Cabot Phillips

The LAPD announced Thursday night they detained a suspect in the Kenneth Fire, which is burning in West Hills and remains 0% contained. Meanwhile, firefighters are still battling multiple blazes across Los Angeles, including the devastating Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire. In the latest report, at least 10 people have been killed. Tens of thousands of structures have been destroyed.

The LAPD announced Thursday night they detained a suspect in the Kenneth Fire, which is burning in West Hills and remains 0% contained. Meanwhile, firefighters are still battling multiple blazes across Los Angeles, including the devastating Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire. In the latest report, at least 10 people have been killed. Tens of thousands of structures have been destroyed.

Estimated damages from the wildfires could reach $57 billion, potentially making them the most expensive in U.S. history.

Estimated damages from the wildfires could reach $57 billion, potentially making them the most expensive in U.S. history.

Yeah, by now everyone has seen the horrifying images coming out of Los Angeles. Just sheer devastation. More than 28,000 acres have burned. Thousands of homes and businesses have been leveled. More than 100,000 folks have been forced to evacuate. By Thursday, the death toll was at five, but those numbers are certain to rise.

Yeah, by now everyone has seen the horrifying images coming out of Los Angeles. Just sheer devastation. More than 28,000 acres have burned. Thousands of homes and businesses have been leveled. More than 100,000 folks have been forced to evacuate. By Thursday, the death toll was at five, but those numbers are certain to rise.

First responders have been so overwhelmed by the task of fighting back the fires, they've hardly even begun the grim process of recovering and identifying those who did not escape. And beyond that terrible loss of life, from a financial perspective, this will almost certainly be the costliest set of wildfires in U.S. history.

First responders have been so overwhelmed by the task of fighting back the fires, they've hardly even begun the grim process of recovering and identifying those who did not escape. And beyond that terrible loss of life, from a financial perspective, this will almost certainly be the costliest set of wildfires in U.S. history.

Analysts from JP Morgan estimate that total losses will be close to $50 billion. That would be nearly five times more costly than any other blaze. The previous record holder was the Camp Fire back in 2018. That cost $12 billion. And to make matters worse, the Wall Street Journal estimates that less than half of the property damage will be covered by insurance.

Analysts from JP Morgan estimate that total losses will be close to $50 billion. That would be nearly five times more costly than any other blaze. The previous record holder was the Camp Fire back in 2018. That cost $12 billion. And to make matters worse, the Wall Street Journal estimates that less than half of the property damage will be covered by insurance.

So a long road to recovery in more ways than one. Yeah, and that recovery effort can't even begin yet because the fires have yet to be contained. Exactly. While firefighters were able to contain the smaller Woodley and Tyler fires, as well as a smaller blaze that erupted in the Hollywood Hills Wednesday night, by Thursday, the two largest fires, Palisades and Eaton, were 0% contained.

So a long road to recovery in more ways than one. Yeah, and that recovery effort can't even begin yet because the fires have yet to be contained. Exactly. While firefighters were able to contain the smaller Woodley and Tyler fires, as well as a smaller blaze that erupted in the Hollywood Hills Wednesday night, by Thursday, the two largest fires, Palisades and Eaton, were 0% contained.

Now, thankfully, those strong Santa Ana winds, which peaked at 100 mph, And it really fed the flames, dissipated a bit on Thursday, offering fire crews a brief respite. But they're expected to pick back up by Saturday. So officials are racing to make a dent in the existing fires before then. In the meantime, first responders are still contending not just with the flames, but also with looters.

Now, thankfully, those strong Santa Ana winds, which peaked at 100 mph, And it really fed the flames, dissipated a bit on Thursday, offering fire crews a brief respite. But they're expected to pick back up by Saturday. So officials are racing to make a dent in the existing fires before then. In the meantime, first responders are still contending not just with the flames, but also with looters.

Fire officials urged evacuating residents to leave their houses unlocked with gates and doors open so crews could gain access. And sadly, that's left opportunities for criminals taking advantage of this tragedy.

Fire officials urged evacuating residents to leave their houses unlocked with gates and doors open so crews could gain access. And sadly, that's left opportunities for criminals taking advantage of this tragedy.

At latest count, at least 20 looters have been arrested, but far more cases have been reported as helpless folks watched on security cameras as looters ransacked their homes before police could arrive. Now, just unthinkable to take advantage of a tragedy like this. So what do we know about the cause of these fires?

At latest count, at least 20 looters have been arrested, but far more cases have been reported as helpless folks watched on security cameras as looters ransacked their homes before police could arrive. Now, just unthinkable to take advantage of a tragedy like this. So what do we know about the cause of these fires?

Well, officials say they still don't know the answer to that question, but they certainly believe arson could be a play, particularly in the massive Palisades fire. More than a dozen arson investigators, many with specially trained dogs, are combing through that area where the fire first broke out. They're looking for signs of accelerants, fireworks, electrical damage, or even lightning.

Well, officials say they still don't know the answer to that question, but they certainly believe arson could be a play, particularly in the massive Palisades fire. More than a dozen arson investigators, many with specially trained dogs, are combing through that area where the fire first broke out. They're looking for signs of accelerants, fireworks, electrical damage, or even lightning.