A reporter from the New York Times now asks LA County Sherriff Robert Luna if he believes the current death toll of five is accurate - to which he says it is "very likely" that the figure will rise.

He says he wants to be "more confident" before issuing an update - and that his homicide unit is involved to each number but he wants to make sure figures are "solid" before sharing them.

These early figures are based on preliminary information, he goes on, saying the "chaotic nature" of large fires on each side of county means it's likely the death toll will rise.

Image source, Reuters

As the update from LA Mayor Karen Bass and other officials ends, questions from the media begin - with the first coming from the BBC's US partner, CBS.

"LA is in a panic state", the first question to Mayor Bass begins, before asking why she was out of the county during the "fear and confusion" as the wildfires started. "What explains this lack of preparation and rapid response"> As a reminder: Bass has been facing criticism for being out of LA when these fires started. She was on a trip to Ghana for the inauguration of its new president.

Mark Pestrella, director of LA County Public Works, says LA's municipal water system continues to suffer poor water quality due to ash and debris falling into the reservoirs and filtration systems.

Residents in some areas are advised to boil water, he says, adding that water deliveries will start today in certain areas.

Pestrella also says the road system has been "impacted heavily" throughout the county, with many streets closed. He urges residents to report issues such as gas leaks and sewer leaks.

Meanwhile, LA Department of Water and Power (DWP) CEO and Chief Engineer Janisse Quinones says 118 DWP crews continue to work around the clock to restore power and firefighting efforts.

Power has been restored to about 200,000 customers so far but around 95,000 are still without, she says - with restoration times ranging from 24-48 hours.

The final bit of information Sherriff Luna gives us focuses on evacuation orders, which we brought you an update on just before this news conference began.

He confirms that 179,783 residents in both LA county and city areas are under evacuation orders, while 200,000 residents are under evacuation warnings.

Luna reiterates the importance of following evacuation warnings, saying his deputies are putting their lives on the line as a result of people choosing not to evacuate, again asking people to leave when told to.

Sheriff Luna is speaking now about the number of people known to have died as a result of the fires, which he says is not yet fully known.

The last figure from officials - 5 - was given last night.

Regarding the search for the bodies of those who may have died in the fires, he says some areas “look like a bomb was dropped on them”, which makes getting an accurate tally of fatalities difficult.

“This is a crisis and we do not know what to expect but we’re ready for everything.”

Image source, Reuters

LA County Sheriff Robert Luna is speaking now, reiterating that people must leave the area if they are asked to. "If you're asked to evacuate, evacuate," he says, adding officers' lives are otherwise put in danger.

He describes the current situation as a "fluid and evolving crisis" and "it's very chaotic out there".

The California National Guard is "on standby" on my direction, Luna says, adding that he and the LA Police Department are "in discussions if we are going to need them or how we would deploy them as the hours go on".

Crowley's now explaining another fire that cropped up - which firefighters managed to contain before it spread.

She says a large structure fire broke out in the Studio City area of Los Angeles, which proved to be a "massive challenge" the fire department had to deal with alongside the wildfires.

As high winds expanded, the fire began to spread and had the potential to cause another brush fire.

But, she says, the LA Fire Department sent resources to the scene and managed to prevent another devastating brush fire, by stopping the forward progress of the blaze.

She adds that weather conditions are beginning to turn favourably, which will help with their containment efforts, adding that the priority is still to protect communities, and protect lives.

If you're just ing us, we're continuing to bring you live updates from a news conference in Los Angeles where officials are sharing the latest on the wildfires there. You can watch for yourself at the top of this page.

Crowley, LA City's fire chief, continues - giving an update on each fire.

She says the Palisades fire currently covers more than 17,200 acres and is 0% contained.

Crowley says preliminary reports estimate that thousands of structures have been damaged and destroyed and describes the Palisades fire as "one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of LA".

On the others, she says:

• The Hurst fire, meanwhile, is covering 850 acres and is also 0% contained
• The Woodley fire is 30 acres in size but is now fully contained and fire patrols continue to monitor flare ups
• The Sunset fire is covering an area of 42.8 acres, and all evacuation orders have been lifted
• A separate update was given on the fifth and final fire - Eaton - just moments ago

Image source, Reuters

Kristin Crowley, LA City's fire chief, is up next - she says her firefighters are continuing to battle multiple major fires across Los Angeles and the region.

Today we expect winds to "subside somewhat", allowing fire crews to increase containment lines but "we are still under red flag warnings with extreme fire behaviour possibilities".

Wind gusts up to 60mph (96 km/h) are expected throughout the day.

She thanks residents for listening to evacuation orders and says it is "imperative" that on day three of the fires, that all of the LA community "maintain vigilance".

The National Weather Service warning will remain in effect in LA and the majority of Ventura county through Friday, says chief Marrone, who's still speaking at this LA wildfire update.

He also acknowledges the "tireless efforts" of the LA firefighters, who he says are "continuously placing themselves in harms way" to protect people and property.

Image source, Reuters

LA County's fire chief Anthony Marrone now gives an update on the Eaton fire - saying it remains an estimated 10,600 acres in size and there is 0% containment.

The fire department have deployed over 800 firefighters, he goes on, and aid resources continue to arrive to assist with the impact of the wildfires.

Several injuries have been reported and more than 1,000 structures damaged and destroyed, he says, adding that the cause of the fire remains unknown and it continues to be under active investigation.

• As a reminder: Yesterday, we heard that this fire had caused damage to structures in the hundreds, so this is a significant jump.

Image source, Reuters

Horvath, who as a reminder is LA's county supervisor, now says that gas shutoffs continue to affect 15,000 people in Malibu and an advisory to boil water remains in some areas.

Metro fares continue to be suspended so that people can get where they need to be.

Hovarth says only essential travel should be made and should be done safely, away from places where evacuation orders are in place.

Next to give an update is LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who says she herself received an evacuation warning last night.

"I was put in the shoes of tens of thousands of Angelenos who have been facing this from the moment the fires broke out," she says - adding that no one should have to choose which "priceless memento" they take with them or leave behind "in order to stay safe".

She talks about the "loss of so many faith centres", referring to the Eaton fire which destroyed a Jewish temple.

These are not just structures, they are places where people have made lasting memories, she says.

• For context: There are at least five active fires in the Los Angeles area and neighbouring regions: Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia and Sunset. You can catch up on everything we know about each of the blazes in our earlier post.

Image source, Reuters

Mayor Bass is urging people to the California Wild Life Fund and the Los Angeles Fire Department foundation.

She says Airbnb, the holiday property rentals company, is offering free accommodation.

"We are all hands on deck," she adds.

• As a reminder: Bass has been facing criticism for being out of LA when these fires started. She was on a trip to Ghana for the inauguration of its new president.

Next up to speak is Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

She says that winds in and around the city continue to be of a "historic nature" - and are a key factor for the fires becoming so bad. Combined with the extensive drought, she says, they created the "perfect storm".

She says that, as of Wednesday, the winds have eased - allowing for air operations and enabling "significant progress" against the fires in Hollywood and Studio City.

Bass adds that as of 07:30 local time today (15:30 GMT), the Hollywood evacuation orders have been lifted.

Barger now moves on to talk about the looting of abandoned homes, which she says is taking place while these fires have been burning.

"This is simply unacceptable," she says, "I promise you, you will be held able."

"Shame on those who are preying on our residents during this time of crisis."

She adds that 20 people have so far been arrested.

Kathryn Barger, from the LA County Board of Supervisors Chair, is continuing to speak ahead of LA Mayor Karen Bass.

She says she saw first hand the extent of the damage as she drove through LA yesterday and that "the devastation could not be missed".

"The number of homes, businesses and buildings that were on fire, dwarfed in any sense, the available resources."

Barger continues, saying she is hopeful that the "tide is turning" with the ongoing wildfires.

She says there has been a return of aerial drops and aerial firefighting - she calls this "a welcome sight".

The city of LA and the County are working hard, and hand in hand to bring every resource to the table, she says. An additional shelter opened for those evacuating and who have lost loved ones.

She also praises the outpouring of generosity.

Image source, Reuters

First up we’re hearing from the LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger.

She says that while today has been designated a day of mourning in the US for the ing of President Jimmy Carter - whose funeral is happening in Washington DC - it is now also a day of mourning for those in LA mourning the loss of lives and property.