Back
PremiumLos Angeles wildfire Highlights: Firefighters battled early Thursday to control a series of major fires in the Los Angeles area that have killed five people, ravaged communities from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena and sent thousands of people frantically fleeing their homes. Thousands of structures have been damaged or destroyed in the hilly coastal neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, making it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
Due to strong offshore winds and low humidity, Red Flag warnings are in effect until Friday evening in much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Firefighters battling the Palisades fire got a break from yesterday’s extraordinarily high winds that fanned flames and tossed embers for miles. At least 100,000 people were ordered to evacuate — a number that kept changing because evacuation orders were continually being issued.
Total damage due to wildfires could reach $150 billion, AccuWeather estimates. AccuWeather, a private company that provides data on weather and its impact, on Thursday increased its estimate of the damage and economic loss to $135-$150 billion. Previously, the company had estimated the damage could reach $57 billion.
Residents have been advised to protect themselves and their loved ones from wildfire smoke and ash. "Take steps to reduce breathing in air pollutants. If the air quality is bad, stay inside as much as possible and close all windows, doors and vents," the California Department of Public Health said.
According to AFP report, the raging fire engulfed multimillion-dollar homes, mapping 3,000-acre (1,200-hectare) land in the Santa Monica Mountains The fire extinguishing teams used bulldozers to push dozens of luxury vehicles, ranging from expensive models of BMW and Tesla to Mercedes.
Stay tuned for more news about Los Angeles wildfire
Get the latest updates on the Los Angeles, California Wildfire. Our detailed blog has moved—Catch all the latest developments and updates here.
Monday's NFC wild-card playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams will be moved from Inglewood, Calif., to the Arizona Cardinals' stadium in Glendale, Ariz., the NFL said on Thursday.
The game was moved out of the Los Angeles area as wildfires continued to ravage Southern California.
Hollywood celebrity Mandy Moore has faced a devastating loss amid the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. Taking to Instagram, the 'This Is Us' star shared that she is "devastated and gutted" after the Eaton Fire--located about 30 miles east of the Pacific Palisades Fire--rapidly spread in her neighbourhood.
Drone footage shared on social media showed the devastating aftermath of the LA fires which have destroyed thousands of homes. At least five people were killed and thousands of structures were burned as fierce wildfires raged in the Los Angeles area, officials said. Fast-moving flames blazed through homes and businesses as residents fled smoke-filled canyons and picturesque neighborhoods that are home to many celebrities.
Paris Hilton was left “heartbroken beyond words" after seeing “home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV." Taking to X, she also expressed gratitute that her family is safe.
“While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family is safe. My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires. To all the people who have lost their homes, their memories, and their beloved pets. My heartaches for those still in harm’s way or mourning greater losses. The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking"
Rajeev Chandrasekhar took a jibe at the raging wildfire in California. Sharing a picture by conservative American commentator Benny Johnson, Chandrasekhar wrote, “This is California - a USD 4.8 trillion economic powerhouse state, in the worlds biggest economy USA"
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: It’s not clear how many people have been killed in the Los Angeles County wildfires, but officials say the devastation is tremendous, according to CNN report.
“At one point, we’ll be able to do a more thorough search of these impacted areas," Sheriff Robert Luna said. “Some of them look like a bomb was dropped in them, where we will be able to bring in canines and other things to help us hopefully not discover too many fatalities. That’s our prayer."
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: The Los Angeles County sewer, power and transportation systems “have all been significantly damaged," Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said told CNN.
“The heat of this system, the wind that blew also knocked down thousands of trees in the roadways, so what we have is a tremendous amount of debris throughout the communities that have experiences with this fire," he said.
The water, power and transportation systems in Los Angeles have all been “significantly" damaged because of the fires.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Nearly 180,000 people in Los Angeles county are currently under evacuation orders, LA county sheriff Robert Luna said.
About 200,000 people are under evacuation warnings.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: At least 20 people have been arrested for looting or similar crimes as wildfires tor
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: The evacuation order covering Hollywood, which had been threatened by the Sunset Fire, was lifted on Thursday morning, CNN quoted Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
“As of yesterday, winds have allowed for air operations, and that has enabled significant progress in Hollywood and Studio City last night," Bass said. “As of 7:30 this morning, evacuation orders in Hollywood have been lifted.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Paris Hilton has expressed her deep sorrow after witnessing her waterfront Malibu home burn to the ground during the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. In an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter), she shared that she watched the devastation unfold live on television while sitting with her family. "Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience," Hilton wrote, accompanied by footage from KABC depicting the destruction.
The $8.4 million property of Paris Hilton was reduced to ashes by the LA Fire.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Joe Biden said he was briefed this morning on the latest on the Los Angeles wildfires.
In a statement posted on X, the president said he will convene his team for another briefing, and that he plans to deliver remarks to the nation later.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: The Los Angeles Fire Department will lift evacuations orders for the brush fire in theHollywood Hills at 7:30am PT.
“At 7:30AM, the closed section of the Sunset Fire, area North of Franklin, will be OPEN and all evacuation orders LIFTED" the fire department said in a statement.
“We will still have LAFD companies working in the area and ask you to be careful while returning to your homes" it adds.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Conditions for a January Los Angeles firestorm have not existed before now, writes a meteorologist and climate journalist, reports Guardian
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: According to CNN report, Federal Emergency Management Agency teams are working to help families who lost everything to the deadly Los Angeles County fires, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said Thursday.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: “SoCalGas has determined it is necessary to temporarily shut off natural gas service to the Malibu community from Brentwood Country Club to Pepperdine University" the company said. “As a result, approximately 15,000 customers in the impacted communities are currently experiencing temporary service outages."
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: BJP leader Rajiv Chandrashekhar mocked the state of California after wild fires ravaged the Los Angeles County. “This is California - a USD 4.8 trillion economic powerhouse state, in the worlds biggest economy USA 😓😅🤷🏻♂️" Chandrashekhar wrote on X.
He was quoting a tweet that mentioned “Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles is completely gone."
Netizens called Chandrashekhar's tweet ‘insensitive’
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: More than 250,000 customers are experiencing power outages in California, as of Thursday morning, a, according to Poweroutage.us.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: All schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) will also be closed on Thursday.
The LAUSD stated, “The combination of wind, fire, and smoke has created dangerous and complex situations, resulting in unsafe conditions for our school communities."
The district added that they will continue to assess the situation over the next 24 hours and is preparing for the possibility of online learning on Friday, January 10.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Universal Studios says its park in Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be closed again on Thursday.
“Out of an abundance of caution, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be closed on Thursday, January 9 as a result of the extreme winds and fire conditions" reads a statement on the theme park’s social media.
“We will continue to assess the situation and are directing guests to visit our website for updates."
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Critical fire weather conditions expected to continue today in parts of Southern California, the National Weather Service said in its most recent update.
Winds of 20-30 mph are expected, with wind gusts of 40-60 mph possible.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Fire crews in Los Angeles experienced a brief respite as the Santa Ana winds eased, allowing for aerial water drops on the wildfires.
However, CNN meteorologist Derek Van Dam warns that intense winds are expected to return throughout Thursday, threatening containment efforts and complicating firefighting operations across the region. Residents remain on high alert as the situation continues to escalate.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: According to CNN report, hours after officials acknowledged some Los Angeles County fire hydrants had run dry during the battle against devastating wildfires, the water supply has improved, the incident commander for the Palisades Fire said.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Due to strong offshore winds and low humidity, Red Flag warnings are in effect until Friday evening in much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
For Thursday night and Friday, winds are forecasted to become slightly stronger, with gusts ranging from 40 to 55 mph. Isolated gusts could reach up to 70 mph in favored foothills and peaks.
Humidity levels are expected to be low, ranging from 10 to 20 percent, with localized drops to as low as 5 percent at times.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: As of 8am ET, here is where the fires currently stand, according to California Fire officials.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: According to CNN report, California firefighters battling the Palisades fire — which has burned more than 17,000 acres — are getting a break from yesterday’s extraordinarily high winds that fanned flames and tossed embers for miles.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: According to Guardian report, a fast-moving fire broke out in the hills above Hollywood Boulevard, and threatened some of Los Angeles’ most recognisable tourist spots yesterday evening, causing chaotic scenes as it triggered an evacuation.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: NFL is still preparing SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, in southwestern Los Angeles County, for Monday’s wild-card round of the playoffs between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings, it said in a statement Wednesday evening. If a location change is needed, the game would move Monday night to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, it said.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: The Los Angeles Times has described the city of Los Angeles as having faced “a two-day nightmare", and said people need to be prepared for more days of fire weather.
In its latest report, it wrote:
Unlike the catastrophic conditions on Tuesday night, where gusts of up to 100mph (160kph) were recorded, on Wednesday night, aircraft were able to make water drops.
Officials urged people to still be vigilant. By Thursday afternoon, winds are expected to bump back up along the region’s Santa Ana wind corridors, with gusts from the northeast of up to 40mph (65kph), and isolated gusts of up to 70mph (110kph).
Winds should peak Thursday evening into early Friday morning, the weather service said. The weather service warned that foothills facing the south could face erratic winds, “which may lead to chaotic fire growth."
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Fire crews and evacuees dealing with the raging Sunset Fire have had to navigating a major complication: the steep, narrow and winding terrain of the Hollywood Hills.
The neighborhood’s residents have been racing toward safety while fire trucks move up the hillside to tackle the blaze, leading to logjams on roads Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.
“Traffic is jammed to fire trucks and police vehicles, as well as people trying to leave," Scott Dill told CNN
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Guardian shares map where evacuation orders and evacuation warnings have been in place around the five major wildfires that are burning around Los Angeles in California.
A total of seven wildfires have been reported till now, up from 3 yesterday. These include – Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, Scout Fire, Lidia Fire, Sunset Fire.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: California deployed National Guards as ‘devastating’ wildfire spread across 28,000 acres of land, killing 5 people.
A total of 3,40,000 people have been left without fire.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Here's what we know so far
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: 130,000 people under evacuation orders as communities affected from the Pacific Coast to inland Pasadena
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Visuals shared by news media agencies show the extent of the wildfires that has now spread to over 17,000 acres. It has consumed houses after houses in its path and still remains uncontained. A video shared by Fox News showed a two story building completely engulfed in fire, crumbles and falls.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: ‘Insane’ videos shared on X of immense windspeed
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: According to a meteorologist talking to CNN, a big factor contributing to the Palisades wildfires is the onset of prolonged dry conditions, which came after Los Angeles recorded the highest rainfall in a two-year time span in 2024.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: All My Children actor Cameron Mathison took to Instagram to documented his return to his home of 13 years that he lost to the California wildfires.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Numerous Hollywood celebrities, including Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, Anna Faris, and Ricki Lake, have been affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, with some losing their homes.
Paris Hilton revealed she learned about the destruction of her Malibu home while watching it burn live on TV, expressing that it is an experience "no one should ever have to experience."
Celebrity chef Sandra Lee also confirmed the loss of her house due to the wildfires.
Actors James Woods and Steve Guttenberg shared their emotional experiences navigating the fires in their neighbourhoods during interviews.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has postponed the Oscars nominations announcement and extended the voting window to accommodate members impacted by the wildfires.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: A health expert has warned that fine particulate matter from the sunset fires can travel long distances, penetrate lungs and bloodstream – CNN reported.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: The Los Angeles Fire Department announced late Wednesday that the majority of evacuation orders related to the Sunset Fire in Hollywood Hills have been lifted. However, restrictions remain in place for a small area north of Franklin Avenue, extending from Camino Palmero Street to N. Sierra Bonita Avenue, as officials continue to monitor the situation.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Nora Fatehi has shared her distressing experience amid the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, revealing that she and her team received a last-minute evacuation order. Taking to Instagram, she described the situation as "insane" and expressed her fear over the rapidly escalating crisis. Nora quickly packed her belongings and planned to head to the airport in hopes of catching a flight out of the area, stating, "I've never seen anything like this."
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Winds in Los Angeles are currently gusting at 30-50 mph, but red flag warnings remain in effect due to the potential for significant fire development, according to Ariel Cohen, Meteorologist in Charge of the National Weather Service Los Angeles.
Forecasts indicate that winds will increase to 40-55 mph with isolated gusts up to 70 mph in higher elevations from Thursday night into Friday morning.
Although these winds are not expected to be as severe as earlier this week, ongoing dry air and drought conditions could allow any new fires to spread rapidly.
Winds are predicted to subside to 15-25 mph with higher gusts by Friday afternoon, and red flag warnings are expected to expire by 6 PM on Friday.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: California Governor Newsom expressed deep gratitude to the firefighters grappling to tacke the "out-of-control" wildfire in the US state. He posted a picture, saying, "To the heroes, firefighters, and first responders battling these fires in Los Angeles: Your sacrifice and determination inspire the entire state. California is deeply grateful for your dedication and service."
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: US President Joe Biden has reportedly cancelled his trip to Italy to focus on the raging LA wildfires that has been wreaking havoc since Tuesday.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: Tesla and SpaceX owner said SpaceX will provide free Starlink terminals to affected areas in LA tomorrow morning.
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: An extremely dangerous situation unfolded in southern California Wednedsay night, the National Weather Service said and forecast: "Widespread DAMAGING WIND and EXTREME FIRE WEATHER for most of Los Angeles/Ventura Counties."
Los Angeles wildfire LIVE: AccuWeather estimated $52 billion to $57 billion in preliminary damage and economic loss has occurred from the fires. Tap here to read all about the latest Los Angeles wildfires.
"Wildfires in Southern California are causing unhealthy air quality conditions," the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services posted on X. "If you are impacted, stay indoors and wear a mask if you must go outside. Close all windows, doors and vents. Visit http://AirNow.gov to see local air quality," it added.
