How did LA fires start? All you need to know on wildfires devastating celebrity hotspot
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Devastating wildfires continue to rip through Los Angeles - leading investigators to frantically search for the cause of the deadly blazes. At least 10 people have been killed in the horror fires so far, with more than 1,000 structures destroyed and at least 150,000 residents forced to flee their homes. Emergency responders, including those in helicopters, were attempting to douse the flames but have faced difficulties due to "erratic winds".
As the fires continue to change the LA suburban landscape forever, officials believe the ignition point of the fire came from behind a home on Piedra Morada Drive, which sits above a densely wooded arroyo - dry stream - in the exclusive celebrity Pacific Palisades community, which has been all but razed to the ground. Here, the Mirror looks at the common causes in an area susceptible to wildfires, and what may have sparked the deadly blazes.
The National Fire Protection Association says the most common cause of fires in the US is lightning strikes. But there have been no reports of lightning in the Palisades area or the terrain around the Eaton fire, which started in east Los Angeles County and also destroyed hundreds of homes.
A common cause of is the deliberate lighting of fires or blazes sparked by utility lines. But so far there has been no indication of faulty utility lines. However, a new blaze the Kenneth fire, erupted on Thursday in the West Hills area of the city. Police quickly detained a man on suspicion of arson in relation to that fire.
