The state of California is grappling with devastating wildfires that have claimed at least ten lives across Los Angeles County, as authorities continue to battle multiple blazes, including the rapidly expanding Palisades Fire. As of Thursday evening, this fire has engulfed nearly 20,000 acres, marking one of the most destructive wildfire periods in recent history. The ongoing situation has prompted officials to implement Red Flag warnings due to severe weather conditions that are expected to persist through Friday evening, escalating the risk of fire spread.

According to reports from [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2025/01/10/california-wildfire-live-updates-death-toll-rises-to-10-as-police-arrest-arson-suspect-near-kenneth-fire/), the Kenneth Fire, believed to have been intentionally set, has reached 960 acres without containment. Law enforcement officials arrested a man in connection with this fire, following multiple reports of suspicious activity in the area. While the police have not confirmed any links between the suspect and the fires, the investigation is ongoing.

As the wildfires wreak havoc, Governor Gavin Newsom has approved the deployment of 8,000 National Guard members to assist in firefighting efforts and to prevent looting in affected neighborhoods, where several arrests have already occurred. The Los Angeles Police Department reported 20 arrests for looting as they imposed curfews to protect deserted areas.

In addition to the human cost, the wildfires have wrought havoc on infrastructure. The Palisades Fire alone has damaged or destroyed over 5,300 structures. The medical examiner's office in Los Angeles confirmed the increasing death toll, attributing it to the recent fatal incidents linked to the wildfires.

COVID-19 has compounded the challenges faced by emergency responders; as schools and public facilities remain closed, the Los Angeles Unified School District has made digital educational resources available to affected students from home.

As evacuation alerts continue to impact thousands, relief efforts are underway to support those displaced. The federal government has promised to cover the costs associated with the disaster response, including debris removal and temporary housing arrangements.

Air quality in the region has also been affected, with PM 2.5 levels registering at “unhealthy” thresholds, as reported by the EPA's AirNow tracker. Health officials continue to urge residents to remain indoors and avoid exposure.

The situation remains dynamic, and authorities are closely monitoring the developments as they seek to put an end to these destructive wildfires.