Fierce winds threaten more fire destruction as LA struggles to contain blazes

BBC update:

WILDFIRES in Los Angeles have killed at least 10 people, as officials warn more high winds could further fan the flames.

The wind forecasts and drought conditions mean a red flag warning - indicating critical fire conditions - is in place across Southern California.

Five fires are still burning and a man has been detained on suspicion of starting the latest.

However, the local fire chief told the BBC that there was currently no "conclusive evidence" that the wildfires had started deliberately.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna says it has not been safe to reach many of the hardest-hit areas, with some expecting the death toll to rise.

LA County Sheriff's Department warns

of danger from power and gas lines

LOS Angeles County's Sheriff's Department has warned people against returning to their homes too soon, saying dangerous hazards remain that could endanger life.

In a statement on X, says that while it wants people to be able to return to affected areas as soon as possible, there are still downed power lines, open gas lines, and unpredictable damaged structures that "can cause serious injury or death".

The warning also asks the public not to expect the department to conduct rescue missions, "as our focus is to maintain a high patrol visibility and prevent looters from entering the affected areas".