At least 11 people have lost their lives in the wildfire crisis in Southern California

California: According to authorities, the wildfire disaster in Southern California has claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals, as reported by NBC News.

The fierce Santa Ana winds suddenly subsided, giving firefighters a little reprieve, but they were predicted to return.

Meanwhile, according to The New York Times, at least 18 people have been taken into custody on suspicion of identity fraud and looting.

On Saturday, a mandatory evacuation was ordered by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

“A mandatory evacuation order is immediately in effect for the Palisades Fire from Sunset Blvd North to Encino Reservoir and from the 405 Freeway West to Mandeville Canyon,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in a post on X. An emergency evacuation order has been issued for this region, which was previously under an evacuation warning.

In response to worries about firefighters running out of water too soon while working, California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Friday that he will launch an independent review, calling the problem “deeply troubling.”

Firefighters were able to put up lines around that much of the perimeter to stop the main fire, the Palisades fire between Santa Monica and Malibu, from spreading. The fire was 8% controlled on Friday. Firefighters have put out 3% of the Eaton fire to the east, which is located close to Altadena and Pasadena. According to The New York Times, both flames are now among the top five most damaging wildfires in California history.

The Lidia Fire is already 98% contained over 395 acres, according to a post on X by Newsom.

Although the winds have subsided, US President Joe Biden issued a warning that they would still pose a hazard until the next week.

He said in a post on X, “Earlier, @CAgovernor, @MayorOfLA, and @FEMA_Deanne briefed the @VP and myself. Even if the winds have subsided, we anticipate that they will still pose a concern until the beginning of next week. In order to help state and municipal authorities completely put out these flames, we will continue to work around the clock.”