⌨The LA fires death toll reached 16, with 10,000 structures destroyed and 35,000 properties without power. Morning coverage focused on celebrities breaking water conservation rules, while authorities struggled with looters disguising themselves as firefighters. A civilian drone disrupted emergency aircraft operations.
By afternoon, Governor Newsom declared this "the worst natural disaster in US history" as wealthy residents hired private firefighters at $2,000 per hour, sparking public outrage. Trump threatened to withhold federal aid, while environmental laws were suspended to expedite rebuilding.
Evening reports detailed the death of a British-born former child star, trapped in a fire-hit cottage. The fire chief prepared for "critical fire weather" with 50mph winds forecast. International crews arrived as prisoner contingents joined firefighting efforts, marking an escalation from previous days' containment attempts.