LOS ANGELES, Calif. (WLNE) — Wildfires have been sweeping through the Los Angeles area and firefighters have begun to slow the spread of deadly and devastating fires. “One volunteer from our Red Cross region that is responding to L.A. today, they are going to support with sheltering efforts,” Jamie Lynch from American Red Cross of Rhode Island said. “Typical deployment lasts about two-to-three weeks.” The American Red Cross of Connecticut and Rhode Island region sent a volunteer Thursday to help combat the devastation in California. “The Red Cross has always been prepared for events like this,” Lynch said. “We spark up a disaster response when things like this get out of hand.” The Red Cross said the threat isn’t over and more communities are at risk. People should be prepared to evacuate quickly and it’s important that everyone follows instructions from local officials. “As we have a disaster like a wildfire that is fast moving and unpredictable, the Red Cross does try to plan to stage shelter locations as well as human and material resources,” Lynch said. Authorities warned that unauthorized individuals still in the area after an evacuation order is in place could be arrested, as California officials have arrested 20 people. Thousands of structures have been damaged or destroyed and more than 100,000 people have evacuated as uncontrolled fires spread. An air quality alert has also been issued for southern California, including Los Angeles due to thick wildfire smoke and dust being blown around. Categories: News, US & World News