On January 7, many fierce fires broke out in southern California (USA), burning down many buildings and forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate.

Fierce fire in California on January 7 – Photo: REUTERS

The fires broke out in the suburbs of Los Angeles , covering 1,200 hectares, and darkened the sky. At least 30,000 people have been evacuated under the direction of authorities, according to AFP.

More than 30,000 people evacuated, Ms. Harris’s house in danger due to fierce wildfires in the US – Video source: AFP

As of the afternoon of January 8 (Vietnam time), a new fire broke out in Sylmar, northwest of Los Angeles. However, California officials warned that the worst is yet to come as stronger winds are expected.

The gusts are creating conditions for new fires to flare up and hinder firefighters’ efforts to put them out. Meteorologists predict that gusts of up to 100 mph (160 km/h) could hit southern California, the strongest in a decade.

Authorities have mobilized hundreds of firefighters to the fire areas, and deployed helicopters to put out the fire from the ground and in the air.

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Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said the fire caused chaotic evacuations, but there were no reported injuries or fatalities.

“The City of Los Angeles is taking urgent action to address this emergency,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wrote on social media X.

The Air Quality Index has spiked to 155, a level that Harvard environmental health doctor Kari Nadeau estimates is the toxic equivalent of smoking 10 cigarettes a day. But air quality in some areas at the heart of the fire may be worse, according to the New York Times .

Vice President Kamala Harris’ California home is also in danger, according to Fox News. Harris sent her condolences to those affected by the fires and expressed gratitude to the heroes who risked their lives to keep the community safe.

“President Biden and I are committed to not leaving any community alone to respond to this disaster. We have mobilized federal resources to help fight the fires and support those affected,” Harris added.

Black smoke billows from fires west of Los Angeles – Photo: REUTERS

Desolation in a fire – Photo: NEW YORK TIMES

The federal government has deployed helicopters to help fight the fire from above – Photo: AFP

A resident receives medical care after being evacuated from a fire in Pasadena, California –