Biden Declares Major Disaster Amid LA Wildfires

Massive wildfires are devastating the Los Angeles area, with at least four separate blazes destroying over 1,000 structures and claiming at least two lives. Tens of thousands have been forced to evacuate as ferocious Santa Ana winds fuel the fires, making firefighting efforts challenging. Traffic gridlock has hampered evacuation and emergency responses, with authorities having to clear abandoned vehicles to allow emergency access. President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster in California, ensuring federal resources and personnel, including military support, are mobilized to aid in firefighting and recovery. The fires have particularly affected affluent areas such as Pacific Palisades, home to several celebrities, with significant property damage reported. Fire officials are investigating the causes, but climate change and extreme weather conditions have been cited as significant contributors to the current crisis.