The U.S. Department of Health declared a public health emergency for California on Friday in response to devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area that have so far killed 10 people and destroyed more than 10,000 structures.
According to local reports, as of Friday morning, 153,000 residents are under evacuation orders, and another 166,800 are under evacuation warnings.
Wildfires pose numerous health risks, including exposure to extreme heat, burns, harmful air pollution and emotional distress.
“We will do everything we can to help California officials respond to the health impacts of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra. in a statement. “We are working closely with state and local health authorities, as well as our partners across the federal government, and stand ready to provide public health and medical support.”
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), an agency within HHS, oversees hospitals and shelters in the LA area and is prepared to deploy responders, medical equipment and supplies at the state's request.
