16 dead in Los Angeles wildfires: Burglars disguised as firefighters caught; multiple arrests

WASHINGTON: The death toll from the forest fire has reached 16. The deaths were reported in the Palisades, Altadena and Pasadena areas. The forest fire is only 11-15 percent under control here. 13 people are missing. Four wildfires continue to burn around Los Angeles. 76 percent of the forest fire has been brought under control in Sylmar. 35,000 households are yet to get electricity.

Many people in the neighbourhood of Brentwood have been told to evacuate. Brentwood is home to celebrities such as US Vice President Kamala Harris and actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Theft is rampant in Los Angeles which has been devastated by wildfires. Two people were arrested for trying to burglarize houses in the guise of firefighters. So far, around 20 people have been arrested for theft.

Thieves are taking advantage of the situation where people have left their homes and savings due to forest fires and escaped with their lives. The police announced that they will take strict action against such people and intensified surveillance. At the same time, people who have been evacuated due to forest fires are complaining that the rents have been increased in hotels and houses in the region. The local administration warned that no additional charges should be imposed for services.