Los Angeles Fire
Firefighters make progress slowing wildfires while LA grapples devastation
Firefighters began to slow the spread of deadly and devastating fires in the Los Angeles area Thursday after the ferocious winds that drove the fast-moving flames diminished, but the largest blazes still burned out of control. Crews were able to knock down a major threat that broke out Wednesday evening in the Hollywood Hills, close to the heart of the entertainment industry, and by morning had lifted an evacuation order for the area. While we are still facing significant threats, I am hopeful that the tide is turning, LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said during a news conference Thursday morning. Water dropped from aircraft helped fire crews quickly seize control of the fires in the Hollywood Hills and Studio City, LA Mayor Karen Bass said. Much of the widespread destruction around the city occurred after those aircraft were grounded due to high winds. Major wind gusts still posed a danger Thursday, but the weather forecast could provide an opportunity for firefighters to make
 "Firefighters make progress slowing wildfires while LA grapples devastation")
Biden cancels his Italy trip to focus on response to Los Angeles wildfires
US President Joe Biden has cancelled his planned visit to Italy, the final overseas trip of his presidency, to monitor the response to the devastating wildfires raging in Los Angeles that have killed five people and forced thousands to evacuate. Biden was scheduled to leave for Italy on Thursday afternoon. The announcement of the trip's cancellation comes just hours after Biden departed Los Angeles after meeting his first great-grandchild, who was born on Wednesday at an area hospital. He received a briefing from local fire officials before returning to Washington. Biden declared a Major Disaster declaration for California after returning to Washington. President Biden decided to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to remain focused on directing the full federal response in the days ahead, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Wednesday. It would have been the final trip of Biden's presidency. Over 100,000 residents are being evacuated from their homes in Los Angel
 "Biden cancels his Italy trip to focus on response to Los Angeles wildfires")
California fires: Hollywood Hills burn as 'the big one' engulfs Los Angeles
More than 100,000 people were ordered to evacuate as dry, hurricane-force winds spread flames across parched ground that has seen no rain for months
 "California fires: Hollywood Hills burn as 'the big one' engulfs Los Angeles")
Los Angeles wildfires highlights: 5 dead, thousands evacuate as wildfires rage in Hollywood Hills
Latest updates on Los Angeles California wildfires: US President Joe Biden declared a Major Disaster declaration for California and will monitor the response to the wildfires raging in Los Angeles
 "Los Angeles wildfires highlights: 5 dead, thousands evacuate as wildfires rage in Hollywood Hills")
LA wildfires ravage Hollywood Hills, celebrities lose homes in blaze
As six fierce wildfires engulf Los Angeles, over 130,000 people have been ordered to evacuate. President Joe Biden cancelled his final foreign trip to Italy to oversee the response to the wildfires
 "LA wildfires ravage Hollywood Hills, celebrities lose homes in blaze")
In Pics: Los Angeles wildfires spread, thousands evacuate
The Los Angeles Fire Department said only 5 per cent of the fire had been contained
 "In Pics: Los Angeles wildfires spread, thousands evacuate")
