LA wildfires live updates: Residents prohibited from fire debris cleanup

LA officials have issued a public health order prohibiting residents from removing debris from fire-damaged properties, while warnings remain that the danger has not yet passed.

Evacuated residents who are desperate to return home to Los Angeles are being warned to stay away by the fire chief who has emphasised the danger is not yet over.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley spoke as forecast winds failed to reach their expected intensity.

“We understand your desire to return to your community, however, significant safety and infrastructure issues remain, including downed power lines, broken gas lines, hazardous materials and unsafe water,” Crowley said.

An overhead pole camera image shows wildfire damage to an Altadena Drive. Picture: AFP

“The combination of low humidity and strong winds has further dried out the brush, increasing the risk of fire.

“The danger has not yet passed, so please, please prioritise your safety.”

It came as officials issued an order prohibiting residents partaking in the cleanup or removal of fire debris at damaged properties in “Critical Fire Areas”.

“This order aims to protect public health and safety during the cleanup process for fire debris,” a post on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health read.

“This order applies exclusively to the cleanup or removal of fire debris and does not restrict the removal of personal property from residential sites.”

Earlier, firebrand commentator Megyn Kelly delivered a blast, accusing the LA Fire Department of being obsessed with diversity and sending “overweight, out-of-shape women” to rescue people from the fires.

Outraged residents have called on LA Mayor Karen Bass to resign over the department’s response to the blazes after the LAFD’s budget cuts.

According to the Los Angeles Times, fire bosses deployed just a fraction of its firefighters and trucks to the deadly Palisades fire until it was already out of control.

Residents are eager to start the clean up. Picture: AFP

Just five of the 40 available fire engines were sent in the initial stages and 1,000 firefighters were held back, according to a damning new report.

A week after the firestorm which has killed 25 people ignited, the Eaton fire has finally been almost 50 per cent contained.

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Originally published as LA wildfires live updates: Residents prohibited from fire debris cleanup