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 of the fires around Los Angeles is reportedly about 60 square miles, larger than Paris.
The National Weather Service warned of a “particularly dangerous situation,” with critical to extreme fire weather conditions anticipated to develop into mid-week.
While peak winds will be weaker than last week, the agency said Monday the combination of low relative humidity and 20 to 40 mph offshore winds will “support rapid fire growth and potential for extreme fire behavior.”
The agency’s Los Angeles office said it anticipates gusts of up to 70 mph in mountainous regions.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said firefighters and engines were pre-positioned around the region, and warned residents to evacuate if they get the order to do so. He signed executive orders to help the city rebuild faster, clear debris and prepare for mudslides and flooding.
As of Monday morning, the fires have scorched more than 40,000 acres. Only 14 percent of the more than 23,000-acre Palisades fire has been contained. The Eaton fire has burned more than 14,000 acres in Altadena and Pasadena and is 33 percent contained.
Key Points
- Death toll: At least 25 people killed in LA wildfires
- Forecasters warn weather set up is ‘about as bad as it gets’ for coming days
- Evacuation orders across southern California to remain in place until Thursday
- Here’s where there are Red Flag Warnings this week
ICYMI: How you can help the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires
04:00
Josh Marcus
Charities and businesses are rallying to help the people of Los Angeles following the Southern California fires that have so far claimed the lives of at least 25 people.
With more than 180,000 residents forced to evacuate and at least 10,000 structures destroyed, many people have lost everything.
The fires have scorched more than 35,000 acres so far, with little containment. The Palisades fire, one of the most destructive the city has seen, is now at 14 percent containment after burning more than 23,000 acres, while the Altadena and Pasadena-based Eaton fire has burned 14,000 acres.
As thousands are feared to have lost their homes, this is how local organizations and charities are responding — and how you can help too.
Rhian Lubin has the details.
$2 billion Powerball winner loses home in Los Angeles fires
03:37
Josh Marcus
In November 2022, Edwin Castro was the lucky winner of a historic $2.04 billion Powerball lottery jackpot.
Three years later, and his fortunes have reversed.
A $3.8 million home he purchased with some of his winnings in Malibu was among the many structures scorched in the devastating Palisades fire, KTLA reports.
Here’s some of our past reporting on Castro.
Another fire breaks out near Riverside
03:17
Josh Marcus
Los Angeles-area firefighters have another blaze on their hands.
Crews began responding to the one-acre Jurupa Fire around 5pm this afternoon, according to Watch Duty.
The blaze is near the Santa Ana River, KTLA reports.
The station captured overhead video of fire crews battling a small fire on a hillside.
Sky5 is overhead of a brush #fire in #JurupaValley, where hand crews are seen aggressively working to contain the flames. Details: https://t.co/ZmHfbaBqrp pic.twitter.com/N67fc3WIjy
— KTLA (@KTLA) January 14, 2025
Republican leaders want to condition aid to California. Rank and file isn’t sure
02:30
Josh Marcus
The raging wildfires in Southern California that have ruined countless homes and livelihoods have now given way to the immortal question: How will Congress provide aid to the ailing state?
Under normal circumstances, this would be an easy issue. California is the largest economy in the United States. But California has long been a punching bag for Republicans and President-elect Donald Trump has long clashed with Governor Gavin Newsom. During the weekend, Trump reposted an image of the Hollywood Hills, replacing the Hollywood sign with letters saying “Trump was right” as the area was ablaze.
Donald Trump Jr. and Elon Musk have particularly swiped at the Los Angeles Fire Department for sending equipment to Ukraine. Ted Cruz, meanwhile, the senator from California’s mortal enemy Texas, faulted Los Angeles for cutting money for its fire department while allocating money for a transgender cafe and a social justice network on his podcast.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson told CNN’s Manu Raju that state and local leaders “were derelict in their duty,” and that “I think there should be conditions on that aid.”
Eric Garcia reports.
Governor calls for expanded legislative session to address wildfires
02:00
Josh Marcus
California Governor Gavin Newsom is expanding the state’s legislative special session due to the Los Angeles fires.
Here’s what the Democrat had to say of the decision:
NEW: I’m expanding our special legislative session to urgently help Los Angeles rebuild from these devastating wildfires.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 13, 2025
$2.5 billion to:
-Provide additional funding for ongoing emergency response
-Jumpstart recovery efforts
-Support the reopening of schools shuttered by the…
Map shows which parts of L.A. under red flag fire weather warning
01:30
Josh Marcus
Please note: If you cannot tell whether your specific community inside a Red Flag or PDS shaded area or not, assume that it is. The fire risk areas do not start/end as sharply as our geographic boundaries do. Stay safe neighbors. #cawx https://t.co/fZa2kEgeqn
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 13, 2025
Update: Containment inches forward on Palisades and Eaton fires
00:59
Josh Marcus
Firefighters are making slow progress containing the Palisades and Eaton fires.
The former is 14 percent contained and has burned 23,713 acres, while the latter is 33 percent contained with 14,117 acres burned, according to Cal Fire.
Mike Johnson calls for ‘conditions’ on wildfire aid
00:34
Josh Marcus
House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested on Monday that lawmakers might attach “conditions” to wildfire aid for California, where blazes in Los Angeles have killed at least 25 and burned hundreds of homes, one of the worst natural disasters in state history.
“I think we’re going to have a serious conversation about that,” Johnson told reporters. “Obviously there has been water resource mismanagement, forest mismanagement, mistakes, all sorts of problems, and it does come down to leadership. It appears to us that state and local leaders were derelict in their duty in many respects. That’s something that has to be factored in.”
“I think there should probably be conditions on that aid,” he added.
Johnson also said the aid could be tied into negotiations around raising the debt ceiling.
Read more.
Florida rep warns that conditions on wildfire aid for California is a ‘mistake'
00:14
Josh Marcus
Congressman Jared Moskowitz of Florida is urging his colleagues not to attach conditions to wildfire aid for California, as discussion ramps up in the GOP to potentially constrain aid or link it to wider spending negotiations.
“This is a Mistake,” he wrote on X. “If you start this, it will never end. When Dems retake the House, they will condition aid to Florida and Texas. Disaster Aid must stay non partisan. I would fight democrats should they try and do this. The Speaker can find many other ways to hold people accountable.”
This is a Mistake. If you start this, it will never end. When Dems retake the House, they will condition aid to Florida and Texas. Disaster Aid must stay non partisan. I would fight democrats should they try and do this. The Speaker can find many other ways to hold people… https://t.co/jlnYRSWd9K
— Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) January 13, 2025
Trump could visit Los Angeles next week to survey fires
Monday 13 January 2025 23:54
Josh Marcus
Donald Trump, who has long criticized California and its governor Gavin Newsom over the state’s fire and water policy, may visit Los Angeles to survey the deadly wildfires.
Trump is in talks to visit LA as early as next week to survey wildfire damage & review the state's recovery efforts, two sources familiar w/ the discussions told CNN
— Alayna Treene (@alaynatreene) January 13, 2025
"The president intends to go to California," a Trump adviser said. Timing is TBD & "Nothing has been finalized"
The Weeknd delays album and cancels show in wake of LA fires
Monday 13 January 2025 23:34
Josh Marcus
The Weeknd has announced he is postponing the release of his new album and cancelling a huge show in the wake of the devastating Los Angeles fires.
The 34-year-old artist, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, will now release his sixth album Hurry Up Tomorrow on January 31, a week later than previously announced.
A planned concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena that was set to take place on January 25 has also been cancelled.
He made the announcement in an Instagram post, stating: “Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, the Rose Bowl show has been cancelled and the album date has been postponed to 01.31.25.”
Kevin E G Perry reports.
Could more brush clearance really have stopped catastrophic California wildfires?
Monday 13 January 2025 23:15
Josh Marcus
As fires continue to devastate Los Angeles, critics argue that in addition to preparing for vulnerabilities in the city’s patchwork hydrant system, officials could have done more to prevent the blazes by clearing built-up brush and vegetation around the most vulnerable areas.
“The brush clearance alone, had that happened, would have just changed the trajectory of this fire,” real estate magnate Rick Caruso, a former Los Angeles mayoral candidate, told ABC 7.
Elon Musk, meanwhile, claimed that “crazy environmental regulations prevent building fire breaks and clearing brush near houses” were the “biggest factor” behind the fire.
These arguments are largely incorrect, according to fire experts.
More details in our full story.
More than 15,000 firefighting personnel are deployed across LA County
Monday 13 January 2025 22:41
Julia Musto
UPDATE: Resources continue to be deployed across SoCal to fight the Los Angeles wildfires, with additional reinforcements en route as we speak.
— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 13, 2025
15,000+ Personnel
2,400+ @TheCalGuard Members
1,460+ Fire Engines
80+ Aircraft
170+ Water Tenders
175+ Dozers pic.twitter.com/hD1sbv1UjC
Those impacted by the wildfires can have USPS hold or reroute their mail. Here’s how
Monday 13 January 2025 22:38
Julia Musto
Those impacted by the wildfires can have @USPS hold or reroute their mail here: https://t.co/411YJQhBbB https://t.co/GLY2Dsh1NE
— Supervisor Kathryn Barger (@kathrynbarger) January 13, 2025
Photos show what’s left in Altadena: Burned cars, houses
Monday 13 January 2025 22:30
Julia Musto
Karen Bass once insisted she wouldn’t go abroad as LA mayor. Instead, she took five city-funded trips overseas
Monday 13 January 2025 22:15
Julia Musto
Mayor Karen Bass directs the distribution of ‘hundreds of thousands of N95 masks’
Monday 13 January 2025 22:12
Julia Musto
I’ve directed the distribution of hundreds of thousands of N95 masks with help from our city council members and city departments to all City libraries, recreation centers and senior centers.
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) January 13, 2025
We’re working protect everyone from the impact of poor air quality caused by the fires.… pic.twitter.com/IMf7y6O6pH
FBI seeks information that leads to the identity of drone pilot
Monday 13 January 2025 22:10
Julia Musto
The FBI is seeking information that leads to the identity of a UAS pilot whose drone collided with a “super scooper” airplane conducting fire suppression operations at the #PalisadesFire near Malibu, California. Details & and how to contact the FBI here:https://t.co/0FCsCvrgGy pic.twitter.com/MiRuhWWeQP
— FBI Los Angeles (@FBILosAngeles) January 13, 2025
Firefighting assets are prepositioned around Southern California — including these trucks
Monday 13 January 2025 21:51
Julia Musto
In anticipation of higher winds picking up this week, hundreds of firefighting assets are currently prepositioned across Southern California — in LA, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. pic.twitter.com/0dJLmhKkbu
— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 13, 2025
More than 100 OC restaurants team up to donate 20 percent of Tuesday’s sales to help wildfire victims
Monday 13 January 2025 21:48
Julia Musto
More than 100 Orange County restaurants have teamed up to donate 20 percent of Tuesday’s sales to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to help fire victims, according to The Los Angeles Times.
OC Restaurants Give, an organization formed by three area public relations professionals, launched the project.
People can donate relief supplies to the EXPO Arts Center until 4 p.m. PST
Monday 13 January 2025 21:43
Julia Musto
If you are in or near @LongBeachCity and are looking for a way to help wildfire victims, you can donate gift cards, hygiene products, adult diapers, pet & baby supplies, water, batteries, tarps and camping supplies, to the EXPO Arts Center in Bixby Knolls today until 4pm. pic.twitter.com/otU75kbf8I
— Janice Hahn (@SupJaniceHahn) January 13, 2025
LA Department of Water and Power says there are billions of gallons of water available
Monday 13 January 2025 21:25
Julia Musto
LADWP crews continue to support firefighting efforts ahead of more high winds forecasted in our region. We currently have over six billion gallons of water available in four open-air reservoirs, along with nineteen water tankers. Read our AM update: https://t.co/S7G2qUB0ry pic.twitter.com/AJ2aGQ8LaA
— LADWP (@LADWP) January 13, 2025
This interactive map show homes destroyed, spared in Palisades Fire
Monday 13 January 2025 21:13
Julia Musto
❗️Preliminary damage assessment maps and recovery resources are available. Please note: Preliminary maps with damage assessments are incomplete and being updated daily. View the maps and resources: https://t.co/T86yaLbSGO. pic.twitter.com/fTRknYadn3
— City of Malibu (@CityMalibu) January 13, 2025
Here’s the link for the Eaton Fire map: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/eaton-fire/
UCLA is remote through the end of the week
Monday 13 January 2025 21:00
Julia Musto
BruinALERT: Campus operations modified & remote instruction for undergrad and grad students through Friday, Jan. 17 | https://t.co/zJ6XuzvAPF
— UCLA BruinALERT (@UCLABruinAlert) January 11, 2025
Forecasters warn weather set up is ‘about as bad as it gets’ for coming days
Monday 13 January 2025 20:41
Julia Musto
Extreme fire danger will continue thru Wed. PDS Red Flag Warnings are for the extreme of the extreme fire weather scenarios. In other words, this setup is about as bad as it gets. Stay aware of your surroundings. Be prepared to evacuate. Avoid anything that can spark a fire.#cawx pic.twitter.com/JedMNHvygB
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 13, 2025
California wildfires are impacting mail delivery. Here’s where affected residents can pick up their mail
Monday 13 January 2025 20:35
Julia Musto
The California wildfires are impacting the Postal Service’s ability to deliver mail and packages. For the latest updates and where affected customers can pick up their mail go to: https://t.co/8fFfWxXB9P pic.twitter.com/SbaVVaMfyO
— U.S. Postal Service (@USPS) January 13, 2025
Power outages spike across Southern California again
Monday 13 January 2025 20:33
Julia Musto
More than 92,000 California customers were left without power on Monday afternoon, according to tracker PowerOutage.US.
Of those, the majority were in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.
Map shows reach of Red Flag Warnings
Monday 13 January 2025 20:20
Julia Musto
Map of SW California and the current Red Flag Warnings in effect. All areas in red have a high risk for rapid fire growth if a fire starts. Areas outlined in purple are of most concern and are in a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS). Stay safe neighbors. #cawx pic.twitter.com/w1yN0jHS2O
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 13, 2025
Disaster resource centers will open to the public on Tuesday
Monday 13 January 2025 20:18
Julia Musto
Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers will open to the public on Tues. January 14 from 1PM to 8PM. Starting Wed. January 15 the Disaster Resource Centers will be available to the public from 9AM to 8PM. For more recovery resources, visit https://t.co/bC6KzjNy5E pic.twitter.com/OKkXQFTnfp
— Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) January 13, 2025
N95 masks are available at LA public libraries
Monday 13 January 2025 20:16
Julia Musto
N95 masks are available for the public at all LAPL locations while supplies last.
— L.A. Public Library (@LAPublicLibrary) January 13, 2025
Visit https://t.co/JnjThoc3Vb for hours and updates.
Emergency information and resources can be found at https://t.co/MVYckrkvBI. pic.twitter.com/7Zeb6VI17h
House Speaker Mike Johnson says he believes there should be ‘conditions’ on California wildfire aid
Monday 13 January 2025 20:13
Julia Musto
New — Asked Speaker Johnson about placing conditions on aid to California, and he tells us: “I think there should be conditions on that aid.” Said that’s his personal view before talking with the conference.
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) January 13, 2025
Also says “there’s some discussion” within the House GOP about tying… pic.twitter.com/CZmjZb7WLd
Southern California residents distribute aid as first responders and officials brace for more weather impacts
Monday 13 January 2025 20:12
Julia Musto
Newsom sparked conspiracy theories by hinting at invoking a ‘Marshall Plan’ to rebuild ‘LA 2.0.’ But what does he mean?
Monday 13 January 2025 19:56
Julia Musto
Bottled water distribution site open in Pasadena
Monday 13 January 2025 19:55
Julia Musto
Happening now until 3 p.m. https://t.co/iO4X6TfAQq
— Pasadena Water & Power (@PWPnews) January 13, 2025
Eaton Fire reaches Mount Wilson communication towers - but no impacts were sustained
Monday 13 January 2025 19:52
Julia Musto
#EatonFire
— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) January 13, 2025
Mt. Wilson Update
Mt. Wilson, known for its stellar views of the night sky and scenic backcountry trails, has landed a spot in many of the surrounding communities’ hearts. Fire personnel continue to keep their focus on protecting and defending this historic area.… pic.twitter.com/BXiBsr1hqg
What is a Red Flag warning?
Monday 13 January 2025 19:47
Julia Musto
Our @NWSLosAngeles office is calling for a Particularly Dangerous Situation Tuesday into Wednesday due to dry conditions and another round of veery strong winds - "Conditions are favorable for very rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior, including long range spotting, which… pic.twitter.com/HRUZctOhS5
— National Weather Service (@NWS) January 13, 2025
Lawsuit claims utility’s equipment sparked Eaton Fire, but officials say cause is under investigation
Monday 13 January 2025 19:46
Julia Musto
Multiple lawsuits were filed on Monday against utility Southern California Edison, with one alleging that its equipment had resulted in the Eaton Fire.
Edison has acknowledged that fire agencies are investigating whether its equipment may have started a smaller LA-area fire that broke out the same day, according to The Associated Press.
Edison said in a filing with the California Public Utilities Commission that “a downed conductor was discovered at a tower” near the start of the Hurst Fire that broke out in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Sylmar. However, it “does not know whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire.”
Officials said Monday that the cause of the region’s wildfires were under investigation.
With reporting from The Associated Press
La Crescenta resident recalls evacuation: ‘It was super apocalyptic'
Monday 13 January 2025 19:34
Julia Musto
La Crescenta resident Tim Kang recalled waking up early Wednesday morning as the Eaton Fire approached.
“It was super apocalyptic,” Kang told The Associated Press. “There was like trash everywhere, trees, shrubbery, huge cloud of black smoke in the background, no power, everything just felt like, ‘Oh man, the world’s ending.’”
The LA Metro is free while fires, winds continue
Monday 13 January 2025 19:15
Julia Musto
Given the threat that the fires and severe winds continue to pose to our region, I’ve authorized @metrolosangeles to continue free fares systemwide while these conditions exist.
— Janice Hahn (@SupJaniceHahn) January 12, 2025
These LA County libraries have FEMA staff to offer residents assistance
Monday 13 January 2025 19:13
Julia Musto
Seven @LACountyLibrary sites and the @cityofalhambra library have @fema staff onsite again today until 5 p.m. to help residents impacted by the fires. pic.twitter.com/BeOaMBYOp5
— Supervisor Kathryn Barger (@kathrynbarger) January 13, 2025
FEMA will be available today at the following library locations from 9 am - 5 pm:
— LA County Library (@LACountyLibrary) January 13, 2025
La Cañada Flintridge Library
La Crescenta Library
Live Oak Library
San Fernando Library
San Gabriel Library
Temple City Library
West Hollywood Libraryhttps://t.co/02kQs7DZxz https://t.co/dMNyumxtvs
