LA fires live updates: ‘Particularly dangerous’ weather warning issued as winds increase in Southern CaliforniaPalisades and Eaton fires continue to rage through southern California as Santa Ana winds set to return
James Liddell, Julia Musto, Holly Evans
Tuesday 14 January 2025 16:32 GMT
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Newsom says LA wildfires could be worst natural disaster in US history
A new blaze, named the Auto Fire, broke out late Monday in Ventura County, California, and has already scorched about 56 acres, prompting a swift response from fire crews.
While it remains at 0 percent containment, it has been successfully halted to the river bottom area of Oxnard with no buildings in jeopardy, officials said.
Firefighters are bracing for the return of ferocious Santa Ana winds that are expected to fan the flames of massive wildfires raging across Southern California, as the death toll climbs to at least 25 people.
The combined area burnt by the fires around Los Angeles is reportedly about 60 square miles.
The National Weather Service has warned of a “particularly dangerous situation” in the days ahead as Santa Ana winds return.
Peak winds are expecte to be milder than last week, the agency said Monday, though relatively low humidity and 20 to 40 mph offshore winds will “support rapid fire growth and potential for extreme fire behavior.” Gusts of up to 70 mph are expected in mountainous regions.
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5 minutes ago
Number of residents under evacuation orders shrinks again as danger continues
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters on Tuesday that 88,000 residents under currently evacuation orders, and 84,800 are under warnings.
“There is a decrease in these numbers but, as our fire partners have stated, it is still very dangerous for the next 24 hours,” he said. On Tuesday, orders were in place for 92,000.
Luna noted that more than 600 National Guard members are deployed across the communities of Pasadena, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and other affected areas.
He reiterated that many people rescued by deputies who had waited until the last minute to leave had “significant burns.”
“Don’t wait until the order’s given.”
Julia Musto14 January 2025 16:32
21 minutes ago
‘Life-threatening and destructive and widespread winds are already here,’ warns LA City Fire Department Chief
“Life-threatening and destructive and widespread winds are already here,” Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley warned residents.
She said that the Los Angeles Fire Department had staffed all available resources, strategically placing fire patrols and engines in unimpacted high fire risk areas in the city.
Julia Musto14 January 2025 16:15
26 minutes ago
LA County Fire Chief: ‘Repopulation will not occur until all areas are safe. Period.'
“Repopulation will not occur until all areas are safe. Period,” Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said Tuesday.
He announced that a Super Scooper aircraft previously damaged by a drone will be available for wildfire response starting at 11 a.m. PST.
Julia Musto14 January 2025 16:11
29 minutes ago
LA County fire chief asks residents to understand power shutoffs are necessary for collective safety
“I ask all Los Angeles County residents in wildfire-prone areas to understand that the necessary public safety power shutoffs are gonna prevent our next fire from starting if we have downed power lines,” Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone told reporters on Tuesday.
“I know that this is a challenge, but it is necessary for our collective safety.”
Marrone also asked that unhoused neighbors do not start warming fires.
Julia Musto14 January 2025 16:07
33 minutes ago
Live: Los Angels County officials give wildfire update as dangerous weather warning issued
Julia Musto14 January 2025 16:04
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