The death toll from wildfires in Los Angeles and the surrounding area has risen to 11, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office said.
Six people died in the Altadena area fire and five in Pacific Palisades.
US President Joseph Biden said the death toll from the Los Angeles fires is likely to rise as many people are still missing.
Several wildfires broke out in California on January 7, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said yesterday that the California National Guard had arrived in Los Angeles to prevent looting in the evacuation zone.
Newsom called for an independent investigation into the water shortage that has made it difficult and impossible to fight the fire.
According to the latest data, more than 10,000 homes and other infrastructure have been destroyed in the fires, the BBC reports.
A nighttime curfew has been imposed in a fire-ravaged area of Los Angeles due to a rising number of robberies.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced measures to increase security in areas evacuated by wildfires in the region, The Los Angeles Times reported Friday.
More than 20 people have been arrested in recent days on suspicion of robbery.
As part of the effort, National Guard units were deployed to some of the fire zones on Friday to provide protection to people.
“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has officially requested the assistance of the California National Guard. They will help us control traffic and protect critical infrastructure,” Luna said.
“Additional resources have been deployed, the National Guard is with us. They will help send a stronger message, keep people away from the affected areas, so that we don’t continue to endanger those who are already victims,” he added.
The sheriff also said the agency is working to enforce a curfew that will last from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. “within the specific areas affected by the fire,” referring to the Palisades fires in Pacific Palisades and Eaton.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger stressed that the curfew is not intended to punish residents, but to keep the area safe. She said the curfew was requested by the Altadena City Council.
