Death Toll from Fires in Los Angeles Continues to Rise

The death toll from the fires in Southern California has reached 16, according to NBC News.

Meteorologists believe that dry and very windy weather has contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. The fire has destroyed more than 10,000 structures in the region. Property damage, according to estimates from various organizations, could reach around $150 billion. More than 180,000 people have received evacuation orders.

Furthermore, according to the Daily Mail, the mayor of Los Angeles requested a reduction of $49 million from the firefighters' budget just one week before the powerful forest fires began, which would have resulted in the closure of 16 fire stations.

The fires have also impacted cities with significant Armenian populations, with community members incurring property damage, including the complete destruction of the Sahak-Mesrop School.

It is worth noting that the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the latest number of victims, warning that the total could rise throughout the day. Currently, there are reports of 11 fatalities.

Wildfires have been raging in California since January 7, marking one of the most destructive in the state's history. The strong winds and low humidity are contributing factors to the rapid spread of the fire.