Due to severe wildfires in Los Angeles, over 10,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, many of which are homes, according to a fire department spokesperson. The death toll has risen to seven.
The Pacific Palisades neighborhood is particularly affected, with 5,300 buildings burned. A new fire, named Kenneth Fire by American media, has erupted nearby.
Residents in San Fernando Valley are being urged to evacuate, as approximately 800 hectares are burning. Governor Newsom announced the deployment of 900 additional firefighters to combat the Kenneth Fire.
A fire chief stated that firefighters are doing everything possible to extinguish the fires: “Our firefighters are doing their utmost. They are very tired, but they do not give up.” Although the fires are not yet under control, calmer winds have allowed some progress in containment.
However, winds are expected to strengthen in the coming days. The Dutch honorary consul in Los Angeles, Reinout Oerlemans, noted that many Dutch residents have been evacuated.
Vice President Kamala Harris has canceled her final foreign trip, opting to remain in her home state of California due to the fires. Previously, President Biden canceled his visit to Rome, where he was scheduled to meet Pope Francis and Ukrainian President Zelensky.
Source: NOS