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New fire breaks out as evacuation order made

Fires continue to grow in Los Angeles, with a new blaze breaking out in the north west.

The Kenneth fire covers an area of 50 acres – equivalent to about 25 football pitches – and is 0% contained, meaning firefighters do not have it under control.

Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued near the area of West Hills in the San Fernando Valley, which has many homes.

The flames ignited less than two miles from El Camino Real Charter High School, where people are sheltering from the fire in Palisades. 

Those two fires are about 10 miles apart.

‘Power issues’ caused hydrants to run dry, energy secretary says

President-elect Donald Trump has in recent days blamed water conservation priorities for causing hydrants to run dry in parts of Los Angeles.

Without specifically naming Mr Trump, Joe Biden has reacted to the claim during a briefing at the White House.

He passed the question on to his deputy energy secretary David Turk, who explained why power lines were shut down in the fire and how that impacts hydrants.

Mr Turk said it was down to a power and pressure issue.

Hydrants need power in order to pump water up, he said, but during times of disaster power lines are cut in order to curb the risk of power surges and line breakdowns.

Eaton fire grows to more than 13,000 acres

The Eaton fire has grown to 13,690 acres – making it larger than Exeter.

The blaze, near Pasadena, has burned between 4,000 and 5,000 structures including vehicles, LA County officials have said.

It is still 0% contained and has been burning since Tuesday.

It is northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Number of dead rises

The number of people who have died in the fires has risen to six, according to US media network NBC.

The body of the latest victim was discovered in the Pacific Palisades area.

It is the second death reported there.

Earlier, officials confirmed they had found human remains at a home along the Pacific Coast Highway in LA County. 

That is in addition to four deaths in the Eaton Fire. 

All are determined to be fire related.