LA wildfires: Anthony Albanese contacts Joe Biden with ‘promise to help’ as fires rage

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has contacted Joe Biden with a promise to help “our American friends” as fires devastate Los Angeles.

Speaking from Kununurra in WA’s Kimberley on Thursday, the Prime Minister said he had sent a message directly to Mr Biden expressing “support”.

“These are devastating photos and I say to people as well, they will be triggering for many Australians who have been through the 2019 fires in south-east Australia and indeed in WA,” Mr Albanese said.

“I say to people if you need assistance, reach out. It is strong to put your hand up and say you need help.

“Our American friends, we are always available to help our American friends.”

The Prime Minister, who remarked he had a “direct line” to the president, said the fires — occurring in winter in the northern hemisphere — showed the increasing impact of climate change.

“This is not a normal event, but more and more we see a pattern where there is a new normal of more extreme weather events and more intensity to them,” Mr Albanese said.

“It is tragic that there has already been a significant loss of life in the United States on the West Coast, and all Australians express our support and myself as Prime Minister sent a message to the President of the US expressing our support in what is a difficult time.”

Massive fires through thousands of hectares in Los Angeles in southern California have forced tens of thousands to flee, with conditions set to worsen on Thursday.

Significant injuries have been reported as the fire ripped through homes and businesses, and devastated the iconic Sunset Boulevard.