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 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.

Meryl Streep's home was among those in danger from the Los Angeles fires earlier this month. Loic Venance / AFP via Her nephew Abe Streep shared an anecdote about his aunt's escape with New York magazine,