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PremiumLA California Fire Highlights: Los Angeles is still grappling with dangerous wildfires as emergency response efforts continue amid widespread evacuations and power outages.
Kristin Crowley, the Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, emphasized the ongoing threat from multiple active fires across the region, with strong winds exacerbating the situation. Crowley reassured the public that first responders are working relentlessly to protect lives and property, urging citizens to stay vigilant. As of now, five fires are still burning, and additional information on their size and location can be found in updates from earlier this morning.
In light of ongoing dangers, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office has issued warnings urging residents not to return to their homes prematurely. The area still faces hazards, including downed power lines, open gas lines, and unstable structures. Authorities have stressed the importance of preserving resources and maintaining high patrol visibility to prevent looting.
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the latest wildfire as a potential case of arson after a suspect was detained by locals in the West Valley area. Investigators are exploring connections to the ongoing Kenneth Fire and other incidents in the region.
Over 90,000 homes and businesses are still without power in Los Angeles County as of Friday morning, following widespread outages caused by the fires. At the peak of the crisis, over 200,000 locations were without electricity, though many have had their power restored. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and SoCal Edison are working to address the remaining outages.
As wildfire smoke continues to affect the region, air quality has reached hazardous levels across much of Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles Unified School District has closed all schools due to the smoke, which has been carried across the region by strong winds. Local officials have advised residents to wear masks, with high levels of fine particulate matter in the air that can be harmful, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to high winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures, which create an elevated fire danger risk. Wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph, and critical fire weather conditions are expected to persist through Friday afternoon. Forecasters are predicting an extended period of elevated fire risks through the upcoming week.
Catch all LIVE Updates on LA California Fire here
The Archer Fire was stopped at 31.5 acres, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Evacuation orders were downgraded to evacuation warnings.
Previous evacuation warnings have been lifted.
The fire is near Bee Canyon Park in Los Angeles.
The situation has been contained, reducing the immediate threat to the community.
Marissa Hermer, former "Ladies of London" star, is helping displaced families after losing her restaurant, The Draycott, in the Palisades Fire.
She launched a food delivery initiative called "YOU GIVE. WE COOK. THEY EAT." to provide meals to families affected by the fire.
Hermer was inspired to create the program while driving her kids and dogs to a hotel, thinking about the challenge of finding dinner without a kitchen.
The program operates out of Hermer's West Hollywood restaurants, Chez Mia and Olivetta.
She has raised enough funds to feed 250 families affected by the fire so far. (NBC News)
The Los Angeles Fire Department issued additional evacuation orders on Friday due to a new brush fire.
The fire, named the Archer Fire, is located near Bee Canyon Park in Los Angeles.
The department shared a map with details of the fire's location and evacuation zones.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra issued a public health emergency for the Southern California wildfires.
"HHS stands ready to support the health and well-being of all Californians impacted by these devastating fires, and to help aid the emergency medical response," Becerra said on X, posting an image of him signing the declaration.
World Central Kitchen (WCK) is actively providing aid in California during the ongoing wildfires.
Chef and CEO José Andrés shared photos and videos of WCK’s relief efforts on social media.
WCK has set up multiple food distribution points for first responders working on the Palisades and Eaton fires.
The organization is also offering meals to evacuated individuals and those who have lost their homes due to the fires.
Los Angeles County Emergency Management Director Kevin McGowan apologized for sending incorrect evacuation alerts.
He urged residents not to disable emergency messages on their phones, emphasizing their life-saving importance.
Evacuation alerts were mistakenly sent to all residents instead of only those in the evacuation order and warning zones for the Kenneth Fire.
L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger also received two false alerts.
Beverly Hills reported that some residents received a false evacuation alert from the L.A. County Fire Department at 4 a.m. Friday.
McGowan explained that the alert system is automated, with no one manually sending alerts.
The Office of Emergency Management is working with FEMA's Integrated Public Warning and Alert Team to address the issue and identify its root cause.
LA District Attorney Nathan Hockman warns that scammers are targeting wildfire survivors.
Hockman emphasizes his office is ready for potential scams involving insurance and government benefits.
Fraudsters attempting scams will face arrest, prosecution, and the maximum punishment possible.
Hockman stresses the importance of protecting vulnerable wildfire victims from exploitation.
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has directed his enforcement team to safeguard residents from fraud.
A list of verified organizations for donations is available at Recovery.LACounty.gov.
Hockman urges donors to ensure they know the recipients of their contributions to avoid falling victim to scams. (CBS News)
The CDC is advising California residents to stay updated on air quality due to the ongoing wildfire smoke. The smoke can irritate the respiratory system, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant individuals, and those with respiratory issues, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease, are at greater risk and should take extra precautions.
The CDC recommends staying indoors when directed by authorities, sealing off rooms from outdoor air, using portable air cleaners, and avoiding indoor burning to reduce exposure.
Gusty winds continue across Greater Los Angeles, with effects expected into today.
Winds have been slow to develop but are expected to intensify.
Winds are forecast to shift east, affecting Ventura County more.
The Eaton fire area will not see much wind impact, but the western Palisades fire area will experience strong winds.
Gusty winds from the north and northeast to develop Sunday, with stronger winds possible from Monday night into Tuesday.
Dry conditions are expected to persist through the middle of next week.
L.A. County apologized for sending erroneous evacuation alerts amid wildfires.
Some alerts mistakenly directed people outside danger zones to evacuate.
The alert was meant for areas near the Kenneth Fire, not widespread.
The Los Angeles County Coordinated Joint Information Center is working with FEMA to investigate the issue.
Residents can check AlertLA.org for the most up-to-date evacuation orders and warnings.
A firefighting plane collided with a drone while battling the Palisades Fire.
The aircraft, a Canadair CL-415 "Super Scooper," safely landed, with no injuries reported.
The drone caused a hole in the plane's left wing, grounding the aircraft indefinitely.
CAL Fire grounded all firefighting aircraft in the area for 15 to 30 minutes to ensure airspace safety.
The FAA is investigating the incident and issued a warning about the serious consequences of interfering with firefighting efforts.
Wildfire smoke from regional fires has led to unhealthy-to-hazardous air quality levels across Los Angeles County.
County officials urge residents to wear masks, such as N95 or P100 respirators, when outdoors.
The South Coast Air Quality Management issued an advisory, effective through Friday evening, due to dangerous air from wildfires.
Wildfire smoke carries fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is harmful when inhaled.
NWS Los Angeles forecast:
Warning in effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties through 6 p.m. Friday.
Strong winds and low humidity persist, increasing the risk of fires.
Critical fire weather conditions are expected across Southern California through Friday morning.
Wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph.
Winds are expected to weaken later on Friday, but dangerous conditions will continue.
Extended fire risk expected from Sunday to Wednesday due to moderate to strong offshore winds, peaking on Tuesday.
LA County Sheriff's Office advises residents not to return home too soon, says downed power lines, open gas lines, and damaged structures still pose life-threatening risks.
Sheriff on X said: “There are still downed power lines, open gas lines and unpredictable damaged structures that can cause serious injury or death. Please help us avoid using our resources to conduct rescue missions, as our focus is to maintain a high patrol visibility and prevent looters from entering the affected areas."
The Kenneth Fire remains uncontrolled, with no containment reported.
The fire has ignited northeast of Calabasas, burning across 960 acres.
The fire's perimeter is endangering residential areas on the outskirts of Calabasas, located about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of 900 additional firefighters to tackle the blaze.
Emergency response efforts continue as the fire poses a growing threat to local communities.
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has implemented a one-year moratorium to prevent homeowners insurance cancellations and nonrenewals in wildfire-affected areas of Southern California.
The moratorium applies to residents within the “perimeters or adjoining zip codes" of the Palisades and Eaton fires.
The move aims to protect homeowners from the stress of finding new insurance during the ongoing wildfire crisis.
Ricardo Lara emphasized the importance of helping Californians recover, stating that his actions are focused on ensuring wildfire victims receive the benefits they are entitled to.
The protections will remain in place for one year, starting from Governor Gavin Newsom’s emergency declaration on January 7, 2025, regardless of whether residents have suffered losses.
LA Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley warns that the city is still "not out of danger" from the wildfires.
"You can see the active fires that are burning with strong winds that are going to continue throughout the night," said Kristin Crowley.
"I can tell you and assure you that firefighters and first responders remain focused on protecting lives and property. We urge the public to help us."
US Olympian Gary Hall Jr. speaking with Sydney Morning Herald expressed gratitude for being alive, calling the experience "worse than any apocalypse movie you've ever seen and 1000 times worse."
He said he noticed smoke and flames erupting behind his house, witnessed explosions and houses catching fire.
He further stated Sunset Boulevard was gridlocked; people abandoned cars and fled on foot.
He said he saved his dog and a few personal items but had no time to retrieve Olympic medals, described the scene as "mayhem" with everyone trying to escape.
He said he lost all 10 Olympic medals, including five golds won at Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004, also lost world championship medals, swimming memorabilia, and personal belongings.
Acknowledging the emotional toll, he said, "It’s tough. It’s a big loss … and everything I own", adding he plans to sift through the ashes to see if the medals melted together but doubts finding anything salvageable.
Maintained resilience, stated, "It’s something I can live without. Everything is just stuff."
Los Angeles Wildfires LIVE: Given below is the list of celebrities who evacuated their homes:
Sir Anthony Hopkins
Tom Hanks
Miley Cyrus
Ben Affleck
Steven Spielberg
Adam Sandler
Jamie Lee Curtis
Mandy Moore
Mark Hamill
Los Angeles Wildfires LIVE: According to AccuWeather, the estimated economic loss and damage incurred equals to $135-$150 billion. However, the government has not revealed the figures about economic loss due to wildfire.
AP report suggested that the wildfire devoured at least five churches, a synagogue, seven schools, two libraries, boutiques, bars, restaurants, banks and groceries. Besides this, Will Rogers’ Western Ranch House and local landmarks dating to the 1920s, known as Topanga Ranch Motel, were turned to ashes.
Los Angeles Wildfires LIVE: University of Georgia meteorology professor Marshall Shepherd said, “Hurricane Helene, floods in Spain and the weather whiplash fueling wildfires in California are symptoms of this unfortunate climate gear shift," AP reported.
Los Angeles Wildfires LIVE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, donated supplies such as clothing, children’s items, among others to those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, according to media reports. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also invited friends and loved ones into their home who had been forced to evacuate.
Albert Azouz, a helicopter pilot who has flown these skies for almost a decade, observing the destruction from above on Thursday said, "This is crazy. All these homes, gone"
At a press conference on Thursday, Los Angeles district attorney Nathan Hochman described walking through Pacific Palisades to the remains of his sister's home as "apocalyptic."
Southern California Edison said on Thursday it had received notices from insurance companies to preserve evidence related to the Eaton Fire that is still burning in Los Angeles, but said no fire agencies have pointed the utility's connection to the fire.
"To date, no fire agency has suggested that SCE's electric facilities were involved in the ignition or requested the removal and retention of any SCE equipment," it said.
Kenneth Fire that broke out and expanded rapidly north of the 101 Freeway is 35% contained
massive blaze that erupted in the Pacific Palisades community earlier this week is showing very early signs of control, Bloomberg stated.
The Palisades Fire on the city’s northwestern edge is the largest blaze, with almost 20,000 acres burned. The uncontained Eaton Fire has destroyed swaths of Altadena and grown to 13,690 acres, while the Kenneth Fire was near 1,000 acres. The smaller Hurst Fire is 37% contained.
As per AP report, at least 20 arrests have been made for looting, and the city of Santa Monica declared a curfew because of the lawlessness, officials said. National Guard troops arrived in Los Angeles on Thursday evening. The county sheriff said to protect properties they'll be stationed near the areas ravaged by fire and a curfew was expected to go into effect from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m.
The Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city's western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena already rank as the most destructive in Los Angeles history, consuming more than 34,000 acres (13,750 hectares) - or some 53 square miles - turning entire neighborhoods to ash, as reported by Reuters.
More than 5,300 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the hilly coastal neighborhood of Pacific Palisades.
This has made it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history
As per Reuters report, about 17,234 acres are under fire.
As per LAFD alert, Red Flag parking restrictions extended to Saturday 10 Jan 8AM.
President Joe Biden said during a White House briefing with staff Thursday that he was making federal resources available and approved additional funding to help California battle the fires, saying they were the “worst fires to ever hit Los Angeles. Ever."
The new funding will cover 100% of the cost for 180 days for hazardous materials removal, temporary shelters, first responder salaries and measures to protect life, he said.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, more than a dozen TV shows have paused filming, and permits for some locations have been withdrawn.
Among the shows stopping production are:
Max's Hacks,
NBC's Happy's Place and Suits LA,
Apple TV 's Loot and Peacock's Ted,
all from Universal Studio Group;
CBS' After Midnight, NCIS, NCIS: Origins, The Neighborhood, Poppa's House (all produced by CBS Studios) and The Price Is Right (Fremantle); and
ABC's Doctor Odyssey, Grey's Anatomy and Jimmy Kimmel Live,
all from 20th Television,
and The Rookie, produced by Lionsgate TV and 20th.
The Warner Bros. studio lot in Burbank was closed Wednesday, meaning no filming several shows based there, including ABC's Abbott Elementary, The CW's All American and Max's The Pitt
The death toll due to the massive wildfires that engulfed whole neighborhoods and displaced thousands in Los Angeles have rised to 10. California's National Guard soldiers are readied to hit the streets to help quell disorder.
As per the report of Deadline, Universal has decided to cancel the 'Wolf Man' premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre on Tuesday. "Tonight's premiere of Wolf Man is cancelled due to sensitivities around the worsening weather situation in LA and related evacuations," read an email from a Universal PR rep.
At least 10 people have died in California wildfires that burned at least 10,000 homes, buildings and other structures.
The 2025 Critics Choice Awards set for Sunday, Jan. 12, have been postponed. The 30th annual ceremony would have taken place at the Santa Monica Airport Barker Hanger with Chelsea Handler as host for the third consecutive time. Now they are set to occur on Jan. 26 as per CCA CEO Joey Berlin as quoted by Deadline.
The Producers Guild pushed nominations announcements for its annual awards show to Sunday, January 12 due to LA Wildfires as per the Deadline.
The Sunset Fire broke out Wednesday evening and burned near the Hollywood Bowl and other iconic landmarks. Firefighters were able to manage the flames, and evacuation orders were lifted Thursday morning
Altogether the fires have consumed about 55 square miles (142 square kilometers) — larger than the size of San Francisco.
The Hurst Fire, which started Tuesday night, prompted evacuations in Sylmar in the San Fernando Valle
The Los Angeles Fire Department issued evacuation orders Thursday afternoon for a new blaze, named the Kenneth Fire, which broke out near West Hills, a neighborhood densely packed with homes in the San Fernando Valley about 11 miles (18 kilometers) northwest of Pacific Palisades.
It ballooned in size, charring more than 1 square mile (2.6 kilometers) within hours of igniting, and forced evacuations.
The Kenneth Fire exploded to almost 1,000 acres within hours, forcing more people from their homes, with over 180,000 now displaced, as per AFP report.
The Eaton fire erupted in the Altadena area, north of Pasadena.
It has burned more than 5,000 structures, which includes homes, apartment or commercial buildings and vehicles, as per AP report.
It also substantially damaged five school campuses in Altadena and scorched more than 21 square miles (54 square kilometers).
More than 5,300 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the hilly coastal neighborhood of Pacific Palisades.
This has made it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history
As per Reuters report, about 17,234 acres are under fire.
The flames torched iconic landmarks including part of Palisades Charter High School, which has been featured in many Hollywood productions, including the 1976 horror movie “Carrie" and the TV series “Teen Wolf."
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told a press conference he did not want to pronounce an exact number until it was safe for human remains detection teams to conduct house-to-house searches.
But based on the widespread devastation, he expected the number to grow.
"It looks like an atomic bomb dropped in these areas. I don't expect good news, and we're not looking forward to those numbers," Luna said.
The two biggest wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area have burned at least 10,000 homes, buildings and other structures, officials said Thursday as they urged more people to heed evacuation orders after a new blaze ignited and quickly grew.
The fast-moving Kenneth Fire started in the late afternoon in the San Fernando Valley just 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from a school serving as a shelter for fire evacuees and moved into neighboring Ventura County by the evening.
Dancer-actor Nora Fatehi, who was in Los Angeles, said she and her team were asked to evacuate the city in the wake of devastating wildfires in the US state of California.
“I’m in LA, and the wildfires are crazy. I’ve never seen anything like this. This is insane. We just got an evacuation order like five minutes ago, so I quickly packed all my stuff, and I’m evacuating out of here, out of this area," she said.
The flames marched toward highly populated and affluent neighborhoods, including Calabasas and Santa Monica, home to California's rich and famous
The areas that are on fire in LA are: Pacific Palisades neighborhood of west Los Angeles, Eaton Fire in Altadena, Hollywood Hills, Angeles National Forest, Malibu
A new fire prompted evacuations Thursday in and around Los Angeles even as firefighters aided by calmer winds saw the first signs of successfully beating back the region’s deadly and devastating wildfires, while the enormity of the devastation started to emerge.
The fast-growing Kenneth Fire started in the late afternoon in the San Fernando Valley near the West Hills neighborhood and close to Ventura County. The evacuation order covered parts of Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
California has seen other major insurers pull back on property coverage in the nation's most populous state as climate change makes wildfires, floods and windstorms more common and damaging. Of the top 20 most destructive wildfires in state history, at least 15 occurred since 2015. The data did not include the Los Angeles area fires this week.
In 2023, seven of the 12 largest insurance companies by market share in California either paused or restricted issuing new policies in the state.
That has made it extremely difficult for homeowners in high-risk areas to obtain or afford insurance.
