U.S. President Joe Biden has declared a federal emergency for California amid devastating wildfires that have resulted in the evacuation of over 130,000 residents in the Los Angeles area. The unprecedented response comes as firefighting efforts intensify following reports of multiple wildfires that have claimed the lives of at least five individuals and destroyed more than 1,000 structures.

As of Thursday morning, tensions escalated when a new wildfire ignited in the Hollywood Hills, exacerbating the already dire situation. Meteorologists indicated that dry conditions and strong winds are expected to persist, contributing to the rapid spread of these catastrophic fires. Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustine expressed optimism, noting, “Tonight, we have very mild wind conditions where we can get aircraft and a ton of additional resources getting their hands around this fire.”

The emergency declaration enables the quick release of federal resources to assist with firefighting efforts, as Biden canceled a planned trip to Italy to stay focused on the crisis. He affirmed, “We are prepared to do everything and anything, as long as it takes, to contain these fires and help reconstruct.” The situation remains fluid, with ongoing challenges faced by local fire departments.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department has reported severe operational challenges, especially in the Pacific Palisades, where certain hydrants ran dry under the immense pressure of fire suppression demands. Chief Anthony Marrone admitted that the Fire Department was unprepared for such an extensive outbreak, commenting, “We were prepared for one or two major brush fires, but not four.” The fire has quickly spread across thousands of hectares with no current percentage of containment reported.

In response to the escalating wildfires, 2,000 National Guard members have been deployed to support local firefighting efforts. Additionally, the U.S. Defense Department is set to provide further manpower and equipment, underscoring the federal commitment to assisting California during this critical situation.

The devastation wrought by the Pacific Palisades fire is historic, surpassing the destruction of the 2008 Sayre Fire, which previously held the record for structural damage in the area. With these wildfires posing a significant threat to life and property, residents are urged to heed evacuation orders to ensure their safety. Relevant information regarding evacuation protocols can be found in updates from [VOA News](https://www.voanews.com/a/thousands-more-ordered-to-evacuate-as-los-angeles-wildfires-spread/7930613.html) and [VOA News](https://www.voanews.com/a/biden-signs-emergency-declaration-for-california-wildfires/7930130.html).