Southern California Fire Updates

Firefighters Scramble to Make Progress as Santa Ana Winds Ease

Fire crews working to subdue multiple blazes chewing through terrain in the Los Angeles area scrambled Friday to take advantage of easing wind conditions and build containment lines around the conflagrations that have claimed 11 lives -- before more powerful winds return over the weekend and next week.

Red flag warnings of critical fire danger will be in place for much of the L.A. area through 6 p.m. Friday, affecting the Santa Clarita Valley, Malibu Coast, Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Mountains, San Gabriel Valley and the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors.

Forecasters said those areas could see north to northeast winds of 20 to 35 mph, with gusts of 35 to 55 mph in wind-prone areas.

The Los Angeles County inland coastal area, stretching into downtown, will also be under a red flag warning until 6 p.m. Friday, with winds of 15 to 25 mph anticipated, along with gusts of up to 35 mph -- possibly reaching 45 mph in the Hollywood Hills.

National Weather Service forecasters said there would be a "significant drop off" in wind velocity Friday afternoon.

"This gives the area about an 18-hour reprieve in the winds (Friday night) through late morning Saturday before the next burst of offshore flow and wind begins later Saturday into Sunday morning," according to the NWS.

That weekend wind event "seems generally focused on the San Gabriel Mountains but probably at least some advisory-level winds down into some of the valleys and Santa Monica Mountains."

The NWS issued a high wind watch that will be in effect for the San Gabriel Mountains, western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area and the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway that will be in effect Saturday night through Sunday afternoon. Those areas could see winds ranging from 30 to 50 mph, potentially gusting up to 60 mph.

But more powerful winds are anticipated to hit the region early next week.

Palisades Fire Slowing, Containment Efforts Continue

(CNS) - The death toll from the 21,000-acre wildfire that leveled much of Pacific Palisades increased to five Friday, while fire crews slowly extended containment of the blaze to 8%.

The county Medical Examiner's Office reported Friday that it is conducting five death investigations tied to the Palisades Fire, and six more from the Eaton Fire in the Altadena/Pasadena area. The medical examiner noted that it cannot confirm the remains discovered in the fire areas are human until they are processed at the office's facilities.

On Thursday, representatives of the Medical Examiner's Office removed remains from the ruins of a home in the vicinity of Duke's restaurant in Malibu. Officials from the sheriff's department told reporters at the scene that deputies received a missing person report, prompting them to conduct a welfare check at the burned-out home, where the remains were discovered.

No other details were immediately available. Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart issued a statement saying the "tragic news weighs heavily on our hearts."

"This is a painful reminder of the profound impact this fire is having on our community," Stewart said. "Malibu is more than a city -- we are neighbors, friends, and family. Even when we don't know someone's name, their loss is felt by all of us. In times like this, we must come together, support one another, and show the resilience that defines our community."

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said another death occurred at a home in the 15300 block of Friends Street in Pacific Palisades. He said police and the medical examiner responded to the scene, and determined the death was "fire-related." No other details were released.

As of Friday afternoon, the Palisades Fire was 21,317 acres, with 8% containment, according to Cal Fire.

Containment of Hurst Fire Grows to 70%

(CNS) - Containment of the wind-driven Hurst Fire in the Sylmar area nearly doubled Friday, reaching 70%.

The Hurst Fire was reported around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 5900 block of Yarnell Street, near Foothill Boulevard, and within a half-hour had burned more than 100 acres, Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said.

As of Thursday afternoon, the fire was mapped at 671 acres with 10% containment, according to Cal Fire. It grew to 771 acres by 9:10 p.m. with 37% containment. The containment figure was updated Friday to reach 70%.

Evacuations were ordered for the area north of the Foothill (210) Freeway from Roxford Street to the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) Freeway split, but those orders were lifted on Thursday.

The Foothill Freeway was temporarily closed between Roxford and the Golden State Freeway on Wednesday, but eastbound lanes and mainline westbound lanes were reopened Wednesday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded the state a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help fund the fight against the Hurst Fire, as it also did for the Palisades and Eaton fires, according to the governor's office.

Firefighters Gain Control of Granada Hills Fire; All Warnings Lifted

(CNS) - Firefighters worked in the air and on the ground Friday to halt a brush fire in Granada Hills that briefly prompted an evacuation order as it advanced toward homes.

"Ground firefighters combined with the aggressive attack by LAFD Air Ops swiftly brought the fire under control and prevented any structures from being damaged or injuries sustained," the Los Angeles Fire Department's Margaret Stewart said at 1:24 p.m.

The fire was reported at 10:25 a.m. Friday in the 17200 block of West Sesnon Boulevard, according to Stewart. It was first reported at two to three acres, but quickly grew to 31 acres.

Broadcast video showed firefighters establishing structure protection as police evacuated homes in the neighborhood, with trucks and a bulldozer on the ground and air drops in the nearby brush.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered shortly after 11 a.m. for residents at Balboa Boulevard and Interstate 5 on the east, Tampa Avenue on the west, Sesnon on the south and Sunshine Canyon Road on the north. They were downgraded to warnings at 11:42 a.m.

Evacuation warnings were issued for the area between Tampa Avenue and Balboa Boulevard, and between Rinaldi and Sesnon. They were lifted at 11:42 a.m.

At 1:24 p.m., Stewart advised that all warnings were lifted.

SBA Offers Financial Relief to Victims of Wildfires

(CNS) - Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Southern California businesses, homeowners, renters and private nonprofit organizations following President Joe Biden's major disaster declaration for the Los Angeles County wildfires, the Small Business Administration announced Friday.

The declaration covers Los Angeles and the contiguous counties of Orange, San Bernardino, Kern and Ventura due to wildfires and straight-line winds that began Jan. 7.

SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman will join FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell in Southern California to assess on-the-ground needs and ensure the SBA is fully prepared to assist businesses, homeowners and renters impacted by the disaster.

Loans are available to businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory and other business assets. The SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofits to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster, even if there is no physical damage.

EIDLs may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other expenses that would have been met if not for the disaster. Businesses can apply for loans of up to $2 million.

Disaster loans of up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters also are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications as soon as possible. Applications will be prioritized in the order received.

Funding for the SBA's disaster loan program recently was replenished through the American Relief Act of 2025, signed into law by Biden on Dec. 21, 2024.

Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants also may call SBA's Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on disaster assistance.

Archer Fire: Firefighters Work to Contain Granada Hills Fire

(CNS) - Firefighters worked in the air and on the ground Friday to halt a brush fire in Granada Hills that prompted more evacuations as it advanced toward homes.

The fire was first reported at 10:25 a.m. as 2- to 3-acre blaze in the 17200 block of West Sesnon Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department's Margaret Stewart.

Broadcast video showed firefighters establishing structure protection as police evacuated homes in the neighborhood, with trucks and a bulldozer on the ground and air drops in the nearby brush.

The evacuation order for people who live near the Archer Fire in the 17200 block of West Sesnon Boulevard has been downgraded to an evacuation warning and the LAFD has lifted the earlier evacuation warning, says the LAFD's Margaret Stewart. The fire has grown to 31 acres, but crews on the scene report forward progress has been stopped.

Wildfire Resources

A message from the California Department of Insurance: Our thoughts are with those who suffered a loss as a result of the recent California wildfires. The loss of life and property in the communities hit by these fires is heartbreaking.

In an effort to assist survivors of these devastating fires, we are continuing to work closely with other federal, state and local agencies to assist in recovery issues related to insurance.

Please work with your insurance agent or broker, claims adjuster, and insurance company with a goal of achieving a settlement that you believe is fair and consistent with your coverage. If you have a question about your insurance or a dispute with your insurance company, please call us at 1-800-927-4357 or use the Consumer Hotline Chat button at the link below. We hope the guides listed below can help you understand some of the key insurance coverage terms that typically apply, prepare you for the process of making and settling a claim, and help you to avoid some of the pitfalls that can occur along the way.

Please visit the CA Dept. of Insurance Website for guides and resources to help wildfire survivors.

Kenneth Fire Burns Nearly 1,000 Acres in West Hills; Person Detained

(CNS) - Adding to an already brutal firestorm, another brush fire erupted in the West Hills area, consuming nearly 1,000 acres of terrain and forcing mandatory evacuations that were later lifted as the fire burned into Ventura County Friday.

Meanwhile, a person was detained for questioning Thursday in the nearby Woodland Hills area shortly after the fire started, although it was unclear if the person had any connection to the Kenneth Fire.

As of 11 p.m. Thursday, the fire was about 1,000 acres and 35% contained, according to Cal Fire.

The Kenneth Fire was reported around 3:30 p.m. in an area north of the Ventura (101) Freeway near Valley Circle Boulevard. Initially reported at 20 acres, it quickly expanded to 50 acres, and within 90 minutes it exploded to 791 acres, pushed by continuing Santa Ana winds.

A mandatory evacuation order was issued for the people between Vanowen and Burbank Boulevard, from County Lane Road east to Valley Circle Boulevard, but shortly before 5:30 p.m., that mandatory order was reduced to an evacuation warning as the fire burned its way primarily into Ventura County.

All evacuation orders and warnings were lifted as of 8 p.m. Thursday and deputies were checking the ID's of people moving through the area to be sure they were residents.

Police said they detained a man around 4:30 p.m. in the 21700 block of Ybarra Road after receiving reports of a possible arson suspect. KTLA5 reported that residents in the area spotted the man and held him until police arrived.

Palisades Fire Turns Deadly; More than 5,300 Structures Believed Destroyed; Containment Listed at 6%.

(CNS) - The nearly 20,000-acre wildfire that leveled much of Pacific Palisades turned deadly Thursday, with the city's fire chief confirming two fatalities, including one body that was removed from the rubble of a home along Pacific Coast Highway.

Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said during a late-afternoon briefing Thursday that two people had died in the fire, although no details were provided.

Earlier Thursday, however, representatives of the county Medical Examiner's Office removed human remains Thursday from the ruins of a home in the vicinity of Duke's restaurant in Malibu. Officials from the sheriff's department told reporters at the scene that deputies received a missing person report, prompting them to conduct a welfare check at the burned-out home, where the remains were discovered.

No other details were immediately available. Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart issued a statement saying the "tragic news weighs heavily on our hearts."

Speaking to reporters Thursday morning, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna declined to give any specific updates on deaths that have occurred in the various fires burning in the region. He previously announced five deaths tied to the Eaton Fire burning near Altadena and Pasadena, but said he wanted to verify details about other possible fatalities before releasing additional information.

Early Thursday evening, Cal Fire reported that the crews had finally begun establishing a line around the fire, with containment listed at 6%.

For the latest on all the fires affecting Southern California visit Fire.ca.gov. For LA County visit LACounty.gov/emergency or LAFD.org/alerts. For safety tips and other information on how to prepare for emergencies and evacuations visit fire.lacounty.gov.

Kenneth Fire Quickly Burns Nearly 800 Acres in West Hills Area

(CNS) - Adding to an already brutal firestorm, another brush fire erupted Thursday in the West Hills area, quickly consuming nearly 800 acres of terrain and forcing mandatory evacuations.

The fire was reported around 3:30 p.m. in an area north of the Ventura (101) Freeway near Valley Circle Boulevard.

Initially reported at 20 acres, it quickly expanded to 50 acres, and within 90 minutes it exploded to 791 acres, pushed by continuing Santa Ana winds.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage.

Evacuation warnings that were issued for the area bordered by Ingomar and Saticoy Streets south to Burbank Boulevard, from Valley Circle Boulevard east to Woodlake Avenue, were lifted.

By early evening, the fire had burned its way solely into Ventura County.

Update: Eaton Fire-Victims

(CNS) While the death toll from the various wildfires ravaging parts of the Los Angeles area remained unclear Thursday, relatives of four people who died in the Eaton Fire near Altadena and Pasadena paid tribute to their lost loved ones.

One of the people who died was identified by his daughter as Rodney Nickerson, 82, of Altadena. His daughter Kimiko told NBC4 that her father died in his bed while he was home alone at 352 Alta Pine Drive. She said her father bought the house in 1968 and she was raised there.

She described her dad as "funny, the life of the party," adding that he "loved sports, people, (and was a) very intelligent man. He loved to read."

Relatives said Nickerson's son tried to get Rodney to evacuate, but he refused.

Kimiko said her family has a long history in the Los Angeles area. She said her great-grandfather, William, was the founder and owner of the Nickerson Gardens housing project in Watts.

Relatives identified two other Eaton Fire victims as Anthony Mitchell, a 67-year-old amputee, and his son Justin, who was in his 20s and had cerebral palsy. Mitchell's daughter told The Washington Post that Mitchell and his son were waiting for an ambulance to pick them up, but they never made it out.

"He was such a jewel," Anthony Mitchell's cousin, Rita Cook, told KCAL9. "This is going to be a great loss."

She said she did not know if Anthony and Justin were sleeping when they were overcome by the flames.

Another victim was identified by family as Victor Shaw, 66. His sister, Shari, told KTLA she had urged her brother to evacuate the area, but he insisted on staying. She said Victor was found dead at the home, with a garden hose still in his hand.

LA-Area Hotels Offering Discounted Rates, Accepting Pets in Response to Fires

(CSN) - Looking to help people displaced by fire-related evacuations, numerous hotels in L.A. County and in Temecula continued Thursday to offer discounted rates and accept guests with pets.

The Hotel Association of Los Angeles' Board of Directors said members are taking in thousands of people displaced by the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires.

"Our hotels are also donating bedding and personal care items to temporary shelters," the board said in a statement. "We stand ready to continue assisting Angelenos and first responders during the crisis."

As of 11 a.m. Thursday, more than 75 hotels in L.A. have availability, and many are providing discounts, according to HALA. The organization recommends hotels in Temecula may be good options for the elderly or anyone who is seriously impacted by poor air quality.

Hotels with availability include the Air Venice, The Live Hotel, The Pierside Santa Monica, Hollywood Hotel, The Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles, Hilton Woodland Hills, Pacific Palms Resort, Best Western Plus Carriage Inn, Azusa Inn, Kimpton Hotel Palomar Los Angeles Beverly Hills, Temecula Vacation Rentals, and Domaine Chardonnay, among others.

Update: Hurst Fire

(CNS) A wind-driven vegetation fire in the Sylmar area was 10% contained Thursday, authorities said.

It grew to 850 acres by Wednesday evening, according to Cal Fire, but was 10% contained by Thursday at noon, stretching over 671 acres.

Evacuations were ordered for the area north of the Foothill (210) Freeway from Roxford Street to the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) Freeway split, according to the LAFD.

Evacuation warnings were also in effect for areas of Santa Clarita, along Calgrove Boulevard and the Newhall Pass, Wildwood and Eternal Valley, according to Cal Fire.

Evacuation centers were set up in Pacoima, Northridge and Panorama City. They are at the Ritchie Valens Recreation Center, 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd. in Pacoima; Northridge Park, 10120 Reseda Blvd. in Northridge; and Sepulveda Recreation Center, 8825 Kester Ave. in Panorama City.

Update: Eaton Fire

The Los Angeles County Fire Department says four firefighters have been injured battling the Eaton Fire, which has now destroyed 972 structures, damaged another 84 and threatened nearly 40,000 structures. Flames from the fire are currently advancing on Mount Wilson, which is home to an array of broadcast transmission towers utilized with radio and television outlets.

Update: Sunset Fire

Los Angeles city officials say the Los Angeles Fire Department has fully contained the Sunset Fire burning in Hollywood Hills area.

Update: Palisades Fire

The fire Has been mapped at 17,234 acres, with 0% containment, according to Cal Fire.

In a media briefing alongside city and county officials, police and fire chiefs Thursday morning, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said, "It is safe to say the Palisades Fire is one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles."

As a result of the extreme weather conditions, the entire Los Angeles Unified School District was shut down Thursday.

"The confluence of factors -- wind, fire and smoke -- have created dangerous, complex situations that present unsafe conditions for our school communities. Select essential personnel will be contacted by their supervisors regarding potential work duties," an LAUSD statement said.

Palisades Charter High School, an independent school, was already closed, and believed to have been heavily damaged by the fire. Several other schools were also closed Wednesday due to hazardous air quality, and some schools that remained in session did so while keeping students indoors throughout the day.

All school campuses in the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District were closed for a second consecutive day on Thursday. The SMMUSD issued a statement attributing the closure to "ongoing safety concerns and poor air quality."

Video from the fire zone painted pictures of total devastation, with flames jumping from home to home, structure to structure throughout the Palisades area. Damage estimates were still being compiled, but county Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Wednesday morning that at least 1,000 buildings had been lost.

The cause of the fire was unknown. It erupted amid fierce Santa Ana winds that forecasters called the worst windstorm in the Southland in a decade. The peak gusts of the wind event slammed the fire area between 10 p.m. Tuesday and early Wednesday morning, though red flag warnings of critical fire danger were expected to be in place until Friday evening.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued across a wide area generally stretching from Kenter Avenue on the east, Mulholland Drive on the north, Topanga Canyon Boulevard on the west and the Pacific Ocean on the south.

Marrone said there were a "high number of significant injuries to residents who did not evacuate, in addition to first responders who were on the fire lines."

With the fire expanding to the east, the city of Santa Monica issued a mandatory evacuation order for all residents north of Montana Avenue from the ocean to 11th Street, and north of San Vicente Boulevard between Ocean Boulevard and 26th Street. An evacuation warning was issued for all other residents north of Montana.

The city of Malibu also issued evacuation orders for the areas:

-- north of PCH, south of Rambla Pacifio Street, east of Carbon Beach Terrace and west of Las Flores Mesa Drive;

-- north of PCH, south of Budwood Matway, east of Las Flores Mesa Drive and west of Old Malibu Road; and

-- north of Rambla Pacifico Street, south of Pauma Road, Las Flores Canyon Road and Rambla Pacifico, east of Carbon Canyon Road and west of Gorge Road.

Other areas in Malibu were placed under evacuation warnings.

Evacuation centers were established at the Westwood Recreation Center, 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Pasadena Convention Center at 300 E. Green St. in Pasadena, and at El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills.

Large animals can be taken to Pierce College at 6201 Winnetka Ave., or the Los Angeles Equestrian Center at 480 Riverside Drive in Burbank. Small animals can be taken to the Agoura Animal Care Center at 29525 Agoura Road in Agoura Hills and Pasadena Humane Society at 361 S. Raymond Ave in Pasadena.

Sheriff: 20 Arrested for Looting in Areas Devastated by Fires

(CNS) - Twenty people have been arrested in the various Los Angeles-area fire zones for allegedly looting in the ravaged areas, authorities said Thursday as they vowed to crack down on any criminal activity tied to the disaster.

"This is simply unacceptable," Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said. "... I promise you, you will be held accountable. Shame on those who are preying on our residents at this time of crisis."

Sheriff Robert Luna said roughly 400 department personnel have been deployed in the fire areas and are patrolling for looters. He said it is a misdemeanor crime for anyone to be in an evacuation area without authorization, and committing a crime in such an area can be a felony. Luna said he is instructing deputies to aggressively enforce those restrictions and arrest people found in the burn areas.

"I'm going to make this crystal clear to everybody out there," Luna said. "Over last night and this morning, we are up to 20 individuals who chose to go into our areas and deprive these poor people who have been through so much of their property. Absolutely unacceptable.

"... If you are in one of these areas and you do not belong there, you are going to be subject to arrest," Luna said. "I hope that is as clear as I can make it."

District Attorney Nathan Hochman said "these criminals need to hear ... an unmistakably clear message that if you want to ahead and loot, if you want to commit burglary, if you want to commit grand theft ... you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will be punished to the full extent of the law."

"These acts are despicable," Hochman said.

Update: A formal press conference is scheduled for today (01/09) at 8:00 AM PT to provide updated information on the ongoing fires. In the meantime, here is the latest status of the active fires:

Eaton Fire has burned through more than 10,600 acres and is 0% contained.

Hurst Fire has burned through more than 855 acres and is 10% contained.

Lidia Fire has burned through more than 348 acres and is 40% contained

Sunset Fire has burned through more than 43 acres and is 0% contained.

Resources for Affected Residents -

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP):

Residents can check the latest updates on outages and restoration efforts on the LADWP Outage Information Page. LADWP also provides tips for managing power disruptions and contact information for support.

Southern California Edison (SCE):

Customers can check outage status and receive updates through SCE’s Outage Center.

Community Resource Centers:

SCE has established centers to provide support during outages.

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC):

Offers statewide power outage maps and resources (CPUC Power Outage Maps).

List of free and discounted resources available to wildfire evacuees and first responders

Sharing this update courtesy of NBC LA

Housing

Airbnb.org: Offering free temporary housing for residents displaced by wildfires in LA County in partnership with 211 LA. Impacted residents can request assistance for temporary housing through an intake form, which identifies those in greatest need.

Queen Mary: The Queen Mary has rooms available and is offering rooms at $189 per night including breakfast. More info here.

Big Bear: A collection of vacation homes and hotels is listed on this page, which has been created specifically for the needs of fire evacuees.

Visit Anaheim: People affected by the wildfires can visit Visit Anaheim’s official website and find special hotel offers and assistance.

Shelters

Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles

Pasadena Civic Auditorium: 300 E. Green St, Pasadena

El Camino Real Charter High School: 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills

Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima

Sepulveda Recreation Center: Address: 8825 Kester Avenue, Panorama City

Transportation

Uber: Impacted residents in LA County who’ve been ordered to vacate can get a credit from Uber to get to an evacuation site. The $40 will only be valid for trips to an active shelter and by using the code WILDFIRE25.

Lyft: Lyft announced those in need can use the code CAFIRERELIEF25, valid for 2 rides up to $25 each ($50 total) for 500 riders from now until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 15.

Amenities

AT&T: The telecommunications company is offering wildfire areas unlimited data, talk and text through Feb. 6. Find the list of valid zip codes here.

Verizon: The company are waiving call, text and data charges for customers in hardest hit areas. The company also deployed free WiFi and charging stations at three wildfire shelters.

Planet Fitness: Offering evacuees and first responders free access to their facilities, including showers, locker rooms, and WiFi. Offer is valid until Jan. 15. More info here.

Get more from NBC Los Angeles here

Calmer Winds Bring Hope for Containment, Says Fire Battalion Chief

Brent Pascua, a battalion chief with Cal Fire, expressed cautious optimism during an interview on NBC's "TODAY" show, stating that calmer winds could give firefighters a crucial opportunity to gain control over the raging wildfires in Los Angeles.

“If conditions remain as they are, we can finally make meaningful progress,” Pascua said from the Pacific Palisades, one of the hardest-hit areas. “This could be the turning point we need to establish containment and create a foothold for future efforts, especially if winds pick up again later tonight.”

The intense winds earlier this week, with gusts reaching up to 80 mph, had caused embers to spread so rapidly that firefighting crews struggled to keep up. Despite these challenges, Pascua shared a hopeful update, emphasizing that water pressure issues in parts of the Palisades had not significantly hampered efforts. “The crews I spoke with reported good pressure on main lines, with some lower pressure in cul-de-sac areas. But overall, they were optimistic about the conditions they encountered.”

Pascua also highlighted the resilience and determination of the firefighting teams, many of whom have been working around the clock. “The crews are exhausted, but seeing homes still standing after they’ve worked through the night keeps them motivated to push forward.”

While visual conditions have improved, containment has yet to be established for major fires like the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire. Together, these blazes have devastated thousands of acres and displaced tens of thousands of residents. As calmer weather offers a window of opportunity, crews are racing against time to build containment lines before another potential surge of winds later in the week.

More information courtesy can be found here, courtesy of NBC LA.

Resources for Affected Residents

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP):

Southern California Edison (SCE):

Customers can check outage status and receive updates through SCE’s Outage Center.

Community Resource Centers:

SCE has established centers to provide support during outages.

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC):

Offers statewide power outage maps and resources (CPUC Power Outage Maps).

Relentless Santa Ana Winds to Continue Raging Through Southland

Red flag warnings of critical fire danger will linger across much of the Southland for the rest of the work week, as Santa Ana winds slowly diminish but continue to blast the region at above-normal velocity and fuel fires that have burned thousands of acres, destroyed hundreds of structures and led to five deaths.

National Weather Service forecasters said that after an early "minor uptick" Thursday, the winds are expected to back down slightly during the day on Thursday, and "most areas should remain under advisory levels until Thursday evening when the next offshore push begins."

"But without the mountain wave activity this will be much more like a traditional (though still moderate to strong) event with gusts to 60 or locally higher across the mountains and up to 50 in the favored valleys," according to the NWS.

Forecasters said "winds will peak Thursday evening into early Friday morning, however, will not be as expansive nor as strong as this previous event. Humidity levels of 10 and 20 percent are expected, potentially lowering into single digits in some areas into Friday."

Red flag warnings that had been scheduled to expire Thursday night were instead extended through 6 p.m. Friday in the Santa Clarita Valley, Malibu Coast, Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Mountains, San Gabriel Valley and the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors.

Update: Water Warning

The State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water, along with the Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 29, advises customers in designated areas to use only boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking as a safety precaution. This is due to recent low water pressure caused by the Palisades Fire, according to Malibu city officials. The affected areas include the Sunset Mesa community from Topanga Beach and Coastline Drive on the south to Shoreheights Drive on the north, and from Topanga Canyon Road to Carbon Canyon Road in Malibu, which includes the Big Rock and Carbon Mesa communities.

New Fire Alert: Yet another brush fire erupted Wednesday in fire-weary Los Angeles, this time advancing rapidly in the Hollywood Hills near the popular Runyon Canyon area, prompting mandatory evacuation orders as the flames threatened homes.

The Sunset Fire erupted around 5:30 p.m. in an area near Solar and Astral drives, and crews on the scene reported the blaze was moving quickly uphill and rapidly threatening homes, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The blaze was estimated initially at 10 acres, but it grew rapidly and doubled to at least 20 acres in about an hour, according to Cal Fire.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for a sprawling area between Laurel Canyon Boulevard and the Hollywood (101) Freeway, from Mulholland Drive on the north to Hollywood Boulevard on the south.

Multiple water-dropping aircraft were being used in hopes of slowing the fire's advance.

There was no immediate word on how the fire started.

LAFD crews ordered several road closures in the area, including a shutdown of popular Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Crescent Heights Boulevard.

The Beverly Hills Fire Department is monitoring the Sunset Fire in the Runyon Canyon area of the Hollywood Hills, according to city officials. There is an evacuation warning for areas north of Sunset Boulevard and east of Coldwater Canyon Drive.

Wildfire Devastation: How to Help

As major wildfires raged unchecked and destroyed hundreds of structures in the Southland, driven by the worst Santa Ana winds to hit the region in more than a decade, organizations and residents stepped up to the plate Wednesday to help those affected.

The winds were fueling multiple brush fires in the L.A. area, the largest being a nearly 16,000-acre blaze in Pacific Palisades. Another massive brush fire in the Eaton Canyon area above Altadena claimed five lives, while other blazes raged in Sylmar and Acton.

Hundreds of structures were damaged or destroyed in the blazes, with more than 1,000 buildings believed to have been lost in the Palisades Fire alone.

National Weather Service forecasters said the windstorm was the worst to hit the region since 2011.

Here is a list of places to help:

-- Screen Actors Guild: To support impacted members of the SAG community, donations can be made to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, which operates a natural disaster relief fund.

-- GoFundMe: Wildfire relief sites include hundreds of residents who lost their homes to the fires and hope to rebuild

-- The Red Cross-Wildfire Relief: Financial donations to the Red Cross help people affected by disasters.

-- The Salvation Army-Donating Goods: Basic items are always a necessity for disaster survivors. Wildfire survivors most often need masks, bandanas, work gloves, and other protective clothing, bottled water and other packaged drinks, boxes, barrels, and heavy-duty plastic bags, and cleaning items such as rags, mops, brooms, and scrub brushes, among other things.

-- Direct Relief-Helping People Affected by California Wildfires: Direct Relief provides N-95 masks, medicine, and other resources to health care agencies and first responders in wildfire-affected communities.

-- Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation-Make a Donation: help firefighters and paramedics fighting wildfires across Los Angeles

Update: Expanded evacuation orders in Santa Monica

The city of Santa Monica has expanded a mandatory evacuation order to include all areas north of Montana Avenue from the beach to 11th Street due to the Palisades Fire. The order adds to the previously announced mandatory evacuations for areas north of San Vicente Boulevard from Ocean Boulevard to 26th Street. An evacuation warning is in place for all other areas north of Montana Avenue, and for all areas north of Wilshire Boulevard and west of 10th Street.

New Fire: Brush Fire Scorches 50 Acres in Acton Area

A vegetation fire quickly scorched about 50 acres of terrain Wednesday in the Acton area, threatening structures and halting Metrolink service in the area.

The Lidia Fire erupted early Wednesday afternoon in the area of Soledad Canyon Road and Bootleggers Canyon. Fire crews from Los Angeles County and the U.S. Forest Service both responded to the scene and quickly set up structure-protection units.

Metrolink suspended service on its Antelope Valley line between Vista Canyon and Lancaster due to the fire.

The cause of the fire was unknown, but it broke out amid continuing Santa Ana wind conditions that were fueling major brush fires across the region.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Update: The size of the Palisades Fire is now estimated at 15,832 acres, according to Cal Fire.

Update: Palisades Fire Burns 11,802 Acres

Driven by unrelenting winds, a massive brush fire engulfed over 11,800 acres through the Pacific Palisades area, destroying or damaging more than 1,000 structures and forcing thousands of people from their homes as it moved toward Malibu on the west and Santa Monica on the southeast with no reported containment Wednesday.

By 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, the fire was mapped at 11,802 acres, with 0% containment according to Cal Fire.

Air tankers and water-dropping helicopters made drops throughout daylight hours, and firefighters from across the region rushed to the scene Tuesday. With the fire raging out of control Tuesday night, the LAFD issued a plea for all of its off-duty firefighters to check in to determine if they could be deployed the fire line.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued Tuesday afternoon across a wide area generally stretching from Merrimac Road on the northeast, west to Topanga Canyon Boulevard and south to Pacific Coast Highway. The orders essentially cover the bulk of Pacific Palisades.

LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley told reporters Tuesday afternoon that roughly 30,000 people were under evacuation orders, with the fire endangering roughly 13,200 structures, including 10,300 homes. That evacuation area was dramatically expanded Tuesday night, stretching east to Kenter Avenue and north to Mulholland Road, still reaching west to Topanga Canyon Boulevard and south to PCH. It was unknown how many additional people were impacted by the expanded evacuation zone.

In a media briefing at 8 a.m. Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said there were a "high number of significant injuries to residents who did not evacuate, in addition to first responders who were on the fire lines," he said.

The Los Angeles Police Department went on a citywide tactical alert in response to the fire and dangerous wind conditions. The alert allowed the department to keep officers on duty beyond their normal shifts to respond to emergencies.

Update: Door Dash Suspends Service

Due to the region's wildfires, DoorDash service has been suspended in areas affected by the blazes. According to the company, service is suspended in areas surrounding Pacific Palisades, such as Santa Monica, Westwood, Brentwood and Calabasas, as well as in Pasadena, San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Northridge.

"What is unfolding in Los Angeles is devastating. Our thoughts are with those affected and we are incredibly grateful for the heroic efforts of firefighters and first responders," Julian Crowley of DoorDash says in a statement. "We deeply appreciate the patience and understanding of Dashers, merchants and consumers, and will resume operations as soon as it's safe to do so."

Update: Fire in Sylmar Burns 700 Acres Amid Windstorm

A wind-driven fire in the Sylmar area rapidly expanded to 700 acres Wednesday with no reported containment.

The Hurst Fire -- one of four major fires burning in the Southland amid fierce Santa Ana winds -- was reported around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 5900 block of Yarnell Street, and within a half-hour it had burned more than 100 acres, Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said.

It rapidly grew in size to 700 acres by 11 a.m. Wednesday, with 0% containment.

Evacuations were ordered for the area north of the Foothill (210) Freeway from Roxford Street to the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) Freeway split, according to the LAFD.

Evacuation warnings were also in effect for areas of Santa Clarita, along Calgrove Boulevard and the Newhall Pass, Wildwood and Eternal Valley, according to Cal Fire.

The 210 Freeway was temporarily closed between Roxford and the 5 Freeway, but eastbound lanes and mainline westbound lanes were reopened Wednesday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. The connector to the southbound Golden State Freeway was closed, along with a stretch of the 14 Freeway and the Roxford Street off-ramp of the northbound Golden State Freeway.

For the evacuation of large animals, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center at 480 Riverside Drive in Burbank is available, according to the LAPD.

The governor's office estimated that more than 44,000 people in the area were under evacuation orders, with 40,000 structures threatened.

Update: Eaton Canyon Fire Destroys Buildings, Forces Evacuations

A fast-moving brush fire in the Eaton Canyon area exploded in size overnight, topping 10,000 acres Wednesday while claiming two lives and destroying more than 100 structures while prompting school closures throughout the area.

The fire was reported at about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the hills above Altadena, according to Cal Fire.

Initially dubbed the Close Fire but later changed to the Eaton Fire, the blaze quickly exploded, driven by the same Santa Ana winds that sparked a devastating wildfire in Pacific Palisades and another in the Sylmar area.

As of 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Cal Fire reported the fire had grown to 10,600 acres and was 0% contained.

The fire expanded rapidly during the night and early morning hours -- the strongest hours of a windstorm that began Tuesday morning and was set to continue into Thursday. The erratic winds grounded aerial firefighting assets, and ground crews were unable to keep pace with the flames' advance overnight.

Firefighting aircraft were able to resume flights Wednesday morning.

Residents of La Canada Flintridge were ordered to evacuate by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Palisades Fire

Location: Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles
Size: Approximately 11,802 acres
Impact: Over 30,000 residents evacuated; numerous buildings destroyed; areas between Santa Monica and Malibu affected.
Response: State of emergency declared; firefighting efforts include aircraft deploying water; strong winds are complicating containment efforts.
Additional Information: The fire has led to road closures and power outages affecting over 220,000 homes and businesses.

Eaton Fire

Location: Altadena, near Pasadena
Size: Expanded to 10,600 acres
Impact: Evacuations in place; nearly 100 residents from a Pasadena nursing home evacuated.
Response: Firefighting efforts are ongoing; strong winds are exacerbating the situation.
Additional Information: The fire has led to school closures in the Pasadena Unified School District.

Hurst Fire

Location: Sylmar, San Fernando Valley
Size: Grown to 505 acres
Impact: Evacuations ordered for areas north of the 210 Freeway; no injuries reported.
Response: Over 100 firefighters on scene; ground resources deployed; containment efforts are ongoing.
Additional Information: The fire is threatening residential areas, and evacuation centers have been established.

Structures Under Threat

Palisades Fire:
- Getty Villa Museum: The grounds of this cultural landmark caught fire; however, preventive measures, such as brush clearance, have so far protected the main structures.
- Reel Inn: This 36-year-old seafood restaurant was confirmed destroyed by the wildfire.
- Palisades Charter High School: The fire engulfed the school after reaching the site around 4 PM PST. Fortunately, no one was present due to winter break.
- Palisades Charter Elementary School: The wildfire also spread to this educational institution.
- Beachfront Properties in Malibu: Several homes along the coast were destroyed as the fire spread northward.
Eaton Fire:
- AltaMed Medical Center: This healthcare facility in Hastings Ranch was reported to be engulfed in flames.
- The Terraces at Park Marino: Nearly 100 residents from this Pasadena nursing home were evacuated due to the approaching fire.
Hurst Fire:
- Oakridge Manufactured Home Park: Residents in this area were under mandatory evacuation orders as the fire threatened the community.

Current Power Outages

Los Angeles and Ventura Counties: Approximately 200,000 customers are without power, with outages reported in Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, and Burbank.
Southern California Edison (SCE): SCE has implemented preventive power shutoffs to reduce wildfire risks, affecting thousands of customers across the region.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP): Approximately 28,300 customers are experiencing outages due to the severe windstorm.

Resources for Affected Residents

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP):
- Residents can check the latest updates on outages and restoration efforts on the LADWP Outage InformationPage.
- LADWP also provides tips for managing power disruptions and contact information for support.
Southern California Edison (SCE):
- Customers can check outage status and receive updates through SCE's Outage Center.

Safety Tips

Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates from local authorities and utility providers.
Emergency Preparedness: Ensure you have an emergency kit with essentials such as flashlights, batteries, water, and non-perishable food.
Health Precautions: Be aware of the potential health impacts of power outages, especially for individuals relying on electrically powered medical equipment.
Fire Safety: Given the increased fire risk during wind events, avoid using open flames or devices that could spark.

Southern California Fire Updates

Resources for Affected Residents

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