The toll of fires in the U.S. is rising: The number of casualties has not been determined.

The wildfires that started in Los Angeles, California, are out of control. While the fire continues in 6 different areas in one of the city's luxury neighborhoods, evacuation orders have been issued for 180,000 people, and evacuation warnings have been issued for approximately 200,000 people.

THE DEATH TOLL MAY RISE

Although it has been reported that 5 people have lost their lives in the fires, officials are concerned that the number may increase. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna stated that although the death toll is reported as 5, they do not "know exactly" how many people have died and expect the number to rise.

Luna expressed that the sheriff's department is continuing to work with the county coroner on the death toll, saying, "The crisis is ongoing, please be patient regarding the death toll. I hope I am wrong, but I think the number will increase."

"IT LOOKS LIKE A BOMB HAS BEEN DROPPED"

Luna pointed out the significant destruction caused by the fires, stating that some areas "look like a bomb has been dropped," and that they will conduct extensive searches in these areas with dogs and search equipment. Emphasizing that evacuation orders must be followed, Luna said, "Currently, there are about 180,000 people under evacuation orders and approximately 200,000 people under evacuation warnings in Los Angeles County."

Meanwhile, it has been reported that at least 20 people have been arrested for looting or similar crimes in the evacuation areas.

"MORE THAN 27,000 ACRES HAVE BURNED"

Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley also stated that they have not yet been able to gain control of the fire in the Palisades area, which started on January 7, saying, "We can say that the Palisades fire is one of the most devastating natural disasters in Los Angeles history." Crowley noted that the flames have burned more than 27,000 acres, which is equivalent to about 20,000 football fields.

Crowley mentioned that arson investigations related to the fires are ongoing, with 21 officials, including 16 arson specialists and a trained dog, actively investigating the start of the Palisades fire.

Officials also stated that due to the ongoing fires, there are natural gas outages in the city, and serious damage has occurred in the transportation and sewage systems, urging citizens to boil water before drinking.

2,000 HOMES HAVE TURNED TO ASHES

Los Angeles Fire Department officials stated that one of the most devastating fires in the city's history is occurring, with approximately 2,000 homes completely burned so far. It was noted that the fire has also spread to the Hollywood area, with many celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Mandy Moore, and Cary Elwes, losing their homes.

It has been announced that all schools in the affected areas have been closed due to the fires.

THE CAUSE OF THE FIRES IS UNDER INVESTIGATION

Discussions regarding the fire are ongoing. While experts continue their work on the cause of the fire, it is stated that a combination of extreme weather events has fueled the fires in California.

The initial gusts of wind are attributed to the Santa Ana winds, which can reach speeds of 100 mph (161 km/h), combined with extreme drought.

Additionally, record-high temperatures that have caused torrential rains to grow tons of vegetation, which then dries out and becomes easy-to-burn fuel, are also cited as one of the causes of the fire.