The death toll from the fire in the Los Angeles area is at least five and this number may increase, local law enforcement agencies reported, BTA reported.
"We previously reported two victims, but, unfortunately, during the search of the area, they have now become five", said the county sheriff Robert Luna on the air of local radio KNX. "Keep in mind that the situation is extremely dynamic, and the fire is not yet under control. I really pray that we don't find more (victims), but I don't think those hopes will be fulfilled."
Thousands of firefighters are battling four fires burning simultaneously in the Californian city in the western United States. The worst is in "Pacific Palisades", a luxury neighborhood where Hollywood celebrities live. The Associated Press notes that the flames in the chic suburb, which covered an area of more than 6,500 hectares, are the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
In the northern neighborhood of "Altadena", the fire spread to an area of about 4,300 hectares.
The situation is further complicated by the meteorological phenomenon "Santa Ana" - warm winds typical of California winters, which are fanning the flames. According to the US National Weather Service, their speed in the region can reach 160 km/h, which can be "deadly".
At the moment, 70,000 people in the affected parts of Los Angeles have been ordered to evacuate.
The California metropolis is the second largest city in the United States.