When disaster strikes, government emergency alert systems offer a simple promise: Residents will get information about nearby dangers and instructions to help them stay safe

Some residents who lost everything during the Los Angeles wildfires received a much-needed lifeline as they began the long road to rebuilding.

Latest Kern County, California and US and world news from 23ABC in, Calif.

Climate change caused by human activity increases the risk of devastating fires, like the ones in Los Angeles, California,according to the World Weather Attribution (WWA) network. The fires left at least 29 dead and thousands homeless.

Climate change was a major factor behind the hot, dry weather that gave rise to the devastating LA fires, a scientific study has confirmed. It made those weather conditions about 35% more likely, according to World Weather Attribution - globally recognised for their studies linking extreme weather to climate change.

Meryl Streep had to take matters into her own hands when evacuating from the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this month, according to her nephew.

The three-time Oscar winner was trapped on her property but managed to get to safety after creating an escape route with wire cutters, her nephew said.

Journalist Abe Streep also spoke to Martin Short and Haley Joel Osment about they were affected by the blazes.