Did the drones belonging to China start the fire that turned the country to ashes?

The death toll from the fires that have been raging in and around Los Angeles for days has reached 16. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office announced that the number of fatalities in the Palisades and Eaton areas has been updated to 11 in Eaton and 5 in Palisades. In the statement, the agency said, "The fires spread very quickly. This number may increase in the coming days."

IS CHINA RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIRES?

According to rumors circulating on social media, the People's Republic of China has been blamed for the fires. Social media users sharing images of drones flying among the fires claimed that these drones were "Chinese drones that started the fires." U.S. officials have not commented on these allegations. However, it is known that firefighters have been using drones in the area to survey people and properties to be rescued and even to transport water. An image claimed to belong to a "Chinese drone" was revealed to actually belong to a firefighting aircraft. However, it was reported that some of the drones flown by civilians to capture footage interfered with firefighting planes, preventing them from responding to the fire.

ARSONISTS CAPTURED

Meanwhile, within three days, two individuals were detained on suspicion of arson for starting the fires. It was stated that both suspects were homeless. The suspect captured yesterday was apprehended by residents of the neighborhood who were targeted by the arson. After capturing the alleged arsonist, the family reported it to the police, recording the footage second by second.

The reason for these arson activities was cited as the looted homes. It was reported that thieves took advantage of the fire, looting homes that were evacuated due to the fire, effectively 'smuggling goods from the fire.' More than 100 looting incidents were recorded during the fires. Looters reportedly arrived at the fire-affected areas in trucks, entering abandoned homes and stealing valuable electronics and jewelry. It was reported that looter gangs later sold these items on second-hand goods websites.

"WE WILL PROSECUTE THOSE FLYING DRONES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW"

California Governor Gavin Newsom stated regarding all these allegations, "We will prosecute those flying drones, looting homes, and committing arson to the fullest extent of the law." The fires, which started on the evening of January 7, quickly spread to large areas due to strong winds and have so far turned more than 37,000 acres to ashes. The fire department has been inadequate in extinguishing the fires. The public has begun to fight the fires on their own. The fire, which has been ongoing for 5 days, is still continuing.

More than 12,000 structures have been damaged or rendered completely unusable due to the fire. Authorities stated that rescue operations in the fire-affected areas are ongoing, but intense smoke and transportation difficulties are complicating the efforts. One of the fire officials in the area said, "This is one of the most destructive fires we have seen in recent years. Our only priority right now is to prevent further loss of life and ensure the fires are brought under control."

A CHILD STAR FROM A PAST ERA ALSO LOST HIS LIFE IN THE FIRE

Meanwhile, Rory Sykes, one of the child stars of a past era, also lost his life in the fires. The star's death was announced by his mother on social media. In the social media post, it was stated that Rory, who was born blind and lived with cerebral palsy, died in his family home. The mother shared, "I am deeply saddened to report that my beautiful son Rory Sykes lost his life in the fires that broke out in Malibu yesterday. My heart is shattered."

DIED FROM CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

It was reported that 32-year-old Rory lived in a shed in his family's backyard. His mother attempted to extinguish the roof of the shed where her son lived with a hose but was unsuccessful. The water supply in the area had been cut off by the municipality. Authorities had previously stated that the hoses in the area were not functioning due to heavy usage. Firefighters announced that Rory died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

"LET ME GO, YOU ESCAPE"

The mother recounted that her son told her, "Mom, let me go, you escape." She stated that no mother could abandon her child. Rory Sykes's grieving mother Shelley described her son, who dedicated his entire life to those who had to live with disabilities like him, as "a wonderful child."