At least five people have been killed as several fast-moving wildfires sweep across the Los Angeles area, leaving thousands of firefighters attempting to extinguish the blaze.
The death toll climbed to five as of Thursday morning after the Eaton fire raged through Altadena and Pasadena, L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone confirmed to The New York Times.
The Palisades fire, now the one of the most destructive L.A. has seen, is burning more than 17,200 acres, while the Eaton fire has scorched some 10,600 acres. The Sunset fire in Hollywood has engulfed 60 acres. All three fires are at zero percent containment.
An estimated 2,000 buildings have been scorched and 130,000 residents ordered to evacuate, including more than 60,000 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. More than 330,000 people are without power throughout the region, according to PowerOutage.us.
On Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed that more than 7,500 firefighting personnel and almost 1,200 fire trucks have been deployed across Southern California. He also thanked President Joe Biden, who announced the approval of a major disaster declaration and ordered federal assistance to bolster response efforts.
Palisades Fire remains 0 percent contained
Julia Musto9 January 2025 16:21
Los Angeles officials hold a press conference
Julia Musto9 January 2025 16:21
Los Angeles officials said Thursday that there was ‘significant progress’ made on wildfires due to aerial operations
Los Angeles officials said that significant progress has been made due to aerial operations and weaker winds.
“Angelenos should continue to proceed with caution,” Mayor Karen Bass told reporters at a Thursday press conference.
“You can see how fast and devastating these wind-driven fires are.”
Julia Musto9 January 2025 16:20
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face evacuation and power outages at Montecito home amid LA wildfires
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be ordered to evacuate their home in Montecito, California amid the raging wildfires in Los Angeles.
The home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may be hit with a power outage as the family’s space is located in Santa Barbara County. In its map of the state, the Southern California Edison (SCE) has indicated that Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are being considered in Santa Barbara.
Meanwhile, a large part of Montecito has been deemed a “high fire risk” area, with warnings of a power shutoff already issued. Although the timing for the power shutdowns varies, they could begin as early as 6 p.m. Wednesday local time and last until 9 a.m. Friday.
Amber Raiken reports from New York City.
James Liddell9 January 2025 16:00
LA Red Cross issues a warning about cold food during power outages
Julia Musto9 January 2025 15:59
Pasadena Humane says it has taken in more than 300 animals, including many with burns and injuries
Pasadena Humane says it has taken in more than 300 animals due to evacuations, many with burns and injuries.
“If you find injured wildlife, please text our wildlife helpline at 626.344.1129. If you find any other animal, including dogs and cats, please call Animal Control at 626.792.7151 ext. 970,” it said.
Julia Musto9 January 2025 15:56
Longtime Pacific Palisades resident describes saving his home from burning down: ‘I hope to never see this again’
“I’ve gone through the Woolsey Fire, I’ve gone through all of them. And I know that actually the guy that stays is the guy who saves his home. I know that a lot of people don’t want to hear that, but I’m capable,” Randy Stoklos, who has lived in Pacific Palisades for 65 years, told ABC 7.
He described dousing a fire at his home, only to discover it had reignited early Wednesday.
“I stopped a couple of fires. I stopped one, and then it reignited at about 4:30 this morning, and thank God I woke up at the perfect time and I got it and I stopped it from burning my house,” he said, holding back tears. “It’s pretty incredible what Mother Nature can do. I hope to never see this again.”
Julia Musto9 January 2025 15:51
These shelters are available to take animals affected by evacuation orders
Julia Musto9 January 2025 15:48
Hundreds of Los Angeles’ homeless population have been relocated amid the fires
Julia Musto9 January 2025 15:39
LA Metro fare suspension is extended through today
Julia Musto9 January 2025 15:35
