Wind lull offers hope in Los Angeles fires

Winds ease near Los Angeles, aiding firefighters as deadly blazes destroy homes; looters face strict penalties.

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LOS ANGELES:

Winds were expected to drop Friday around Los Angeles, bolstering a huge firefighting effort at the five major blazes wreaking havoc around America's second biggest city.

At least ten people have died as infernos ripped through neighborhoods, razing thousands of homes in one of the worst disasters ever to hit California, with one estimate suggesting the bill could hit $150 billion.

As the unimaginable scale of the damage started to come into focus, individuals began to grapple with heart-rending ruin.

"I lost everything. My house burned down and I lost everything," said Hester Callul, who reached a shelter after fleeing her Altadena home.

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday deployed the National Guard to bolster law enforcement efforts. Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said looters would face the full force of the law.

"I promise you, you will be held accountable," she said. "Shame on those who are preying on our residents during this time of crisis."

County Sheriff Robert Luna said Thursday his office was working on a nighttime curfew in areas ravaged by the fires.