Here’s a summary of what we know about the historic California fires as of now:
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There are still 2 active fire incidents: The Palisades fire has burned 23,713 acres, and is 14% contained. The Eaton fire has burned 14,117 acres, and is 33% contained.
The Hurst fire has burned 799 acres and is 95% contained. -
Officials said the death toll is expected to rise after 24 deaths from all the fires have been confirmed so far. Officials also pleaded with residents to stay away from evacuation zones as emergency responders were searching for human remains among the wreckage.
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92,000 people in Los Angles county are under evacuation orders while another 89,000 are under evacuation warnings.
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Almost 10,000 firefighting personnel are dedicated to these incidents. Hundreds of firefighters have traveled in from other states and countries to assist in efforts.
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Dozens of arrests have been made in the midst of the devastating fires, including of those violating curfews, involved in drone incidents which have disrupted rescue efforts, and looting and burglarizing. Los Angeles city and county officials also warn those creating fake GoFundMe’s, price gouging, and insurance scams.
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Many schools in Los Angeles reopened today, including most in the public Los Angeles unified school district. By contrast, the Pasadena unified school district remains closed for the rest of the week.
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Corporations, many of which have headquarters and other properties in California – like Disney, Paramount, and Apple – have pledged millions to California fire relief efforts.
The fires wreaking havoc in the Los Angeles area began last Tuesday, and LAFD fire chief Kristin Crowley said today: “We are not in the clear as of yet.”
Key events
The Los Angeles county medical examiner has formally identified two of the victims of the Eaton and Palisades fire as Victor Shaw, 66, and Charles Mortimer, 84. Shaw’s family had previously come forward to identify him after they were alerted to his death in the Eaton fire.
Mortimer, who died in a hospital from a heart attack, smoke inhalation and burns, appears to have been a local realtor who lived in Pacific Palisades.
In the latest show of international solidarity with California, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine is ready to assist those affected by the devastating wildfires, with 150 Ukrainian firefighters ready to go.
In a social media post, Zelenskyy wrote, “The situation there is extremely difficult, and Ukrainians can help Americans save lives.”
The offer by the Ukrainian president comes three days after Donald Trump Jr, son of president-elect Donald Trump, responded to the Los Angeles wildfires by appearing to blame Ukraine . “Oh look of course the LA fire department donated a bunch of their supplies to Ukraine,” Trump Jr said in a post on X on 8 January.
Here’s The Guardian’s Kate Lamb with more:
Here’s a summary of what we know about the historic California fires as of now:
-
There are still 2 active fire incidents: The Palisades fire has burned 23,713 acres, and is 14% contained. The Eaton fire has burned 14,117 acres, and is 33% contained.
The Hurst fire has burned 799 acres and is 95% contained. -
Officials said the death toll is expected to rise after 24 deaths from all the fires have been confirmed so far. Officials also pleaded with residents to stay away from evacuation zones as emergency responders were searching for human remains among the wreckage.
-
92,000 people in Los Angles county are under evacuation orders while another 89,000 are under evacuation warnings.
-
Almost 10,000 firefighting personnel are dedicated to these incidents. Hundreds of firefighters have traveled in from other states and countries to assist in efforts.
-
Dozens of arrests have been made in the midst of the devastating fires, including of those violating curfews, involved in drone incidents which have disrupted rescue efforts, and looting and burglarizing. Los Angeles city and county officials also warn those creating fake GoFundMe’s, price gouging, and insurance scams.
-
Many schools in Los Angeles reopened today, including most in the public Los Angeles unified school district. By contrast, the Pasadena unified school district remains closed for the rest of the week.
-
Corporations, many of which have headquarters and other properties in California – like Disney, Paramount, and Apple – have pledged millions to California fire relief efforts.
The fires wreaking havoc in the Los Angeles area began last Tuesday, and LAFD fire chief Kristin Crowley said today: “We are not in the clear as of yet.”
Animal advocacy organizations like the American Humane Society are rushing to rescue and care for pets and other animals affected by the devastating wildfires.
The American Humane Society said 80 adoptable animals were transported to shelters in nearby states Washington and Oregon in order to make space in Los Angeles area shelters for animals that have been displaced by the wildfires.
The organization has also created a emergency relief fund for the animals.
Drone footage shows the scale of devastation in southern California when compared with Google Earth images from before the wildfires. Footage from Altadena, Malibu and Pacific Palisades shows buildings razed to the ground along whole streets in Los Angeles county.
Corporations donate millions to California fire relief efforts
Corporations are pledging money to support those affected by the historic California fires.
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Disney has pledged $15m for response and rebuilding efforts. “The history of The Walt Disney Company is inextricably linked to the greater Los Angeles region,” The company said in a statement. “And the destruction from the devastating fires affecting thousands in our area is truly heartbreaking.”
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Paramount said in an internal memo obtained by Variety it donated $1m and will also offer cash grants and temporary housing to displaced employees.
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Walmart committed $2.5m “to support relief efforts, including donations of food, water, essential products and grants.” The company said: “Associates, customers and members in the communities we serve are experiencing the devastating impacts of the wildfires in Southern California. Our thoughts are with those affected, and we are acting quickly to help.”
Sheriff Luna said there is an investigation into all causes of the fires within his jurisdiction, including possible arson or weather conditions.
No cause for any of the recent fires has been confirmed so far.
Bass initially refused to answer this question from the same news outlet, Sky News, when she was confronted in an airport.
Bass previously told residents last Thursday that cuts to the fire department’s annual budget have not impacted the city’s current ability to address the fires.
“I think if you go back and look at the reductions that have been made, there were no reductions that would have impacted the situation we were dealing with over the last couple of days,” she said at the time.
Her comments today now point to disagreements in whether or not the budget was even cut.
When asked if she owes the people of Los Angeles an apology for cutting the fire budget, Mayor Bass responded: “My focus is on us being prepared as a city for tomorrow.
She added: “we could face another difficult situation for thousands of Angelinos. When we are past this period, there will be an evaluation of everything that went on. And at that point in time, we will see there is not agreement as to whether or not the budget was cut.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urges residents to stand together.
“My top priority and the priority of everyone else is to do everything we can to protect lives.”
Bass said firefighting efforts are positioned in strategic locations, in preparation for the hurricane-force winds which could threaten progress.
She also announced that in-person local assistance centers will be operational seven days a week 9am-8pm at the UCLA research park. People who have lost critical documents like birth certificates or social security records can go there for help.
Officials warn against fake GoFundMe, price gouging and insurance scams
Officials speak from the podium, warning those creating fake GoFundMe’s, hotels from price gouging beyond the 10% maximum, and insurance scams.
Officials said billions of dollars are expected to flow into Los Angeles over the next months and years as a result of the fires, and they will monitor those trying to exploit this as an opportunity.
