Los Angeles Wildfires: Death Toll Rises to 16, Over 150,000 Under Evacuation Orders

Here are five key things to know about the devastating wildfires raging across Los Angeles:

Rising Death Toll and Destruction: The wildfires has claimed the lives of at least 16 people, destroyed over 12,000 structures, and scorched more than 60 square miles of land.

Evacuation Orders and Shelters: More than 150,000 people are under evacuation orders, with over 700 individuals seeking refuge in nine shelters.

Weather Conditions: Gusty winds are expected to pick up again on Sunday morning, easing during the day, and then strengthening again on Monday, fueling concerns that the fires could spread further.

Multi-State Response Efforts: Crews from California, eight other states, Canada, and Mexico are working together, utilizing over 1,300 fire engines, 84 aircraft, and more than 14,000 personnel to combat the blazes.

Criticism of Budget Cuts: Governor Gavin Newsom is facing criticism for approving a budget that reduced firefighting and fire prevention funding by $100 million, sparking concerns about the state’s preparedness for wildfires.

CBS NEWS