has scorched more than 23,700 acres and is 13% contained.

Bennett said more than 14,000 emergency personnel were battling the blazes across Los Angeles.

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