Two deaths have now been reported in the Palisades Fire, which has grown to nearly 20,000 acres, Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley announced at a late afternoon news conference Thursday. The two deaths included one body that was removed from the rubbleof a home along Pacific Coast Highway,

While that is good news, Crowley also stressed that the Palisades Fire remains a dangerous threat. The largest of the five fires still burning; the Palisades Fire remains 0% contained, and wind gusts continue to be measured at 60 mph.

A number of wildfires are spreading across the Los Angeles area, fuelled by strong winds, engulfing homes, forcing tens of thousands to flee and killing five people. A state of emergency has been declared in California.