Police investigating ‘possible human cause’ behind Los Angeles wildfire
by 0 
Police are reportedly focusing on a possible human cause in early investigations into what caused the deadly Palisades fire in Los Angeles.
Several law enforcement sources told Sky’s US partner NBC News potential lines of inquiry involve fireworks or unauthorised individuals camping in the area.
Stressing no conclusions have been reached, they said other possibilities include accidental equipment-related ignition, and said arson is not being ruled out.
Fires latest – at least 24 people killed
At least 24 people have been killed and thousands of homes destroyed in the wildfires that have raged across Los Angeles.
More than 40,000 acres of land have been consumed by the fires, with entire neighbourhoods wiped out and more than 12,300 structures destroyed, NBC said.
Most of the destruction has been wrought by the Palisades fire, which has torched nearly 24,000 acres and is just 14% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
Officials have not yet identified the cause of any of the Los Angeles fires.
Firefighters put out a smouldering hot spot. Pics: Reuters
Renters share ‘price gouging’ fears
Los Angeles residents forced out of their homes by the wildfires that have devastated the city now fear they are facing illegal uplifts in the cost of rented accommodation.
NBC News spoke to a family who were offered a five-bedroom home in Santa Monica put on the market the day before for $28,000 (£23,000) a month – more than double the quoted rent a year ago.
Joe Thompson, 44, said: “We’re not going to do that. We’ll just keep looking.”
The practice, known in the US as “price gouging”, is banned under Californian law and anyone facing such increases is being asked to report it to authorities.
A lawsuit has been filed against utility company Southern California Edison claiming its equipment sparked the Eaton fire.
The blaze in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains east of the city has burned through 14,000 acres and was 33% contained, according to Cal Fire.
Edison has acknowledged fire agencies are investigating whether its equipment may have started a smaller fire in the LA area that broke out on the same day.
Read more – Santa Ana winds explained:
The winds are back – here’s what it could mean
A woman walks past destroyed homes. Pic: Reuters
It comes as additional firefighters and water tankers have deployed ahead of the forecast return of fierce Santa Ana winds which threaten to whip up the two massive wildfires.
Planes have been working to douse homes and hillsides with pink fire-retardant chemicals, while dozens of water trucks have worked to replenish supplies after hydrants ran dry last week.
“We’re absolutely better prepared,” LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said when he was asked what will be different from a week ago.
But he warned high winds could ground firefighting aircraft and said if they reach 70mph “it’s going to be very difficult to contain that fire”.
A third fire that has burned nearly 800 acres is 95% contained, while three other fires in California have been fully brought under control in recent days.
