LA fires: Residents warned to 'stay on guard' amid wind
What's the story
Southern California is battling two of its most destructive wildfires in history, the Palisades and Eaton fires.
The death toll has risen to 25 as the Palisades Fire continues to rage across over 23,000 acres with only 18% containment.
Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire has scorched more than 14,000 acres but is slightly better contained at 35%.
Arrests made
LAPD arrests 14 individuals in connection with Palisades fire
In connection with these wildfires, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has arrested at least 14 people in connection with the Palisades Fire.
Three of them are arson suspects while others were arrested for curfew violations, impersonating a firefighter, and looting according to Los Angeles Police Commander Steve Embrich.
Commander Embrich stressed that looting "will not be tolerated."
Rumor clarification
Malibu mayor dispels rumors about expedited re-entry permits
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart has addressed rumors doing rounds about expedited re-entry permits into evacuation zones.
He clarified that no such permits exist and assured residents that efforts are on to ensure safe returns to their homes.
"We...need to address and dispel a rumor circulating in the community: there is no permit for expedited re-entry into evacuation zones," Stewart said in a statement on Tuesday.
Aid conditions
Wildfire aid for California under scrutiny amid mismanagement claims
House Speaker Mike Johnson has proposed placing "conditions" on wildfire aid for California, citing the state's mismanagement by state and local leaders.
Echoing the sentiment, Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville also said that California "doesn't deserve" any funding, proposing that funding should be tied to policy changes.
"I think we're going to have a serious conversation about that," Johnson told reporters.
Water crisis
LA firefighters face water shortages amid wildfires
As the wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles, firefighters are struggling with water shortages.
Up to 20% of the city's hydrants went dry at some point this week, LA Mayor Karen Bass said.
By Thursday night, firefighters had stopped using hydrants altogether.
"How do you fight a fire with no water?" Ryan Babroff, a volunteer firefighter battling the Eaton Fire, told The Washington Post.
Insurance backlash
Tyler Perry criticizes insurance companies amid LA wildfires
Amid the raging wildfires, American filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry has slammed insurance companies for canceling policies.
Perry called out unnamed insurance companies who had either opted not to renew their policies or to stop writing new ones, particularly for high-value homes situated in areas of high-risk fire-prone areas.
Several celebrities, including Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal, have lost their homes in these blazes.