California wildfires claim at least 5 lives, force thousands to evacuate

China

California wildfires claim at least 5 lives, force thousands to evacuate

2025-01-10 01:14 Last Updated At：18:27

Wildfires in southern California, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, continue to devastate the region, leaving at least five dead and over 2,000 structures such as homes and shops damaged or destroyed.

As of Thursday, the fires have prompted the evacuation of more than 150,000 people, with countless homes reduced to ash in the aftermath.

The fires began spreading rapidly on Tuesday, and by Wednesday night, flames had reached the iconic Hollywood Hills area, causing widespread destruction. According to local media footage, fires continued to spread across multiple districts.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said on Thursday that at least six separate fires were still burning across Los Angeles County, with no effective containment in sight. The fire was most severe in areas like Pacific Palisades in the west of Los Angeles County and Altadena in the northeast, where areas consumed by fire had exceeded 69 and 42 square kilometers, respectively.

In addition to the fires, more than 360,000 households and businesses in California were left without power, with over 200,000 of those outages occurring in Los Angeles County alone.

President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster declaration for California on Wednesday, which unlocks immediate and long-term relief for residents and businesses impacted by the ongoing wildfires.

Liu Xiaoqian, a China Central Television (CCTV) reporter who entered the fire zone, described the catastrophic scene.

"This appears to be a residential building, roughly four stories high, and it has been completely burned down. What's even more dangerous is the small embers it is emitting, which are spreading toward nearby areas. In front of the building, there are many power lines and utility poles, so if the poles catch fire, it could cause even greater destruction," said Liu.

The air was thick with the scent of burning debris, and loud crackling noises from the fires echoed through the region, Liu said, adding the area was like a war zone.

Liu also reported that some areas had become so dangerous that police couldn't secure entire neighborhoods, and fire crews had been overwhelmed.

"In some of the wildfire-affected areas we previously visited, the police would cordon off specific zones. However, with fires raging across countless streets in this neighborhood, neither the police nor firefighters have had the chance to secure the area. As a result, it is now completely open," said Liu.

The U.S. National Weather Service warned that strong winds could still fan the flames, particularly in southern-facing foothills. The Fire Weather Watch issued by Los Angeles County is expected to remain in effect through Friday night.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.