At least 10 people have been killed by the fast-moving wildfires tearing across the Los Angeles area, while a suspected arsonist, allegedly armed with a “flamethrower,” has been arrested.
The Department of Medical Examiner announced it had received notification of 10 fire-related fatalities on Thursday evening as the death toll continues to climb. It came hours after the Kenneth fire broke out north of the Palisades fire on Thursday, threatening homes near Calabasas and Hidden Hills.
The Los Angeles Police Department initiallysaid it believed the blaze was started intentionally. Later on Thursday, a man was restrained by citizens using rope and zip ties after allegedly attempting to light a fire in Woodland Hills, before being detained by police, Sean Dinse of the LAPD’s Topanga Division told KTLA 5.
The suspect, believed to be in his mid-20s, was armed with a “propane tank, or a… it was a big yellow tank, like a flame-thrower,” according to a local involved in the citizen’s arrest.
The Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive the city has seen, is now at six percent containment. The fire has scorched almost 20,000 acres, while the Altadena and Pasadena-based Eaton fire has burned 13,690 acres.
Key Points
- Death toll hits 10 in LA wildfires
- Arson suspect ‘armed with flamethrower’ arrested
- What to know about the new Kenneth Fire
- Mapped: Tracking the southern California wildfires
- Forecasters warn about increased risk of wildfire spread
Hurst fire grows as firefighters manage to get a handle on blaze
10:34
James Liddell
#HurstFire - Acreage increases to 771 acres as a result of more accurate mapping. Containment increased to 37%, with 477 personnel assigned.
— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) January 10, 2025
Evacuation Orders lowered to Warnings at 3pm today.
For more information please visit Inciweb: https://t.co/OPB7QPSZ3Q@LAFD… pic.twitter.com/Go77hJBGS8
Just in: Potential new wildfire erupts in San Bernardino National Forest
10:20
James Liddell
A new wildfire is believed to have erupted in the San Bernardino National Forest, according to a report.
The fire is believed to have broken out on Friday morning at the southern Californian forest, situated near the Coachella Valley, according to Wildcad, a dispatch system used for wildland fire agencies, and images taken from University of California San Diego and ALERTCalifornia.
According to California Wildfire Tracking, a non-official X account who has been tracking the purported new blaze, it has grown to one acre.
It has been dubbed the Shady Fire, according to Wildcad.
The Independent has contacted the LAFD for more information.
In photos: Firefighters battle newly-sparked Kenneth fire
10:17
James Liddell
Watch: Heartbroken mother confronts Governor Gavin Newsom over raging wildfires
10:01
James Liddell
Police arrest ‘armed’ Kenneth fire arson suspect
09:45
James Liddell
A man allegedly armed with a “flame-thrower” has been arrested after being accused of intentionally igniting the new Kenneth brush fire, according to police.
“What we know right now is the incident occurred; started here,” Sean Dinse, Senior Lead Officer of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Topanga Division, told KTLA 5.
Citizens restrained the suspect, who was allegedly armed, on Ybarra Road in Woodland Hills before police arrived at the scene.
“He had a propane tank, or a… it was a big yellow tank, like a flame-thrower basically. The neighbor said he saw the guy behind a van, trying to light something on fire,” said one of those involved in the citizen’s arrest.
10 killed by wildfires – but the true death toll remains unclear
09:29
James Liddell
At least 10 people have been killed by the fast-moving wildfires tearing across the Los Angeles area, as the death toll continues to climb.
The Department of Medical Examiner announced it had received notification of 10 fire-related fatalities, as of 9 p.m. local time on Thursday.
Officials have warned that the true extent of lives lost will remain unclear until investigators can attain access neighborhoods.
Milo Ventimiglia fights back tears while visiting rubble of charred home lost in California fire
09:13
James Liddell
Milo Ventimiglia fought back tears while visiting the remains of his house that was ravaged by the deadly California wildfires raging through the Los Angeles area.
The This is Us and Heroes actor was one of many Hollywood stars who lost their homes after evacuating Malibu on Tuesday (7 January) and, while surveying the damage for the first time, he emotionally reflected on the “heavy” loss.
He also described the incident as “life imitating art”, revealing it “wasn’t lost” on him that his This is Us character Jack Pearson saved his family from a house fire.
Jacob Stolworthy has the story.
Super Scooper plane makes emergency landing after hit by ‘drone strike’ while flying over Palisades fire
08:45
James Liddell
SuperScooper grounded after drone strike pic.twitter.com/a7ApxeNHm1
— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) January 10, 2025
Thousands of National Guard deployed to prevent looting
08:30
Josh Marcus
Looting will not be tolerated. These communities have suffered enough.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 10, 2025
The National Guard deployment will bring our total on-the-ground personnel to 8,000.
We will continue to use every resource available to keep our communities safe. https://t.co/8rw9SsfcWK
Lidia fire that spread to nearly 400 acres ‘75% contained’
08:17
James Liddell
NEW: The #LidiaFire is now at 75% containment inside 394 acres.@Angeles_NF and @LACOFD are making significant progress against the blaze. pic.twitter.com/TLLKUaaJMm
— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 10, 2025
Is the Hollywood sign on fire?
07:59
Josh Marcus
As deadly wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles County, the outbreak of a new inferno in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday afternoon led to the spread of fake pictures and video across social media claiming that the iconic Hollywood sign is ablaze.
Those images are fake and, at the time of writing, the legendary landmark is safe from the flames as the fire woud have to cross over a freeway in order to impact the sign. The fire has however impacted the lights that illuminate the sign, affecting its visibility.
At least five people have been killed by the out-of-control fires so far, with more than 1,000 structures destroyed and at least 150,000 residents forced to flee their homes.
Emergency responders are battling to rein in the destruction, although their efforts are not being helped by strong winds and dry conditions on the ground.
Joe Sommerlad reports.
NFL moves wild card game from L.A. to Arizona amid fires
07:30
Josh Marcus
The upcoming NFL wild card round playoff matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams has been moved to Arizona from L.A., as fires continue to ravage the California city.
“The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs, and the NFL Players Association,” the NFL said in a statement on Thursday.
The game, slated for Monday, will take place at State Farm Stadium, the home arena of the Arizona Cardinals instead.
PHOTOS: Destruction as L.A. endures another day of fire
07:00
Josh Marcus
Major L.A. utility hasn’t implemented common fire safety practices: report
06:30
Josh Marcus
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, a major utility for Los Angeles, reportedly doesn’t have plans to proactively shut off parts of the power system during windstorms to cut down on fire risk, a common practice in the wider industry, according to the Wall Street Journal.
“LADWP worked closely with the Los Angeles Fire Department to develop this emergency protocol that reduces fire risk while continuing vital functions powered by electricity,” a spokesperson for the utility told the paper.
The spokesperson added that the utility takes other safety steps like disabling technology that automatically resotres power to lines after outages to prevent sparking.
The causes of the blazes around L.A. are still being investigated.
The ‘super scooper’ pilots fighting fires across L.A.
06:10
Josh Marcus
Water-dropping planes have been a key part of the response to the L.A. fires so far.
Throughout the day, daring pilots have been guiding the “super scooper” planes just above the surface of the ocean, grabbing hundreds of gallons of sea water, then heading towards the hills where the fires around L.A. are raging.
Two super scoopers pick up water from the ocean to attack the Palisades Fire from the air.
— Cristen Drummond (@CristenDrummond) January 9, 2025
They lower to just above the water’s surface and use retractable scoops underneath its fuselage to draw more than 1,000 gallons of water. pic.twitter.com/PM8rDiiLwo
A lot of action with Water Scoopers today in the Palisades Fire…..@WCKitchen has two feeding stations here…#ChefsForCalifornia @CAL_FIRE making sure all firefighters are shown respect…. pic.twitter.com/qIXudgIyrm
— Chef José Andrés ️ (@chefjoseandres) January 9, 2025
Zachary Levi blasts ‘incredibly poor’ leadership for devastating LA wildfires
05:50
Josh Marcus
Shazam! star Zachary Levi has faulted governmental leaders for the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires, declaring that they must be held responsible for “criminal negligence.”
The 44-year-old Hollywood actor and vocal Donald Trump supporter recently appeared on Fox News’ Jesse Waters Primetime show, where he slammed California Governor Gavin Newsom for doing “nothing” to avoid these natural disasters.
“This is the most devastating fire in Los Angeles history,” Levi said. “My family’s from Ventura, California. I grew up there most of my life, and then I was in L.A. for 15 years.”
Inga Parkel has the story.
Hundreds of federal firefighters and aircraft are heading to L.A.
05:30
Josh Marcus
I'm surging every federal resource possible to Southern California, including hundreds of federal firefighters, 30 firefighting helicopters and planes, 8 DoD C-130s, and 500 military ground-clearing personnel.
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 10, 2025
We’re working with @DeptofDefense to identify what more we can surge. pic.twitter.com/kbFejPtfCo
Jamie Lee Curtis makes massive donation to L.A. fire relief work
05:10
Josh Marcus
Jamie Lee Curtis has announced a $1 million donation to support a fire relief fund as wave of devastating wildfires continues to burn across Los Angeles.
The Halloween star, 66, was visibly emotional when she appeared on The Tonight Show on Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday night to call for support for those affected.
Now, writing on Instagram, Curtis has announced that she and her husband Christopher Guest are making a substantial donation to help fund recovery efforts.
“As the fire still rages on and @calfire @losangelesfiredepartment and all the available first responders and agencies involved in fighting fire and saving lives are still hard at work and neighbors and friends are banding together to save each other, my husband and I and our children have pledged $1 million from our Family Foundation to start a fund of support for our great city and state and the great people who live and love there,” wrote Curtis.
All the details in our full story.
Harry and Meghan speak out on L.A. fires
04:50
Josh Marcus
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have issued a formal statement regarding the wave of devastating wildfires that continue to burn across Los Angeles.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live in nearby Montecito, California, where they are at risk of having to be evacuated and may face power outages.
A statement posted to their official website on Thursday (January 9) reads: “In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighborhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centers, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life.
“A state of emergency has been issued.”
The statement goes on to list a number of organisations that are seeking to support those affected by the fire, including Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, the LA Fire Department Foundation and the Animal Wellness Foundation.
Kevin E G Perry has the details.
WATCH: Aerial view of wildfires blazing across California
04:30
Josh Marcus
Containment of Palisades fire gradually increasing
04:20
Josh Marcus
Firefighters are making slow but steady progress containing the Palisades fire.
After spending much of the day at zero percent containment, that figure has moved up to six percent as of Thursday evening, per Cal Fire.
900 additional firefighters deploy to battle Kenneth Fire
04:10
Josh Marcus
The Kenneth Fire broke out on Thursday outside of Los Angeles near Hidden Hills and Calabasas, joining the multiple blazes already taxing the capabilities of first responders.
An additional 900 firefighters have been sent to battle the fire, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday evening.
NEW: 900 additional firefighters are now being deployed to battle the #KennethFire.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 10, 2025
Elon Musk’s Starlink providing cell service amid L.A. wildfires
04:00
Josh Marcus
Texting should now work in LA even when there is no cellular service if you use @TMobile https://t.co/sXIpGa1h0c
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 10, 2025
Trump names Fox News alum to post in Justice Department
03:55
Josh Marcus
Donald Trump named Fox News contributor and attorney Leo Terrell to a senior role in the Justice Department, serving as senior counsel to the assistant attorney general for civil rights.
“Leo is a highly respected civil rights attorney and political analyst,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He received his law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has defended many high profile cases throughout his incredibly successful career. Leo will be a fantastic advocate for the American People, and ensure we will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
LAPD describes citizens’ arrest of Kenneth Fire arsonist
03:50
Josh Marcus
The Kenneth Fire, which broke out on the Los Angeles-Ventura County border on Thursday, was allegedly set by an arsonist, according to the LAPD.
A group of citizens then detained the individual, LAPD senior lead officer Charles Dinsel said on Thursday.
Los Angeles Police says Kenneth Fire currently burning was intentionally set and suspect "was detained by citizens."
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) January 10, 2025
Burning now 800+ acres. pic.twitter.com/acJspnIJKF
California officials brief Biden on L.A. fires
03:30
Josh Marcus
President Biden is working with California officials to respond to the Los Angeles fires.
Here’s the latest on his activities, per the White House.
Today President Biden spoke by phone separately with California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Adam Schiff, Congressman Brad Sherman, Congressman Ted Lieu, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and Los Angeles County Supervisors Hilda Solis and Kathryn Barger to discuss the latest updates on the wildfires across Los Angeles.
L.A. fires death toll rises to seven: report
03:10
Josh Marcus
A second person has died in the Palisades Fire, CNN reports, bringing the estimated death toll from the L.A. fires to seven.
Here’s what we know about the victims.
Fire meteorologist predicts ‘last uptick’ in winds before ‘very calm’ conditions
02:45
Josh Marcus
The powerful Santa Ana winds that helped spread the fires burning around Los Angeles are expected to briefly pick back up overnight, before leveling off later in the week, according to a Cal Fire meteorologist.
“When the [Palisades] fire broke out, the area was under an extremely strong Santa Ana wind event and strong red flag conditions,” Rich Thompson said during a community briefing on Thursday, noting winds could reach 30 to 45 mph.
There will be “one last little uptick” in the Santa Anas overnight, and continued red flag conditions indicating high fire danger until 6 p.m. tomorrow evening, Thompson said.
Later in the week, an onshore sea breeze and “very calm, very quiet” conditions are expected.
Unfortunately, powerful winds will return by Sunday and extend into next week.
WATCH: Cal Fire updates community on Palisades fire
02:34
Josh Marcus
What to know about the new Kenneth Fire
02:20
Josh Marcus
Firefighters are battling a new fire on the outskirts of Los Angeles.
The Kenneth Fire began around 3:30 p.m. and has now burned 960 acres near the Los Angeles-Ventura County line, according to Cal Fire.
“Fanned by strong Santa Ana winds, the fire threatens nearby communities and infrastructure, prompting swift evacuation orders,” the agency wrote on its website. “Firefighters from Los Angeles and Ventura counties are actively engaged in containment efforts, deploying both ground crews and aerial resources.”
The blaze is burning near the Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, threatening homes in the nearby communities of Hidden Hills, Woodland Hills, and West Hills, according to the Los Angeles Times.
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday announced 900 firefighters would be deployed to fight the Kenneth Fire.
NEW: 900 additional firefighters are now being deployed to battle the #KennethFire.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 10, 2025
Harris cancels foreign trip as fires rage in Los Angeles
02:10
Josh Marcus
Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff have canceled an upcoming foreign trip as fires rage in Los Angeles, Harris’s office said.
“In response to the historic wildfires in Los Angeles, the Vice President has made the decision to cancel her and the Second Gentleman’s upcoming trip to Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany,” it wrote in a statement. “She will remain in the United States to support the federal response in California.”
How California firefighters stopped the Sunset Fire
01:50
Josh Marcus
In a rare bit of good news, fire crews were able to contain the Sunset Fire to just 43 acres, as other blazes rage across Los Angeles.
Here’s how it went down, according to California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Thanks to the coordinated effort of the Los Angeles Fire Department, aided by resources from around the state, the #SunsetFire was fully contained at 43 acres. https://t.co/wRbQuwkEcP
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 10, 2025
Numerous L.A. residents received mistaken evacuation alert
01:30
Josh Marcus
In addition to the very real threat of the multiple fires converging on L.A., Angelenos on Thursday also had to deal with a fake evacuation alert.
I have been informed the evacuation warning that many of us just received on our phones was mistakenly issued countywide due to a technical error.
— Janice Hahn (@SupJaniceHahn) January 10, 2025
A correction will be issued shortly.
“I have been informed the evacuation warning that many of us just received on our phones was mistakenly issued countywide due to a technical error,” L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn confirmed on Thursday.
LA County just accidentally sent emergency evacuation alerts to everyone in the county. This was a mistake. Horrible timing. https://t.co/RAAN01cNnM pic.twitter.com/PpflAezcmn
— People's City Council - Los Angeles (@PplsCityCouncil) January 10, 2025
Cal Fire encouraged by lower winds
01:10
Josh Marcus
A Cal Fire official said Thursday the agency got a “great” pause in high winds to launch further fire-fighting efforts, relaxed weather conditions that may continue through the night.
“We’re optimistic about tonight,” battalion chief Brent Pascua told CNN. “We’re not going to see those 80 mph winds that are knocking over trees.”
Death toll ‘will rise’ in coming days: sheriff
00:50
Josh Marcus
At least six people have died so far in the Los Angeles fires, but that figure could rise in the coming days, according to officials.
“I think the death toll will rise,” L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a Thursday new conference. “I hope I’m wrong.”
The six deaths represent a likely undercount.
“Right now, frankly, we don’t know yet,” he added.
Beyoncé’s mother loses Malibu house in fires: ‘It was my favorite place'
00:30
Josh Marcus
Tina Knowles, mother of pop star Beyoncé, is one of many notable people around the L.A. area who have lost their homes in the recent fires.
“It was my favorite place, my sanctuary , my sacred Happy Place,” Knowles wrote on Instagram, sharing a tranquil video of the view from before her Malibu bungalow burned down. “Now it is gone.”
“This could have been so much worse with out the dedication of the disaster workers and first responders,” she added. “I’m so sad for the people who lost the five family members. My deepest Prayers are with you !!!!!!”
Video: Fire-fighting plane scoops ocean water near World Central Kitchen site
00:10
Josh Marcus
Chef José Andrés’s World Central Kitchen nonprofit is on the scene near the Palisades fire providing food to first responders.
As chefs worked to feed the firefighters, water-scooping firefighting planes dipped into the nearby Pacific Ocean.
A lot of action with Water Scoopers today in the Palisades Fire…..@WCKitchen has two feeding stations here…#ChefsForCalifornia @CAL_FIRE making sure all firefighters are shown respect…. pic.twitter.com/qIXudgIyrm
— Chef José Andrés ️ (@chefjoseandres) January 9, 2025
Evacuations ordered in area near Kenneth Fire
Thursday 9 January 2025 23:50
Josh Marcus
Emergency officials have ordered the evacuation of those in the Van Owen, City Border, Burbank, and Valley Ricle areas due to te “rapidaly moving” Kenneth Fire.
LAFD: Evacuate now from the area of Van Owen/Burbank/Valley Circle. Those not in the evacuation area should shelter in place. Evacuation order for Kenneth Fire. Maps and information can be found at https://t.co/GihYtg2yPf https://t.co/M424CpFyJw
— LA City Emergency Alerts (@NotifyLA) January 9, 2025
The fire broke out in Woodland Hills, near the border of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, earlier today.
20 people arrested for looting so far, sheriff says
Thursday 9 January 2025 23:30
Josh Marcus
Looters have seized on the chaos of the L.A. fires to plunder homes and businesses, according to police.
“Twenty individuals chose to go into our areas and deprive these poor people who have been through so much of their property,” L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters on Thursday.
Fire death roll rises to six
Thursday 9 January 2025 23:24
Josh Marcus
At least six people have now died as a result of the Los Angeles fires with the addition of the first person killed in the Palisades Fire.
The city of Malibu confirmed the death in a statement to CNN.
“Although the individual has not yet been identified, this tragic news weighs heavily on our hearts,” Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart said. “On behalf of the City of Malibu, I want to express my deepest condolences to the loved ones of this person. Our community grieves with you in this moment of unimaginable loss.”
Where to donate to support victims of L.A. wildfires
Thursday 9 January 2025 23:10
Josh Marcus
A range of charitable organizations are doing important work to support Angelenos as they struggle with multiple historic wildfires.
The American Red Cross, California Community Foundation, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and World Central Kitchen are all accepting donations to assist on aspects ranging from food to shelter to medical supplies.
Video: Biden announces federal government will
Thursday 9 January 2025 22:55
Josh Marcus
The federal government will cover 100 percent of the cost of key parts of the response to the L.A. wildfires for the next 180 days, the president announced on Thursday.
“Folks, I want to underscore, I told the governor and local officials, spare no expense to do what they need to do,” Biden said.
WATCH: L.A. resident confronts governor while he’s on phone with Biden
Thursday 9 January 2025 22:40
Josh Marcus
A Los Angeles resident confronted California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday, demanding answers about why certain L.A. fire hydrants weren’t working and what officials would do differently to prevent future tragedies.
The exchange quickly grew heated, as the governor explained he was attempting to reach President Biden on the phone, while the woman insisted she be present for the call.
Watch the whole exchange below, via Sky News.
WOW. This woman literally ran up to Gavin Newsom on the street and demanded answers on his disastrous wildfires response — and she was NOT taking no for an answer. Good for her. pic.twitter.com/GNjUATtKXt
— Jake Schneider (@jacobkschneider) January 9, 2025
Utilities helped cause water shortage during fires: Biden
Thursday 9 January 2025 22:26
Josh Marcus
As fires continue to run rampant around L.A., officials have said they’ve at times had issues accessing enough water from hydrants to put out the blazes.
The issues have prompted some on the right to erroneously allege that California’s leadership has emptied the state’s reservoirs.
The actual cause of the shortage, President Biden said on Thursday, was that utility companies shut off power in certain areas to avoid power lines sparking new fires.
The lack of electricity then impacted water pumping systems.
Biden: The utilities understandably shut off power because they are worried the lines were going to be blown down and spark additional fires. When they did that, it cut off the ability to generate pumping the water. That's what caused the lack of water in these hydrants pic.twitter.com/N49KmMZrlI
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 9, 2025
