Officials: Multiple large fires across Los Angeles County prompt evacuations, school closures, water and power disruptions

Los Angeles County and city leaders said at a joint press conference that multiple large wildfires — including fires in the Pacific Palisades, Eaton Canyon (Altadena/Pasadena area) and Sylmar — were burning across the county with little containment, prompting evacuation orders affecting tens of thousands of residents, widespread school closures and requests for statewide and out-of-state mutual aid.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger told reporters, "When they ask you to evacuate, evacuate. This is not a drill." County Fire Chief Anthony Maroney said the county was coordinating with city and federal partners and had requested large-scale mutual aid: "I contacted state office of emergency services and requested 50 engine strike teams. 50 engine strike teams is composed of 250 fire engines and over 1,000 personnel." He said at the time of the briefing the Palisades incident had "well over 5,000 acres that have burned" and that the county had "an estimated 1,000 structures destroyed," while the Eaton Canyon incident had "over 2,000 acres burning ... we have over 500 personnel assigned and unfortunately, we have 2 reported fatalities to civilians." Chief Maroney added the causes of the fires were unknown and under investigation.

Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristen Crowley gave operational figures for the…