Two American officials admit failure in confronting the Los Angeles fires

Two officials in Los Angeles announced on Thursday that the two largest fires burning in the large American city are still contained (0%) despite the huge efforts made by fire brigades.

The city’s fire chief, Christine Crowley, said a 17,000-acre (6,900 hectare) fire in Pacific Palisades had become “one of the most devastating natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles.”
Meanwhile, Altadena Fire Chief Anthony Marone said that a 10,000-acre fire in Altadena was still 0% contained as well.

Campaign against house burglars

Officials confirmed the implementation of a strict campaign against thieves who targeted homes whose owners had left, after tens of thousands of residents were forced to flee.

“In the midst of a state of emergency, we have all seen individuals targeting vulnerable communities by stealing and looting homes,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Katherine Barger said, stressing that their behavior is “completely unacceptable.”
“I promise you you will be held accountable,” Barger added. “Shame on those who defraud our residents during this difficult time.”
She indicated that the police are conducting patrols, and have so far arrested 20 people.

Disaster areas

US President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that the fire zone in California is a disaster area, as a result of the devastating fires sweeping the state.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a press statement that Biden “decided to remain in Washington to fully direct the federal response, after visiting police and firefighters in Los Angeles and agreeing to declare a major disaster in California.”
The US President was briefed on the developments in the fires, which forced the authorities to take emergency measures to combat the fires spreading due to strong winds, and to allocate federal funding to support temporary housing, home repair, and low-cost loans to cover uninsured losses.
In addition to helping state and local governments cope with the damage.