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Watch: Los Angeles County officials give wildfire update as death toll rises

Lucy Leeson
Wednesday 15 January 2025 18:17 EST

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Watch again as Los Angeles County officials gave an update on the deadly wildfires on 12 January as California governor Gavin Newsom described the tragedy as the worst natural disaster in US history.

The blazes are on track to be among the costliest ever seen in the US, with losses expected to exceed $135bn (£109.7bn).

At least 16 people have now died as the potential return of high winds threatens to push the wildfires ravaging the city towards some of its most famous landmarks.

Santa Ana winds which initially fanned the flames were calmer on Saturday, but the National Weather Service has warned that stronger gusts of up to 70 mph could return early next week.

The deadly fires prompted some 200,000 people across Southern California to evacuate their homes. As evacuation orders are lifted for certain neighborhoods, many residents are returning to find their homes and belongings reduced to rubble.

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