LA wildfires: Death toll doubles to 10 as arson arrest made after new Kenneth wildfire erupts

Los Angeles: The wildfires in LA are getting really serious. The death toll has now hit ten, and they’ve arrested someone suspected of starting a new fire that’s moving fast and threatening celebrity homes.

This latest blaze, called the Kenneth Fire, kicked off in the San Fernando Valley. It’s close to some fancy neighborhoods like Calabasas and Hidden Hills, where a lot of celebs live. Evacuations were ordered as the fire spread quickly.

Mayor Karen Bass warned that the fire could spread even more due to strong winds. People in the West Valley even detained a suspect who was reportedly carrying a propane tank or something like a flamethrower.

Investigators are looking into whether this person started the fire. There’s a bit of hope, though, as winds might calm down later, but it could just be a short break.

Meteorologist Rich Thompson mentioned that while we might get a little relief from the winds, they’re expected to pick up again soon. It’s a tough situation for firefighters, especially since one of their planes had to be grounded because a drone flew too close. That’s a big no-no during firefighting.

Earlier fires have already caused a lot of damage, destroying thousands of homes, including those of some big names. The Eaton Fire near Pasadena has burned over 5,000 structures, and the Pacific Palisades fire has taken out more than 5,300.

All these fires are happening in a 25-mile stretch around LA. Investigators are checking out different causes, including arson and faulty utility lines.

In Pacific Palisades, many blocks have been reduced to rubble. A lot of community buildings, like churches and schools, have also been lost. The damage is estimated to be in the billions.

Firefighters made some progress in slowing down the fires, but they still have a long way to go. They managed to lift some evacuation orders in the Hollywood Hills after making gains there.

Sadly, the death toll might rise as crews continue searching through the rubble. Celebrities like Mel Gibson have lost their homes, and he described the experience as emotional but is grateful that his family is safe.

Others, like Milo Ventimiglia, have shared their own experiences, drawing parallels to their roles in TV shows. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have even opened their home to friends who had to evacuate.

There’s been some criticism of how state officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, have handled the situation. Mel Gibson even called him out for not addressing long-standing environmental issues.

In response, Newsom’s office stated that he’s focused on protecting people and ensuring firefighters have the resources they need. It’s a tough time for everyone in the area.