Five killed, over 1,000 houses destroyed as wildfires sweep through California

At least five persons have been killed by a fast-moving wildfire in Southern California.

The fire, which began on Tuesday night, was said to have been caused by strong gusty winds and fast-moving embers.

At least five fires are currently burning through Los Angeles and nearby counties.

The Woodley, Hust, and Lidia fires, which began on Wednesday, have reportedly been contained. However, the Palisades and Eaton fires are still active and are considered the largest.

The fires have led to the evacuation of more than 137,000 people and destruction of over 1,000 houses, cars and businesses, with hospitals shuttered.

Karen Bass, Los Angeles Mayor, said efforts were ongoing to help decongest road traffic.

“We are deploying LAPD officers to respond to Hollywood to help alleviate evacuation traffic,” Bass said. 

“We are working urgently to close roads, redirect traffic and expand access for LAFD vehicles to respond to the growing fire.”

The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power advised residents to “only use boiled water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes until further notice”.

US President Joe Biden reportedly cancelled a three-day trip to Italy in order to coordinate federal response to the devastating fires.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says increased heat, extended drought, and a thirsty atmosphere caused by climate change have been key drivers in exacerbating wildfires in the western United States.