California fires live updates: At least 10 fire-related deaths, doctor says

At least 10 people are believed to be dead — and the LA County sheriff says he expects the toll to rise — as a series of devastating fires grow unchecked across Southern California in dry and windy conditions, leaving officials scrambling to contain the historical destruction.

Thousands of firefighters are battling at least five widespread wildfires scattered around the Los Angeles area. The largest, the Palisades Fire, in Pacific Palisades, has burned over 19,000 acres, destroyed thousands of structures and remains zero percent contained. The Eaton Fire, in Altadena, now stands at more than 13,000 acres and zero percent contained. More than 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as the infernos spread.

President Joe Biden on Wednesday approved a federal major disaster declaration for Los Angeles County.