Summary:

• California wildfires, notably the Palisades Fire, have expanded, damaging over 5,000 structures and resulting in at least seven deaths.
• Evacuations are ongoing in various counties as firefighters combat extreme conditions exacerbated by Santa Ana winds.
• President Biden announced federal funding to cover disaster response costs for those affected by the fires.

The crisis in California escalates as wildfires, particularly the Palisades Fire, have now consumed nearly 20,000 acres, causing extensive damage to communities in Los Angeles County. As of now, at least seven fatalities have been attributed to the blazes, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

On Thursday, the fire was reported to have destroyed or damaged over 5,316 structures within the affected areas, leading California Governor Gavin Newsom to approve the deployment of 8,000 National Guard members to aid local law enforcement in managing evacuations and preventing looting in the regions hardest hit by the fires. The Kenneth Fire also erupted in West Hills, further complicating firefighting efforts as it expanded to 960 acres.

In light of the ongoing destruction, President Biden pledged that the federal government would cover the full costs of disaster response for a period of 180 days, facilitating crucial resources like temporary shelters and hazard removal services. The declaration of a Major Disaster will aid in providing the necessary support to those affected.

Air quality in the region has dramatically declined with levels of PM 2.5 pollutants hitting alarming numbers, making the air "unhealthy" to breathe according to EPA standards. Millions of residents are urged to take precautions to safeguard their health.

Authorities have imposed evacuation orders, with over 130,000 residents ordered to leave their homes in anticipation of escalating fire conditions. Furthermore, many areas are currently facing water quality issues, with officials advising against using tap water for cooking and drinking.

As the wildfires continue, cities such as Pasadena have declared emergencies, furthering the call for community support and engagement. Various public services, including the Los Angeles Unified School District, have closed schools through Friday, providing continued access to digital resources for students.

Additionally, the immense toll of these fires is echoed by estimates of potential damages reaching up to $50 billion with $20 billion anticipated in insured losses alone. These figures, if accurate, would categorize these fires among the costliest in U.S. history.

As Californians brace for the ongoing crisis, the situation remains dire, and the community efforts to recover will undoubtedly extend far beyond the flames being contained.