More than $100 million has been donated to the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires as winds slow, giving fire crews a break in their efforts to control the blazes that have burned for over a week.
The nine-figure donation total is just through GoFundMe campaigns to help families, communities and businesses, according to NBC Los Angeles. The figure is nearly half of the $235 million raised for all disasters across GoFundMe in 2024.
The donations continue pour in as winds have slowed in Los Angeles, providing relief for fire crews trying to battle the blaze.
Wind speeds are expected to drop Thursday. As conditions change, the “potential for rapid fire growth and localized downed trees and power outages will still remain,” the National Weather Service said.
More than 40,000 acres have burned in Southern Californiasince the start of the wildfires on January 7. The biggest, the Palisades Fire, has destroyed nearly 24,000 acres and is 21 percent contained. The Eaton fire has taken out 14,000 acres and is 45 percent contained. At least 25 people have died in the fires.
Key Points
- LA fires death toll: At least 25 people killed in Palisades and Eaton blazes
- New birds-eye view of devastation
- California wind speeds expected to decline on Thursday
- Los Angeles launches new reporting system to help report illegal price gouging and fraud
- Federal and local law enforcement authorities form task force to combat crimes related to Los Angeles wildfires
Cal Fire continues to pre-position resources for new starts
17:00
,
Julia Musto
Cal Fire Incident Commander Gerry Magaña said that while there has been “little to no fire growth” in the last 24 hours, threats still exist with structures.
“We continue to pre-position resources” for any new starts,” he assured.
LA County fire chief warns limited red flag warning in place through mid-day
16:39
,
Julia Musto
Los Angeles County officials gave an update on wildfire response early Thursday.
County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said that 60 percent of damage inspections at the site of the Eaton Fire have completed.
He noted that a limited red flag warning is in place through 3 p.m. PST in some areas.
“We look forward to the weather conditions returning to normal this evening,” he said, noting that a moderate event is expected next week.
Marrone said that they continue to plan for repopulation. That would not occur for at least one more week for areas that are deemed safe.
LA County officials host a press conference on wildfire response
16:00
,
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 16, 2025
Watch live at: https://t.co/TmCDTmxkYIhttps://t.co/Ww27Sn0YQghttps://t.co/lE6AHfMJUf pic.twitter.com/9TuoLBF8aD
Firefighters make major progress on region’s two largest blazes
15:29
,
Julia Musto
Firefighters have made more progress on deadly wildfires raging around Los Angeles County.
The largest of the blazes, the Eaton and Palisades Fire, had been tricky to manage due to whipping winds and low humidity in the region.
But, on Thursday, Cal Fire reported that containment on both had ticked upwards yet again.
The nearly 24,000-acre Palisades Fire is 22 percent contained, up from just 18 percent on Wednesday morning.
And, the more than 14,000-acre Eaton Fire is 55 percent contained. That’s a major improvement over yesterday’s 45 percent.
Incident Updates (1/15/2025 PM)#PalisadesFire
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 16, 2025
* Pacific Palisades (LA County)
* 23,713 acres, 21% containedhttps://t.co/VCgZCBmQfH#EatonFire
* North Pasadena and Altadena (LA County)
* 14,117 acres, 45% containedhttps://t.co/vgrTCmPA43#HurstFire
* Sylmar Area (LA… pic.twitter.com/Q96EIUxuYW
Governor Newsom signs fast track housing order
15:00
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Barney Davis
California Governor Gavin Newsom said he has signed an order to help deal with the housing crisis in the wake of the fatal firestorms.
He posted on X: “California is acting fast to help meet the immediate housing needs of Los Angeles firestorm victims.
“I just signed an executive order allowing flexible housing solutions, including mobile homes on @Cal_OES-created fairgrounds, faster permitting for temporary housing, and more.”
ABC News reporter spent one night in Los Angeles ‘dream home’ before it burned down in wildfire
14:00
,
Kelly Rissman
An ABC News correspondent reveals she spent just one night in her “dream home” before it turned to rubble during the devastating wildfires raging in Los Angeles.
Read more:
Dozens of Los Angeles residents — some armed — are defying evacuation orders to protect their homes in ‘Wild West’
13:00
,
Kelly Rissman
As the wildfires ravage Southern California, dozens of residents have refused to evacuate and have instead opted to defend their scorched properties from blazes and looters.
Nearly 88,000 people in Los Angeles County are still under evacuation orders as of Wednesday as the wildfires continue to scorch the region. But that hasn’t deterred roughly 80 locals in Altadena from sticking around, some of them armed, to stand their ground, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Even without clean water or electricity, the stragglers remain firm since they may not be allowed to return if they leave, due to the ongoing threat of downed power lines, weakened trees and fire tornadoes.
Read more:
Timeline: How the LA fires erupted into the worst natural disaster in California history
12:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
For a tenth consecutive day, thousands of firefighters are still battling the wildfires that are ravaging Los Angeles County.
The Palisades and Eaton fires, along with other smaller blazes, have spread more than 40,000 acres (larger than the land area of Washington, DC), with the flames being fanned by a fierce windstorm known as the Santa Ana winds.
Below is a timeline of key events from before the first blaze broke out:
Leonardo DiCaprio announces that he is donating $1m to the Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts.
11:30
,
Barney Davis
Hundreds of families have been displaced by the fires that claimed 25 lives since breaking out in the Altadena and Pasadena areas.
The Oscar winner confirmed on his social media that he was donating $1m in partnership with his organisation Re:wild, with funds going to support “both urgent needs and post-fire recovery efforts”.
Brain surgeon stays behind to save community
11:18
,
Barney Davis
Malibu resident Dr Chester Griffiths, 62, ignored evacuation orders to keep flames from the Palisades fire at bay with the help of his son and neighbour.
He told the BBC: “We had always known that a fire would come someday - but we didn’t know when.
Sticking to a meticulous plan Dr Griffiths, his son and a neighbour positioned themselves on nearby roofs to spray water on the flames, and used dirt to put out embers on the ground until fire services could get to them.
“There were burning embers coming down on us for about 12 hours.
“[The fire department] felt that all the homes weren’t able to be saved.
“That’s why it’s so important to be trained ahead of time, to have your equipment and truly to have your community’s support.”
Watch: Tips to avoid scams, price gouging amid California fires
11:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
Talk turns to rebuilding in devastated regions
10:30
,
Barney Davis
Staggered after one of the most destructive natural disasters in Southern California history, thousands of heartbroken families, burned-out business owners and beleaguered leaders across Los Angeles County are beginning to ponder another monumental task: rebuilding what was lost and charting a path forward.Alex Rosewood and nearly her entire family in Altadena, northeast of Los Angeles, lost their homes — her father, whom she and her husband were living with, and her aunt, uncle and cousin next door.
“We all plan to rebuild, for sure,” she said.“It’s going to be a while before we can get in there and build anything,” said Michael Hricak, an adjunct professor of architecture at the University of Southern California, referring to the dangerous chemicals and rubble left behind.
As for new construction, “it’s not being tougher than Mother Nature. It’s being somewhat respectful of Mother Nature and knowing what the challenges are.”
“Are we just inviting another problem down the road?” Hricak said.
Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order intended to clear the way for residents to rebuild quickly.
“As we prepare to make it through the rest of this emergency, we also have to start putting in place what we need to do to rebuild,” the mayor said Wednesday.
The federal government approved spending $100 million to remove paints, cleaners, asbestos, batteries and other household waste from the rubble.
LA Zoo to reopen on Thursday
10:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
The Los Angeles Zoo will reopen on Thursday after closing amid the deadly California wildfires.
“The Los Angeles Zoo will reopen to the public tomorrow, Jan. 16, and resume normal operations,” the zoo posted on X. “During these challenging times, we hope the Zoo can continue to serve as a place of peace, connection, and inspiration—a reminder of the resilience of nature and our community.”
“If you’d like to support wildfire relief efforts, the Zoo’s food and retail locations will be accepting donations that will be donated to the @calfund,” the post continued.
If you’d like to support wildfire relief efforts, the Zoo’s food and retail locations will be accepting donations that will be donated to the @calfund or you may consider making a donation directly at https://t.co/zSe1zDBmwP.
— Los Angeles Zoo (@LAZoo) January 15, 2025
In L.A., we are stronger together. We are L.A. Strong.
LA28 President meets with Trump to thank him for unwavering commitment to bring games to devastated region
09:30
,
Barney Davis
In a statement, Casey Wasserman said the incoming president Donald Trump shared “unwavering commitment” to LA28.
“As a lifelong Angeleno, I shared our sentiments for President-elect Trump’s continued support in Los Angeles amid the devastation in our region.
“We also addressed the 2028 Games, and we are grateful for his unwavering commitment to LA28 and his leadership in bringing the Summer Games back to the United States for the first time in more than 30 years.
“We look forward to partnering with him and his Administration to deliver a safe and successful Games our nation can be proud of.”
The Summer Games make their return to the United States for the first time in over 30 years. Los Angeles will host the Olympics for a third time in 2028, the other two times being in 1932 and 1984.
Meghan Markle provides volunteer aid to fire victims
09:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
Meghan Markle volunteered with an aid organization to provide help to fire victims in southern California, Town and Country Magazine reports.
Markle volunteered with Altadena Teen Girls, an organization founded by 14-year-old Avery Colvert to help her fellow teens in the area impacted by the deadly, destructive blazes.
Markle and her husband Prince Harry have also volunteered elsewhere, including with World Central Kitchen, as the fires continue to devastate California.
Corrections Department share what incarcerated firefighters eat on the front lines
08:00
,
Julia Musto
Interested in the day-to-day for CDCR’s incarcerated firefighters? Watch this video to hear about what they are eating while on the front lines alongside @CAL_FIRE pic.twitter.com/6Zh0XfqB6m
— CA Corrections (@CACorrections) January 15, 2025
Hundreds seek assistance from disaster recovery centers
07:31
,
Julia Musto
Hundreds have sought assistance at the disaster recovery center in West Los Angeles since it opened on Tuesday night.
Michele Baron, 58, left with pamphlets after learning how to get new birth certificates and social security cards for her and her daughter, she told The Associated Press. Her apartment of more than 20 years burned in the Palisades Fire.
“It’s so unimportant, like our things are unimportant,” Baron said. “Losing the memories are horrible.”
Map lists LA County shelter locations
07:00
,
Julia Musto
@Cal_OES, in partnership with @CaliforniaDSS and local governments, is continuing to work to ensure Californians impacted by wildfires have access to shelters and other resources in @CountyofLA. Visit➡️https://t.co/Qt8vuqBnD0 #PalisadesFire #EatonFire #WindWx #Wildfires… pic.twitter.com/ry1xJQT2z3
— California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) January 15, 2025
California National Guard reports from north side of Palisades Fire
06:30
,
Julia Musto
HAPPENING NOW: Watch this report straight from the field. CALFIRE directs your Cal Guard Service members of Joint Task Force Rattlesnake’s Type 1 hand crews on the north side of the #PalisadesFire. Their mission? Establish, reinforce, and hold control lines to prevent… pic.twitter.com/tvvebl07Rr
— The California National Guard (@TheCalGuard) January 15, 2025
Los Angeles launches new reporting system to help report illegal price gouging and fraud
06:00
,
Julia Musto
#Aviation goes 24/7
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 15, 2025
While CAL FIRE helicopters now regularly fly night firefighting missions, we’re making history with our first-ever 24-hour helibase. State-of-the-art #CALFIRE, federal and local aircraft are working around the clock to protect our communities and build… pic.twitter.com/HovZGrrCsk
Cal Transit maintenance station is ‘severely damaged’ in Palisades Fire
05:31
,
Julia Musto
#PalisadesFire severely damaged @CaltransDist7's Las Flores Maintenance Station.
— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) January 15, 2025
Before the fire, all the trucks were driven out of the yard & prepositioned near the coast, ready for any need. Now our crews are hard at work doing cleanup, repair, traffic control & more https://t.co/DXwKVGcmNE
Rides remain free to take residents to recovery centers
05:00
,
Julia Musto
Both recovery centers are near Metro Rail - rides remain free:
— Metro Los Angeles (@metrolosangeles) January 15, 2025
UCLA Research Park West, 10850 West Pico Blvd.
Hours: Daily 9am to 8pm
Getting there: .3 mile walk from E Line’s Westwood/Rancho Park Sta. Big Blue Bus Lines 7 & 8 + Culver City Bus Line 3 stop nearby
(more) https://t.co/EFyietWXSu
Brentwood neighborhood is not under the current Do Not Drink notice
04:31
,
Julia Musto
The Brentwood neighborhood is NOT under the current Do Not Drink notice. We appreciate all of our customers’ patience and understanding as we worked to refine the affected area.
— LADWP (@LADWP) January 15, 2025
For more info: https://t.co/JeuJF6zycX pic.twitter.com/QoUDANoq21
California has taken these executive measures to respond to the Los Angeles wildfires
04:00
,
Julia Musto
California is taking swift action to support wildfire victims through executive measures, including:
— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 15, 2025
Prohibiting home insurance cancellations
Accelerating school rebuilding efforts
Mobilizing debris removal teams
Barring predatory speculators from buying up property
SoCal Gas restores natural gas service to hundreds of Malibu customers
03:31
,
Julia Musto
(1/6) Palisades Fire SoCalGas Update – January 15
— City of Malibu (@CityMalibu) January 15, 2025
SoCalGas crews have restored natural gas service to 601 additional customers in NW Malibu today, bringing the total to 1,279 restored customers. Restoration work continues tomorrow, January 16, beyond Pepperdine University. pic.twitter.com/Fd9Uyp8xwh
Cal Fire has received support from 12 states, Canada, and Mexico
03:02
,
Julia Musto
CAL FIRE and the entire response team are deeply grateful for the incredible support we've received from our state, federal, international, and tribal partners. Special thanks also go to the Los Angeles community and individuals around the world who have stepped forward to offer… pic.twitter.com/ztRI9FhL5p
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 15, 2025
More than 200 JPL, Caltech employees are left without homes
02:30
,
Julia Musto
More than 200 employees at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena and Caltech have reportedly been left homeless due to the Los Angeles Fires, according to FOX Weather.
“It was like driving through a video game,” Marcy Harbut, a senior technical writer for the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute at Caltech, told the network. “Turn down the street. Got to turn around. And then all these people in that house, watch out for those flames. And these people are packing up their van. Be careful. Don’t run over people. It was just chaos.”
California wind speeds expected to decline on Thursday
02:29
,
Katie Hawkinson
Wind speeds in southern California are set to decline Thursday, the National Weather Service said Wednesday afternoon.
While speeds will go down throughout Thursday, winds will still “be slow to weaken,” the NWS said. As conditions change, the “potential for rapid fire growth and localized downed trees and power outages will still remain.”
More than 111,000 people are without power in California as of Wednesday night, according to PowerOutage.us.
The two largest blazes, the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, are among the most destructive in Los Angeles history.
The Palisades Fire has torn across nearly 24,000 acres and is 19 percent contained as of Wednesday night. The Eaton Fire is also 45 percent contained after burning more than 14,000 acres.
Parents should clean any toys with ash on them before giving them to their kids, health officials warn
02:00
,
Julia Musto
Ash from nearby wildfires and burnt structures can cause health issues. Keep kids away from ash and make sure to clean any toys with ash on them before your kids play with them.
— California Department of Public Health (@CAPublicHealth) January 15, 2025
Learn more: https://t.co/dLs5Kf01gq #WildfireSafety pic.twitter.com/c9y3bxqHZI
Cal Fire rescues dehydrated black-and-white cat now named ‘Domino’
01:31
,
Julia Musto
Compassion in Action
— Erik Scott (@PIOErikScott) January 15, 2025
During #PalisadesFire operations, #CalFire’s Michael Deleo and Oregon Strike Team 12 rescued a black-and-white cat, now named “Domino,” found dehydrated and hungry near an unburned structure. After some food, water, and care, Domino showed a sweet and… pic.twitter.com/oH2GtRqQ3u
In-kind donations are at capacity, Los Angeles Fire Department says. Here’s where to donate
01:00
,
Julia Musto
#EatonFire #PalisadesFire For those looking to make donations to those affected by the fires, please visit https://t.co/lghOu9Cyhq or scan the QR code below for more information. pic.twitter.com/8aISSh5tGL
— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) January 15, 2025
SEC warns investors to be cautious regarding wildfire-related investment fraud
00:45
,
Julia Musto
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said it’s closely monitoring the impact of the California wildfires on investors and markets and warned people to “be vigilant for California wildfire-related investment frauds.”
The SEC’s divisions “will evaluate the possibility of granting relief from filing deadlines and other regulatory requirements for those affected by the wildfires. Entities and investment professionals affected by the California wildfires are encouraged to contact SEC staff with questions and concerns,” the agency said in a statement.
Anyone who has lost their pets due to the wildfires should call this phone number
00:30
,
Julia Musto
If you have lost your pets due to the wildfires and are needing assistance to find them, please call the Los Angeles FIRE Evacuation Animal Services Hotline at 213-270-8155 and leave the requested information about your pet and your contact number. https://t.co/GQZNLkzJPS pic.twitter.com/fpMrMWC0vd
— LA Animal Services (@LACityPets) January 15, 2025
Emergency telephone town hall on Palisade Fire scheduled for 7 p.m. PST
Wednesday 15 January 2025 23:31
,
Julia Musto
TONIGHT at 7 PM: Our Emergency Telephone Town Hall on the #PalisadesFire@CAL_FIRE Deputy Chief Lonny Olson, LA County Supervisor @LindseyPHorvath and @fema Regional Administrator Bob Fenton will provide updates on disaster response
— Congressman Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) January 15, 2025
To join, dial (855) 920-0548 starting at 7 PM pic.twitter.com/WTNcwW5cL3
LA County weather forecast is cooler, less windy
Wednesday 15 January 2025 23:21
,
Julia Musto
While winds have peaked and will continue to lower into this evening, dry conditions and locally gusty winds will linger into Thursday -especially in some mountains. Red Flag Warnings expire at 6pm today for most areas, except those windiest mountains which go thru Thu 3pm #cawx pic.twitter.com/EQG7g7TKLm
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 15, 2025
Good news: We are expecting a much-needed break from the fire weather concerns to close this week. Bad News: Next week is a concern. While confident that we will NOT see a repeat of last week, dangerous fire weather conditions are expected. #cawx #PalisadesFire #EatonFire pic.twitter.com/zhXmHUWtgp
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 15, 2025
Keep a jacket handy. Temperatures will be 5-10 degrees below normal for the rest of the week, with Friday the coldest. #cawx pic.twitter.com/720euSBSJS
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 15, 2025
Cal Fire makes history with first-ever 24-hour helibase
Wednesday 15 January 2025 23:00
,
Julia Musto
#Aviation goes 24/7
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 15, 2025
While CAL FIRE helicopters now regularly fly night firefighting missions, we’re making history with our first-ever 24-hour helibase. State-of-the-art #CALFIRE, federal and local aircraft are working around the clock to protect our communities and build… pic.twitter.com/HovZGrrCsk
Little Mountain Fire crops up in San Bernardino
Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:43
,
Julia Musto
This is the #LittleMountainFire burning here in San Bernardino off the NB #215fwy and Little Mountain Dr. It’s wind driven and now about 5acres with no homes threatened. The latest @knxnews pic.twitter.com/VpOwQcQi3o
— Brian Douglas (@BrianDouglasKNX) January 15, 2025
Nearly 17,000 personnel are working on California wildfires
Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:31
,
Julia Musto
We're marshaling resources from across government, out-of-state neighbors, and international partners to fight the LA wildfires and recover.
— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 15, 2025
TODAY —
16,815+ Personnel
2,535+ @TheCalGuard Members
1,480+ Fire Engines
84+ Aircraft
220+ Water Tenders
210+ Dozers pic.twitter.com/6PXDu62tZl
Dozens of Los Angeles residents — some armed — are defying evacuation orders to protect their homes in ‘Wild West’
Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:21
,
Julia Musto
Damage from LA County wildfires is surveyed as search and rescue operations continue
Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:20
,
Julia Musto
