The destructive wildfires engulfing Los Angeles have claimed at least 16 lives, according to recent reports from the county's coroner's office.

The death toll, which increased from 11 to 16, includes five victims found in Pacific Palisades and 11 discovered in Pasadena.

As rescue efforts continue, officials warn that the count may climb further as teams gain access to all affected areas.

Firefighters face a daunting challenge, with operations heavily concentrated in critical zones such as Mandeville Canyon.

Reports indicate that around 12,000 homes have succumbed to the flames, with Pacific Palisades experiencing particularly severe damage, losing over 9,500 hectares to the blazes.

The disaster has triggered a massive evacuation, displacing more than 180,000 residents, including many high-profile figures from Hollywood.

As flames encroach on new neighborhoods, authorities have extended evacuation orders amid worsening conditions forecasted by the U.S. National Weather Service, with fire-friendly weather alerts predicted to continue into the week.

Health authorities have issued warnings about the harmful air quality resulting from the fire's smoke, which contains particles and gases that can cause respiratory complications.

Anish Mahajan of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advised vulnerable individuals, including children and the elderly, to minimize outdoor activities.

Workers required to be outside are encouraged to wear N95 masks for protection.

Amidst these challenges, criticism is growing over the local authorities' handling of the crisis.

In Altadena, residents express dissatisfaction with what they perceive as uneven distribution of firefighting resources, a sentiment echoed by local figures like 40-year-old teacher Nicholas Norman, who alleges a bias towards wealthier districts such as the Palisades.

The absence of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass during the early stages of the fires, attributed to her visit to Ghana despite impending weather warnings, has also compounded public ire.

Additionally, budget cuts impacting firefighting services and errors in issuing evacuation alerts have intensified discontent among Los Angeles residents.

In response to the unfolding crisis, Mayor Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom have launched separate investigations into these criticisms.

Governor Newsom has voiced concerns over initial water scarcity to combat the fires, highlighting systemic issues aggravated by recent budget reductions.

Support has been bolstered by international aid, with Mexican firefighting units joining more than 14,000 personnel engaged in suppressing the fires.

Governor Newsom expressed gratitude for this cross-border assistance, acknowledging the necessity of global cooperation in times of crisis.

Amidst these efforts, there have been escalating appeals for federal intervention addressed to President-elect Donald Trump.

Kathryn Barger of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors extended an invitation to Trump, urging him to witness the extensive devastation firsthand.

Trump had previously criticized Governor Newsom's water conservation policies as contributing factors to the fires, a claim Governor Newsom repudiated, emphasizing the importance of avoiding political discourse over humanitarian disasters.