Firefighters are bracing for the return of ferocious Santa Ana winds which are expected to fan the flames of massive wildfires raging across southern California, as the death toll climbs to at least 25 people.
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 they were last week, the agency said Monday that the combination of low relative humidity and 20 to 40mph 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 70mph in mountainous regions of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Governor Gavin Newsom said firefighters and egines 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 13 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 27 percent contained.
Key Points
- Death toll: At least 25 people killed in LA wildfires
- Evacuation orders across southern California to remain in place until Thursday
- Return of strong Santa Ana winds on Monday could bring ‘explosive fire growth’
- ‘Hopefully it’s just a bad dream’: LA fire captain loses home to Eaton fire
Bottled water distribution site open in Pasadena
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
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?
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
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'
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
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
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
More than 15,000 personnel are responding to LA wildfires
19:12
Julia Musto
More than 15,000 dedicated firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency support personnel are tirelessly working to combat the wildfires in Southern California.
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 13, 2025
While smoke has cleared in most of the areas impacted by the Eaton and Palisades Fires, evacuations and curfews… pic.twitter.com/oxaXFZ9Gjo
Oscar nominations are pushed back due to wildfires
19:10
Julia Musto
The Oscar nominations are being pushed back by nearly a week from their original date amid the ongoing wildfires around the City of Los Angeles.
Nominations will now be announced Jan. 23, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Monday.
Meanwhile, organizers said that the Grammy Awards would proceed as planned on February 2.
“In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort and unite like nothing else,” the recording academy said in a statement shared with The New York Times.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Health insurer Anthem Blue Cross plans to donate $10 million to help communities recover from LA wildfires
19:04
Julia Musto
Health insurer Anthem Blue Cross is planning to donate $10 million to hel[p communities impacted by the Los Angeles County wildfires.
“We want our associates, members, care providers, and communities to know we stand with them,” Beth Andersen, president of Anthem Blue Cross Commercial Plans, said.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Stop using Public Enemy’s ‘Burn Hollywood Burn’ on videos of ‘horrific’ LA fires, pleads Chuck D
18:58
Julia Musto
Nearly 900 California wildfire evacuees woke up in Red Cross shelters on Monday morning
18:58
Julia Musto
Nearly 900 California wildfire evacuees woke up in Red Cross shelters Monday morning, many of whom are struggling after losing everything. Thankfully, more than 350 of our dedicated disaster responders and volunteers are on the ground, ensuring no one has to navigate this… pic.twitter.com/MU79Qp2Gw6
— American Red Cross (@RedCross) January 13, 2025
Spencer Pratt sobs as wife Heidi Montag’ album hits No. 1 on iTunes after losing home to Palisades fire
18:56
Julia Musto
LA County firefighters are on the scene of a small spot fire but assure there’s ‘no threat’ to the community
18:54
Julia Musto
#SageFire - Soledad Cyn Rd s/o Ravenna
— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) January 13, 2025
ANF & LACoFD Firefighters on scene of a small spot fire. No threat to the community or National Forest@LACOFD @LACoFDPIO @CHP_Newhall @SCVSHERIFF pic.twitter.com/trdTtoKExG
Biden says nation is in the debt of firefighters, first responders working to save lives, fight LA wildfires
18:40
Julia Musto
President Joe Biden said Monday that his heart aches for the “innocent souls” lost in the wildfires across Los Angeles.
“Jill and I pray for them and their loved ones. We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the unprecedented ongoing wildfires across Southern California,” he said in a statement.
Biden said he was being frequently briefed on efforts to supress the fires in the county, and had directed his administration to respond promptly to any request for additional federal firefighting assistance. He wrote that his administration remains “laser-focused” on helping survivors and using “every tool available to support the urgent firefight.”
“To the brave firefighters and first responders working day and night to suppress these fires and save lives: our nation is grateful. You represent the best of America and we are in your debt,” Biden said.
In photos: Los Angeles County wildfire response continues as residents brace for more critical fire weather
18:35
Julia Musto
More than 425 homes have been destroyed in the Malibu and Pacific Palisades area
18:24
Julia Musto
More than 425 homes were confirmed destroyed in the Malibu and Pacific Palisades area due to the Palisades Fire, according to the City of Malibu.
The city’s government said in a Monday update that damage assessments were underway and that numbers were subject to change.
“At this time, the fire has extended beyond the burn scar of the Franklin Fire, although it is not advancing further into the Malibu City limits,” it said.
LA fire latest: 26 missing in the City of Los Angeles with two deceased and six ‘unaccounted for’
18:12
Julia Musto
Beyoncé pledges $2.5m to LA fire relief after blazes ravage California homes
18:09
Julia Musto
Super Scooper aircraft damaged by drone is expected to fly again by Tuesday
18:05
Julia Musto
A firefighting plane that was damaged by a drone last week has since been repaired.
The aircraft is expected to fly again by Tuesday, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone.
Watch: Recreation of LA walking tour shows before and after the devastating wildfires
18:00
James Liddell
Here’s what to know about Southern California weather this week
17:57
Julia Musto
Winds are expected to peak between 40 and 50mph across coastal Southern California on Monday.
Forecasters said conditions are expected to deteriorate by Tuesday morning, with wind gusts near 70mph possible.
“When combined with low relative humidities and a lack of recent rainfall (dry fuels), a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning has been issued for Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties from Monday night through Wednesday morning,” the National Weather Service said. “These locations will be under a high risk for large fires with potential for very rapid spreading of any fires that may develop.”
The National Weather Service has issued “Particularly Dangerous Situation” warnings four times in the last three months.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 13, 2025
The first preceded the Mountain Fire (Ventura) - 243 structures destroyed.
The second preceded the Franklin Fire (Malibu) - 20 structures destroyed.
The…
MTG suggests cloud seeding could stop LA wildfires months after implying it was used to create hurricanes
17:53
Julia Musto
Death toll in Palisades and Eaton Fires rises to 25
17:50
Julia Musto
The number of confirmed deaths from the Palisades and Eaton Fires jumped to 25 on Monday, according to The Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles County medical examiner and Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, the publication said eight of the victims had died in the Palisades Fire and 17 in the Eaton Fire.
Newsom’s ‘California Fire Facts’ web page seeks to combat swirling misinformation
17:37
Julia Musto
A web page created by California Governor Gavin Newsom seeks to combat some misinformation about the California wildfires and the state’s response, including that its policy on the endangered Bay-Delta Longfin Smelt fish led to the blazes.
I’ve lived through terrible wildfires in Australia – here’s what LA must do now
17:35
Julia Musto
AP PHOTOS: Amid charred neighborhoods, a handful of L.A. homes remain untouched
17:26
Julia Musto
Sheriff Robert Luna on cause of major wildfires: ‘We’re looking at everything'
17:25
Julia Musto
Officials said that the cause of the Palisades and Eaton Fires remain under active investigation.
“We’re looking at everything,” Sheriff Robert Luna said.
“When we are passed this period, there will be an evaluation of everything that went on,” Mayor Karen Bass said earlier, referring to the fire budget.
$83m mansion featured in Succession ‘destroyed’
17:23
James Liddell
A mansion featured in the HBO show Succession was reportedly destroyed in the wildfires that have ravaged over 40,000 acres across Los Angeles and resulted in at least 24 deaths.
The estate appears in the fourth season premiere of Succession. It is where the Roy siblings – Kendall, Shiv and Roman, played by Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook and Kieran Culkin – meet to figure out their next moves after the family patriarch, Brian Cox’s Logan Roy, announces in the season three finale that he is selling the Waystar Royco conglomerate to Lukas Mattson, a tech billionaire played by Alexander Skarsgård.
The home, reportedly bought by Luminar Technologies CEO Austin Russell for $83m in 2021, is seen reduced to rubble in photos published by the Daily Mail.
Shahana Yasmin has the story.
Marrone says officials are ‘absolutely better prepared’ for this critical fire weather
17:22
Julia Musto
Answering a question from Sky News on Monday, Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said that officials are “absolutely better prepared” for the particularly dangerous situation and red flag warnings.
“I think that we’re very well-prepared for the next event. But ... we’re never sure that we’re going to be able to catch the next fire and keep it small. They said 70 mile an hour winds. It’s going to be very difficult to contain that fire,” he explained.
Cal Fire’s Gerry Magana told reporters that any wind speeds over 40mph are an issue for most aircraft.
Palisades Fire ‘continues to hold’ along Mandevile Canyon as smoke, ocean advisories continue
17:18
Julia Musto
“The fire continues to hold along Mandeville Canyon...” Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ Lindsey Horvath told reporters on Monday.
She said that there were 540 engines and 44 helicopters assigned to the more than 23,000-acre Palisades Fire.
Horvath noted that a smoke advisory in the area continues through next week, and cautioned residents to avoid certain beaches due to ocean contamination.
“The Department advises beach users to avoid all water contact, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers, due to potential debris and contamination from fires. This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand,” the county’s Department of Public Health warned on Friday. “An ocean water advisory is being issued because of the uncertain amount of fire-fighting runoff, which may contain toxic chemicals and debris that have entered the ocean during fire-fighting operations.”
LA fires: Is it safe to travel to California and is LAX closed?
17:12
Julia Musto
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says water tankers are being deployed to augment supply for firefighters
17:11
Julia Musto
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass sought to warn her city’s residents about expected nearly hurricane-force level winds this week.
She assured that officials and first responders were “making urgent preparations” as the winds stirred on Monday, with personnel in proactive and strategic postures.
“DWP is deploying water tankers to augment water supply for firefighters,” Bass said of the city’s Department of Water and Power.
Over 8.5 billion gallons of water are available in LADWP’s open-air reservoirs, including Hollywood Reservoir, Lower Stone Canyon and the Encino Reservoirs. All have been used to directly support aerial firefighting efforts and continue to be available. https://t.co/hR4VzRbXoC pic.twitter.com/NqaGMvYNah
— LADWP (@LADWP) January 12, 2025
“As the winds pick up, please stay safe. Please heed the call to evacuate, should you receive that. And, remember to heed all public safety guidance.”
More than 20 people are missing in the Eaton and Palisades Fires
17:05
Julia Musto
A curfew is still in effect in mandatory evacuation areas from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. PST. However, Sheriff Robert Luna said it was subject to change depending on need.
The sheriff reported dozens of arrests around the Eaton and Palisades Fires, including for curfew violations. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the first charges had been brought for looting and arson. The arson charge was not tied to the major fires.
“If you do not have business in the evacuation area, do not go there,” he said.
Luna also noted that more than 20 people remain missing, with the majority in the Eaton Fire.
Who are the LA wildfire victims?
17:00
James Liddell
Wildfires have ravaged more than 40,000 acres across Los Angeles, resulting in at least 24 deaths.
The Pacific Palisades fire, one of the most destructive the city has seen, is now at 13 percent containment.
The fire as of Sunday had scorched more than 23.000 acres, while the Altadena and Pasadena-based Eaton fire has burned 14,117 acres, according to figures from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
More than 12,000 structures, including homes and local landmarks, have been consumed by the blazes, and thousands of residents have evacuated.
The Los Angeles medical examiner announced it received notification of 24 fire-related fatalities on Saturday with the death toll expected to climb.
Here’s what we know about the victims:
Evacuation order, warning numbers go down: Sheriff Robert Luna
16:59
Julia Musto
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters on Monday that more than a thousand deputies had been working 12 hour shifts. In addiiton, over 170 California Highway Patrol officers were deployed.
He noted that evacuation orders had shrunk somewhat since the weekend, with approximately 92,000 people under orders and 89,000 under warnings.
“In every conversation we’re having about evacuations, warnings ... the conversation about repopulation is on all of our minds,” he said.
“We are hearing our community loud and clear and we want to get you in there as soon as possible,” Luna added.
But, dangers to the area remain and authorities were still running across human remains. He asked people for their patience.
“We have people literally looking for the remains of your neighbors.”
16:45
Julia Musto
“We are so very grateful for the firefighters and the first responders that have already arrived and continued to arrive in Southern California,” Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley told reporters.
She noted that while winds were increasing, they had increased response capabilities ahead of the wind event and strategically prepositioned engine strike teams and task forces.
Crowley said that crews had made “excellent, excellent” work overnight on the Palisades Fire. More than 5,100 personnel are assigned to the incident.
“We must not let our guard down,” she added.
Moment man breaks down in street as missing dog found after five days
16:42
James Liddell
LA County Fire Chief: Eaton Fire gains no acreage
16:30
Julia Musto
The Eaton Fire gained no acreage between Sunday and Monday, according to Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. He said that more than 3,400 personnel were assigned to the incident and that more than a quarter of damgage inspections had been conducted.
“Severe fire weather conditions will continue through Wednesday. Please be assured that all [authorities] ... will be prepared,” he told the community.
Marrone also sought to address complaints about recent Public Safety Power Shutoffs, which he stressed were important for the region’s collective safety in preventing the next disaster.
“Please be assured that your firefighters continue to work toward full containment,” Marrone said.
Dennis Quaid emotionally reveals ‘many of his friends have lost’ their homes
16:24
James Liddell
Dennis Quaid says that “many of his friends” have lost their homes amid the devastating wildfires that continue to tear through several neighborhoods in Southern California.
The 70-year-old Reagan actor, who lives in the Brentwood area of the city, discussed the catastrophic blazes with NBC 4 Los Angeles.
“We’ve had it lucky,” Quaid said of him and his wife Laura Savoie. “I’ve have so many friends who have lost (homes). My agent, he lost both of his houses, and another good friend over at Palisades had just moved into a house and was renting the other one. He lost both of them.
Read more:
Power outages in California now exceed 50,000
16:02
Julia Musto
More than 52,000 customers were left without power on Monday morning, according to tracker PowerOutage.US.
Of those, nearly 33,000 were in Los Angeles County.
How California wildfires could be leaving deeper inequality in their wake
16:00
Julia Musto
A windblown dust advisory is in effect through Tuesday
15:59
Julia Musto
WINDBLOWN DUST ADVISORY UPDATE (Sunday, January 12 - Tuesday, January 14):
— South Coast AQMD (@SouthCoastAQMD) January 13, 2025
Windblown Dust Advisory has been extended throughout the area: https://t.co/Y158OoPtBX pic.twitter.com/nBUBTkbGm2
A man impersonating a firefighter was arrested for reportedly attempting to burglarize a home
15:57
Julia Musto
A man was reportedly arrested Saturday night in the area of the Palisades Fire.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Sunday that deputies had caught the suspect burglarizing a home and were turning him over to the Los Angeles Police Department, according to Fox 11 Los Angeles.
“When I was out there in the Malibu area, I saw a gentleman that looked like a firefighter. And I asked him if he was okay because he was sitting down - I didn’t realize we had him in handcuffs,” Luna said.
Catch up with the latest: What we know about victims of ‘most destructive’ fire in LA history
15:57
James Liddell
Wildfires have ravaged more than 39,000 acres in Los Angeles, killing at least 16 people, with at least 13 missing and countless others injured.
The Pacific Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive the city has seen, is now at 11 percent containment. The fire as of Sunday had scorched 23,707 acres, while the Altadena and Pasadena-based Eaton fire has burned 14,117 acres, according to figures from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Read more here:
Firefighters make progress on Eaton Fire containment, up 6 percent over last night
15:51
Julia Musto
#EatonFire Daily Update January 13, 2025
— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) January 13, 2025
Last night, firefighters continued active patrol and mop up, mitigating smoke and
heat sources. Minimal fire activity was observed overnight, with smoldering and creeping. Individual pockets of unburned fuel continued to present… pic.twitter.com/hbasuJh0sp
Tap water use may resume in areas affected by Eaton Fire
15:40
James Liddell
Areas near the Eaton Fire that were ordered to cease using tap water may be able to resume using it beginning on Monday, the chief of the Pasadena Fire Department said.
Chief Chad Augustin said he expects up to 90 percent of the areas could resume using tap water.
LA County schools begin to reopen
15:36
Julia Musto
In the midst of ongoing wildfires and uncertainty, @LASchools is here to support our families. As we begin reopening some of our schools tomorrow, we recognize the challenges many are facing. To help you through this difficult time, we’ve created the Family and Community Recovery… pic.twitter.com/6VkHBSOc8z
— Los Angeles Unified (@LASchools) January 13, 2025
Los Angeles Unified Will Reopen Most Schools and All Offices on Monday, Jan. 13, 5:00 a.m.
— Los Angeles Unified (@LASchools) January 13, 2025
El Distrito Escolar Unificado de Los Ángeles reabrirá la mayoría de las escuelas y todas las oficinas el lunes 13 de enero, 5:00 a.m. pic.twitter.com/7tnTTahZjB
LA County Parks opens care camps for families impacted by the Eaton Fire
15:35
Julia Musto
LA County officials to host press conference at 8 a.m. PST
15:33
Julia Musto
At 8:00 AM today, LA County and City officials will host a One Voice Press Conference to present the latest updates on impacts from the windstorm event affecting the region.
— Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) January 13, 2025
Watch live at:https://t.co/TmCDTmwN9ahttps://t.co/Ww27Sn0r0Ihttps://t.co/lE6AHfMc4H pic.twitter.com/VBcD77ElI2
More owners come to claim pets from Pasadena Humane: ‘We’re starting to also see some happy endings’
15:30
Julia Musto
Santa Monica College resumes on-ground classes
15:25
Julia Musto
Santa Monica College will resume on-ground classes, services, and business operations on Monday, Jan. 13, at its Main Campus and all satellite campuses with the exception of SMC Malibu, which will remain remote. Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/xfZSpjCBbB
— Santa Monica College (@SMC_edu) January 12, 2025
The @SMC_edu Foundation is hosting a food and supplies drive next week to help those impacted by the fires. Please bring new or gently used items to support our neighbors #PalisadesFire #EatonFire #KennethFire #HurstFire #CommunitySupport pic.twitter.com/OIXBQy2LpH
— Westside Food Bank (@WsideFoodBank) January 11, 2025
In pictures: Pink flame retardent dumped on LA homes from the skies
15:21
James Liddell
