Morning news confirmed 2024 had breached the 1.5C global heating threshold, while Los Angeles fires doubled their death toll to ten. The fires prompted release of prisoners to join firefighting efforts, while authorities investigated arson after locals apprehended a suspect with a blowtorch near celebrity enclaves.
UK media attention split between the LA catastrophe and domestic concerns as gas supplies reached "concerningly low" levels during a -20C cold snap. The pound hit a 14-month low while Labour faced criticism over China policy.
By evening, evacuation orders expanded to 153,000 residents as Biden described LA as a "war scene." The governor launched an investigation into water supply failures that hampered firefighting efforts. The death toll reached eleven by midnight, while celebrity evacuations continued, including the Kardashian family fleeing their mansions.