California Wildfires Leave 16 Dead, Thousands Displaced

Los Angeles County is experiencing one of its worst wildfire crises, with at least 16 fatalities reported and thousands of structures destroyed. Six major fires have ravaged the area, leading to significant criticism of local officials over their response and preparedness. Residents of affected neighborhoods, including Altadena and Pacific Palisades, have expressed outrage at the lack of firefighting support, with many claiming that hydrants ran dry during crucial moments. Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an independent investigation into these failures, while accusations of incompetence have been directed at Mayor Karen Bass, who was away during the outbreak. As recovery efforts continue, the economic impact of the fires could reach between $135 billion and $150 billion, with more casualties expected as searches progress. The situation is exacerbated by worsening weather conditions forecasted in the coming days, prompting further alarm among residents and officials alike.