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Multiple wildfires, including the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, are raging across Southern California Friday, leaving at least 11 dead and burning more than 10,000 homes across 27,000 acres, officials say. Police have arrested 20 suspected looters.
Covered by: Chris Pandolfo, Greg Wehner, Elizabeth Pritchett, Rachel Wolf, Louis Casiano, Brie Stimson, Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Landon Mion
The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Kenneth Fire, Hurst Fire and Lidia Fire have burned more than 27,000 acres in the Los Angeles area, officials say.
The Eaton and Palisades fires have claimed at least 11 lives, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Growth of that fire “has been significantly stopped,” LA County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone announced Friday.
L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said Thursday that 20 people have been arrested so far for looting during the southern California wildfires.
As of Friday morning, the fires have destroyed more than 10,000 homes and buildings, according to local officials, while 153,000 people are under evacuation.
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Coverage for this event has ended.
A new flare-up in Southern California has led to more mandatory evacuation orders as the Palisades Fire moved northeast, according to reports.
The latest order is in effect from Sunset Boulevard north to Encino Reservoir and from the 405 Freeway west to Mandeville Canyon. Brentwood has also been threatened.
The Getty Center Dr. and Skirball Center Dr. off-ramps are now closed on both I-405 northbound and I-405 southbound.
“The Palisades Fire has got a new significant flare-up on the eastern portion and continues to move northeast,” Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott told KTLA.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office said a curfew is now in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in all mandatory evacuation areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton wildfires. The sheriff’s office urged residents to avoid these areas for their own protection and to allow first responders to work effectively.
The curfew will be strictly enforced and violators may face serious consequences, including fines of up to $1,000 or possible imprisonment, the sheriff’s office said.
The devastating wildfires in Southern California continued into the fifth consecutive day after consuming Los Angeles neighborhoods, leaving at least 11 confirmed dead in their wake.
The situation remains volatile with the massive Palisades Fire only 8% contained and Eaton Fire only 3% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. More than 12,300 homes and buildings have gone up in flames and fresh evacuations were ordered Friday night in Mandeville Canyon and the Interstate 405 freeway after a flare-up on the eastern flank of the Palisades Fire, FOX Weather reported.
Follow along here for more of Fox News Digital’s live coverage.
AP
The Credit Union of Southern California is offering $1.25 million in interest-free loans to help people impacted by the wildfires sweeping through Southern California.
The company is also making a $10,000 donation to CU Aid, a fund that aims to support credit unions, their employees and their communities during critical times.
“We are deeply committed to supporting our neighbors during this challenging time,” the company president and CEO, Dave Gunderson, said. “Through our financial relief programs and our donation to CU Aid, we aim to provide immediate and meaningful assistance to those affected by the wildfires.”
Additionally, team members at the Credit Union of Southern California are encouraged to contribute to CU Aid. The Credit Union of Southern California’s charitable foundation, Helping Hands, will match all employee donations made through January 17, up to $5,000.
Getty Images
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are working to support Southern California wildfire victims and relief efforts, as the wildfires continue to sweep through the region.
The couple made their second visit to Pasadena on Friday, when they met with Mayor Victor Gordo about ongoing recovery efforts, Fox 11 reported.
Earlier this week, the pair anonymously delivered food to families displaced by the fires, according to the outlet.
“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 pair wrote on their website Thursday, describing the situation in Southern California.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also provided a list of organizations actively helping wildfire victims.
Getty Images
Roads leading to the iconic Getty Villa museum remained closed on Friday.
The California Highway Patrol in West Valley announced that Getty Center Dr. and Skirball Center Dr. off ramps were closed on both I-405 northbound and I-405 southbound.
“Do not attempt to enter the closures as only first responders will be allowed through,” the agency said.
The museum and education center’s survival was initially a cause of concern after fast-moving flames in Pacific Palisades threatened the historic grounds.
Katherine E. Fleming, president and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust, said Tuesday that the staff and art collection at the Getty Villa remained safe.
“Additional fire prevention measures in place at the Villa include water storage on-site,” Fleming said in a statement to City News Service. “Irrigation was immediately deployed throughout the grounds Tuesday morning. Museum galleries and library archives were sealed off from smoke by state-of-the-art air handling systems. The double-walled construction of the galleries also provides significant protection for the collections.”
The wind whips embers while a firefighter battles the fire in the Angeles National Forest near Mt. Wilson as the wildfires burn in the Los Angeles area, during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, Jan. 9, 2025. (REUTERS/Ringo Chiu)
The Lidia Fire , which started late Wednesday and grew to 394 acres, is 98% contained, Cal Fire announced Friday.
The agency said that crews “aggressively implemented” dozer and landline around the fire around Soledad Canyon Road and within the Polsa Rosa Ranch area. Dozer and landline are tools used by to fight wildfires. Dozers push brush vegetation, while handlines are lines constructed by firefighters.
“Tonight, the fire will be monitored and patrolled by Los Angeles County Fire Department,” they said.
Detailed view of the Los Angeles Lakers logo on the shorts of forward LeBron James (23) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. (Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports)
In response to the ongoing devastation in California, the NBA announced that they have postponed Saturday’s home games for both the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.
“The NBA and the Clippers and Lakers organizations have been in communication with local officials in Los Angeles and Inglewood about the ongoing situation in the Los Angeles area and the game postponements ensure no resources will be diverted from the wildfire response efforts,” the league said.
No makeup dates have been announced. The Lakers were set to host San Antonio, with the Clippers scheduled to host Charlotte.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said that the L.A. County school district will remain closed and officials will make a decision on reopening plans on Sunday.
“We appreciate your patience as we respond to the air quality and fire concerns that have impacted our campuses across the region,” he said in a Friday evening update. “Although air quality and fire containment have improved, fire and wind conditions have remained dynamic and unstable.”
“Because the safety and well-being of our students and employees are our primary concern, we will continue assessing conditions and provide a preliminary update on Saturday regarding air quality levels and prevailing conditions,” he said. “A final decision will be made Sunday.”
Deisy Suarez-Giles, left, with her family, including her husband and two boys, in front of their destroyed home in Altadena, Calif. (Deisy Suarez-Giles)
Despite losing everything in the devastating and still raging Los Angeles County wildfires this week, Deisy-Suarez Giles’ family returned to survey the wreckage of their burned-down home, where her two young boys were happy to find a couple of their toys in the rubble.
Suarez-Giles said their home came from hard work, determination and a desire to keep her family safe.
As Suarez-Giles woke her family to leave, she said it was then that the realization of what was happening became upsetting for the boys.
“Henry was very upset about it. He did cry. Lucas was scared when the fire was coming. There was a lot of panic leaving, especially with two little kids. Lucas was crying,” she said. “He was in a lot of panic when I woke him up. I said, ‘we gotta go, baby, the fire’s getting close.’”
Henry, who was interviewed by a reporter in the fire’s aftermath Thursday as he stood next to his mother, recounted the frightening moments leading up to the loss of his home while clutching the only two things he has left in this world.
“And then the power went out, yeah, and then we, and then we were going to get our dad, but he was coming. Then we had power, flashlights, they’re so good, and I went, and they woke us up, me and my brother. And then we left our house,” Henry said. “And then we didn’t realize that our house was going to burn like this. And a lot of stuff that we left in our house, and it burned, and we had a 3D printer, and it was so special to me, and it’s going to make me a little sad, but, I don’t know why, but this is what happened to our house.
“And a lot of stuff that I love is gone. And now, everything is broken, and it’s all lost its color and stuff. And these are the only things that I have.”
This is an excerpt from Fox News Digital’s Christina Shaw. Read the article in its entirety here.
Paula Tapia hugs Katja Schmolka, who lost her home in the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 10, 2025. (REUTERS/David Ryder)
New evacuation orders were issued near Encino Reservoir as the Palisades Fire spread and strengthened on Friday evening.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAFD) issued the new set of evacuation orders at 7 p.m. local time, warning residents to seek shelter.
“Evacuate now from the area of Sunset to Mandeville to Encino Reservoir to the 405 freeway,” the LAFD said. “Those not in the evacuation area should shelter in place.”
Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
“Top Gun: Maverick” star Miles Teller’s wife Keleigh Teller shared her sorrow at losing their home this week, saying on Friday she wished she had grabbed her wedding dress before they evacuated.
“If you’re in the LA area PLEASE get out if you can,” she urged on her Instagram along with a before and after photo of their destroyed Pacific Palisades house. “I wish I grabbed my wedding dress .. wish I did a lot different but it doesn’t matter, stay safe, get out.”
She added, “To everyone reaching out I can’t thank you enough, your kind hearts have meant the world, I’ll never forget them,” she added. “Community has come out stronger than I could imagine, pacific palisades I love you beyond measure you are a little slice of heaven, we will come back stronger than ever. There are no words. THANK YOU to the first responders fighting.”
The Tellers are among dozens of stars and thousands of residents who have been displaced by the wildfires this week.
Fox News’ Christina Dugan Ramirez, Ashley Hume and Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report.
A Pacific Palisades resident on Friday said that she lost two of her homes in the wildfire, which has been raging since Tuesday.
“It’s beyond devastating,” Jessica Rodgers told FOX News @Night’s Trace Gallagher.
“What has happened over the last 48 hours is a message of hope,” Rodgers told Gallagher, despite the face that her community has “lost everything.”
Rodgers said as the president of the resident’s association she has been helping get people like the elderly and animals out of their homes and to safety.
“We’re here to say whatever it is we’re going to unite,” she said. “We are strong, we are resilient. We are going to build back … We need to support each other.”
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley with Mayor Karen Bass at a news conference.
The office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is denying media reports that Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has been dismissed, saying she remains on the job.
The Daily Mail reported that Crowley had been fired hours after criticizing city leaders over the response to wildfires that continue to burn in the region.
“This is false,” Bass’ office said.
Hours earlier, Crowley said the City of Los Angeles failed her department, which saw a $17.6 million budget reduction for the 2025 fiscal year.
When asked by Fox News’ affiliate, KTTV, if the City of Los Angeles, and its Mayor Karen Bass failed the city, Crowley replied: “Yes.”
In June, Bass approved a budget reduction for the LAFD by nearly $17.6 million. In December, Crowley warned that budget cuts could hamper the department’s ability to respond to emergencies.
During her interview, Crowley said that pressing staffing shortages impacted the department’s response time when the blaze began tearing across Los Angeles.
“Any budget cut is going to impact our ability to provide service,” she said. “That is a ground truth in regard to our ability. If there’s a budget cut, we had to pull from somewhere else. What does that mean? That doesn’t get done or that there are delays.”
Crowley and Bass were absent from a Friday evening news briefing. Both were supposed to speak, along with other officials. Ultimately, only Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell addressed reporters.
A pastor who founded the LA Dream Center, which provides shelter as well as recovery assistance and food, has taken an influx of people in this week who have been displaced by the wildfires.
“You take on 20% more growth on your campus overnight. That’s a lot in a city like Los Angeles,” Matthew Barnett told Fox News Digital. “It’s like a ghost town in a lot of these communities.”
Barnett moved to Los Angeles 30 years ago and founded the Dream Center.
“We thought in a city like Los Angeles that’s known as a 24/7 city, why not have a place that would be in the heart of Los Angeles that would really pick up the broken pieces of dreams and those that are hurting and struggling,” Barnett said.
It currently houses 700 residents, including homeless veterans, emancipated minors and families, among others, on a daily basis.
“It’s open 24 hours a day to anybody that’s in need,” Barnett said.
For those left homeless by the fires, the center is offering private rooms, food, necessities and other supplies.
Barnett is also seeking donations to help with the influx of people at the Dream Center.
Fox News’ Gabriele Regalbuto contributed to this report.
Brenda King, who has a 5-year-old son and lives in Altadena, told Fox News Digital this week that she was shocked when she found out her home was gone in the Eaton Fire.
When the brush fire first started, King went home to get her pet, some of her son’s things and photo albums from her childhood. She expected that her home would survive, but she soon got a call from a neighbor telling her: “’Brenda, it’s gone. Everything’s gone.’ And I just couldn’t believe it.”
King calls Altadena a “paradise” and vows that the community hasn’t lost its “tenacity and our spirit.”
“I’ve lived in so many different places, and Altadena was my heart,” King told Fox News Digital. “I’ve never found happiness and community and love anywhere else in L.A. the way that I personally found it there.”
Fox News’ Greg Norman contributed to this report.
Mark Wahlberg’s wife Rhea Durham ripped California Governor Gavin Newsom over a photo in which he was seen laughing amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. (Backgrid/Getty)
Mark Wahlberg’s wife in a since-deleted Instagram post shared a photo of California Gov. Gavin Newsom smiling at the Palisades Fire base camp in Malibu this week.
“Why is the Governor of C.A standing around laughing like hes at a tailgate???” Rhea Durham captioned the post.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Newsom’s Director of Communications Izzy Gardon said, “Anyone who’s been through a tragedy knows there are lighthearted moments and moments of sorrow, as the Governor has witnessed himself on the ground in Los Angeles over the past three days, meeting countless firefighters, first responders, and victims of this tragedy.”
Other celebrities like Mel Gibson and Sarah Michelle Gellar have also criticized Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other California Democrats for a lack of preparedness before the wildfires sparked on Tuesday.
Tracy Wright, Larry Fink and Ashley Hume contributed to this report.
The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly embarking on a mission to rescue their division rivals from the California wildfires.
The franchise is sending two of its team planes to Los Angeles to evacuate LA Rams players, their families, team staffers and pets and fly them to Arizona, according to ESPN.
Six dogs and two cats will join the human passengers.
The Cardinals are also offering their home field, State Farm Stadium, to the Rams for their playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings as fires continue to ravage Southern California. The Rams will also be using the Cardinals’ training complex in Tempe
The Rams considered staying another night, but Tony Pastoors, the Rams’ VP of football & business administration, said “hope is not a strategy,” according to the team.
This is an excerpt from an article by Jackson Thompson.
The entrance to Walt Disney Studios and The Walt Disney Company corporate headquarters in Burbank, California. (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
The Walt Disney Company, which is based in Burbank, California, has pledged $15 million for wildfire relief after thousands have lost their homes and at least 11 people have died in the fires.
“The history of The Walt Disney Company is inextricably linked to the greater Los Angeles region, and the destruction from the devastating fires affecting thousands in our area is truly heartbreaking,” the company said in a release announcing the funds.
It said the money would go toward “immediate response and rebuilding efforts.”
“As this tragedy continues to unfold, The Walt Disney Company is committed to supporting our community and our employees as we all work together to recover and rebuild from this unbelievable devastation,” Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, said.
He continued, “Walt Disney came to Los Angeles with little more than his limitless imagination, and it was here that he chose to make his home, pursue his dreams, and create extraordinary storytelling that means so much to so many people around the world. We are proud to provide assistance to this resilient and vibrant community in this moment of need.”
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power didn’t proactively turn off the power to mitigate the risk of starting a fire ahead of this week’s devastating wildfires, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday, citing regulatory filings.
The preventative measure is in place with every other big California power company after utilities have sparked wildfires in the past, the Journal reported.
An LADWP spokesperson told the Journal that they have other safety precautions in place such as disabling technology that automatically restores power after an outage. She added that widespread preventative power outages could also be harmful to emergency services.
The cause of the wildfires is still under investigation and there is no evidence yet that that power utilities had anything to do with it.
A resident of Altadena, California, in northern Los Angeles County told Fox News on Friday that he lost his home just a month after he buried his dad.
The man’s home was nothing but ashes when Fox News spoke to him along with every other home on his street due to the Eaton Fire.
“I lost my dad in November, I buried him Dec. 6, and now I lose my house a month later after I buried him.,” he said. “Everything that he had, everything that he worked for, everything that I had that I worked for.”
He said he was able to grab his father’s military flag before he evacuated.
The Eaton Fire, which is near Pasadena and is separate from the Palisades Fire to the west, has destroyed between 4,000 and 5,000 structures and is still just 3% contained.
At least 11 deaths have been linked with the fires in Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner said Friday.
Five of the deaths appear to be from the Palisades Fire and six deaths from the Eaton Fire, according to the office’s records.
Authorities have not determined the cause of the any of the multiple fires and have been unable to give a full death toll as both fires are still burning.
Then-President Donald Trump with then-California Gov. Jerry Brown and then-Lieutenant Gov. Gavin Newsom, as they view damage from wildfires in Paradise, California on November 17, 2018.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday invited President-elect Trump to tour the wildfire devastation in California as he prepares to take office once again.
Newsom wrote in a letter addressed to Trump at Mar-a-Lago that his office is grateful that President Biden “swiftly approved our major disaster declaration – a strong indication of the partnership California needs and appreciates with any federal administration.”
But, he added the “threat to lives and property remains acute,” and invited Trump to come to the state as he prepares to take office in two weeks to “meet with the Americans affected by these fires, see the devastation firsthand, and join me and others in thanking the heroic firefighters and first responders who are putting their lives on the line.”
He reminded Trump of his past visit to California during his first term when he toured the wildfire destruction from the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, – the deadliest in the state’s history – and from the Woolsey Fire near Malibu.
“In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines. Hundreds of thousands of Americans – displaced from the their homes and fearful for the future – deserve to see all of us working in their best interests to ensure a fast recovery and rebuild,” he wrote.
Trump has placed blame for the fire’s destruction on Newsom and other California Democrats.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Trump for comment.
FEMA Director Deanne Criswell said the recovery efforts for areas impacted by multiple wildfires in Los Angeles county is going to be “really complicated.”
Speaking with Fox News, Criswell said FEMA will assist those displaced by the fires once the long process begins to rebuild the fire-stricken areas.
“We are going to be here throughout the recovery supporting the governor, supporting the state with what they need as they as helping these local communities,” she told Fox News’ Trace Gallagher.
FEMA will bring in some of its own resources, but will reimburse for other resources, she said.
Criswell noted that FEMA has the proper funding to assist in the response to the fire, as well as ongoing recovery efforts from the past summer’s hurricane season.
“We have the funding to continue the recovery from (hurricanes) Helene and Milton, as well as this response and the initially recovery efforts to get us through this year,” she said.
An evacuation alert sent to Los Angeles County residents on Thursday.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is calling for the Los Angeles County’s emergency alert system to be disabled after alerts were erroneously sent Thursday as wildfires in the region raged out of control.
At least two evacuation alerts went sent to residents across the county, despite some living far from the fires.
“Now more than ever we need to know that we can depend on our public information systems to keep people safe,” Hahn said in a statement. “That hasn’t been the case last night and this morning, and I’m frustrated too.”
“I believe we need to disable the emergency alert system until we get to the bottom of this issue,” she added. “We need people to be able to trust us, and at this time of extraordinary fear and devastation, anything less than a fully operational, dependable alert system is unacceptable.”
On Friday, County Emergency Management Director Kevin McGowan apologized for the confusion, saying “no human being” sent the alerts.
“There is an extreme amount of frustration, anger, fear with regards to the erroneous messages that have been being sent out through the wireless emergency alert system across L.A. County,” he offered. “I can’t express enough how sorry I am for this experience.”
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
California-based fast-food chain In-N-Out Burger confirmed to Fox News Digital on Friday that he company is providing free food to firefighters working long hours battling the wildfires raging across Los Angeles.
“I can confirm that we are offering complimentary meals for firefighters at In-N-Out Burger locations in the communities most affected by the fires in Southern California, in appreciation for their bravery, tireless work, and service,” a spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
Homeowners Sohrab Nafici, left, and Christine Meinders return to their fire-ravaged neighborhood in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Mexico is sending firefighters to assist crews battling the Eaton Fire, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday.
The firefighters will joining more than 10,000 people on the ground, he said.
“California is deeply grateful for President @ClaudiaShein’s support as we work to suppress the Los Angeles wildfires,” Newsom said in a post on X thanking Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
“Our partnership and shared commitment to helping communities in need is greatly valued,” he added.
A firefighter ties tape on a fire hydrant near the damaged structures burned from the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, U.S., January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Ringo Chiu
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday called for an independent investigation into the loss of pressure at some fire hydrants being used to battle the wildfires this week.
“We need answers to ensure this does not happen again and we have every resource available to fight these catastrophic fires,” Newsom said in a statement on social media.
In a letter to the CEO and chief engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the director of the LA County Public Works he wrote, “The ongoing reports of the loss of water pressure to some local fire hydrants during the fires and the reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir are deeply troubling to me and to the community. While water supplies from local fire hydrants are not designed to extinguish wildfires over large areas, losing supplies from fire hydrants likely impaired the effort to protect some homes and evacuation corridors.”
He said he had directed state water and fire officials to launch and independent after-incident report on the causes and to “identify measures that local governments can implement to provide adequate water supply for emergency response during future catastrophic events.”
“I offer the full technical capacity of the State for disaster preparation, response, and recovery, as well as to examine local public agency actions throughout this catastrophe and to learn from the lessons of this tragedy,” he concluded.
Residents under evacuation orders in Altadena and Pasadena are being given one-time access to their homes to collect valuables as the National Guard deployed to the area to assist, the City of Pasadena said.
“Members of the California National Guard are in Pasadena and Altadena to help protect the homes, businesses and properties impacted by the Eaton Fire,” the city said.
The city added: “Law enforcement is allowing residents in the evacuation area a single visit to access their homes with reasonable verification. We encourage residents to be prepared to gather any and all documents or items needed during this one-time entry.”
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator Deanne Criswell appears by video link Friday from Southern California to give a briefing on the wildfires at the White House in Washington, Friday. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Some people who have applied for assistance are being immediately denied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said Friday.
The federal agency set up an online form, which people are filling out, but people were being denied, she said. Officials were looking into the matter, Barger at a news conference.
“I’m following up on that to find out what is going on because it is completely mind-boggling to me that people who lost everything are filling out a form, as told, and then are getting an immediate denial,” she said.
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley criticized the city’s decision to cut more than $17 million in funding for the department, saying firefighters were let down.
“It’s my job to stand up as the chief and exactly say, justifiably, what the fire department needs to operate, to meet the demands of the community,” Crowley told FOX 11 Los Angeles when asked if the City of Los Angeles failed the department.
“So let get us what we need so our firefighters can do their jobs,” she added.
“Did they fail you,” she was asked.
“Yes,” the chief replied.
“My message is the fire department needs to be properly funded,” Crowley said. “It’s not.”
Mayor Karen Bass has been heavily criticized over the fire response, In June, she approved a budget reduction for the LAFD by nearly $17 million for the 2025 fiscal year.
In December, Crowley warned that budget cuts could hamper the department’s ability to respond to emergencies.
A firefighter walks past a charred bunny sculpture and debris at the destroyed Bunny Museum, Thursday, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
The wildfires burning is northern Los Angeles County destroyed two museums while several others have been impacted.
The Bunny Museum in Altadena confirmed this week that its building had burned to the ground in the Eaton Fire on Wednesday.“Sad and heartbreaking to report that The Bunny Museum burnt to the ground,” the institution said. “Open 26 years. The world’s only museum about everything bunny. Guinness World Record certified—1999, 2011, 2023. Saved only a few bunny items. Saved the cats and bunnies. The museum was the last building to burn around us as Steve so valiantly hosed the building down all night long, but when the building next door went down, it spread to the museum.”
A ranch museum in the Pacific Palisades area that once belonged to Will Rogers also burned to the ground in the Palisades Fire this week.
“The Rogers family is devastated by the loss of the California ranch and the overwhelming loss of the community. Our hearts go out to all those who have lost their homes,” Rogers’ great-granddaughter, Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry, said, according to the Museums Association.
While the Palisades fire reached the grounds of the Getty Villa, the building itself and its priceless art collection was spared.
“The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades remains safe and intact this morning, January 8, and will be closed at least through early next week,” the museum said on Wednesday.
“While vegetation on the property has burned, Getty structures have been unaffected, and thankfully, both staff and collections are safe.”
The Getty Center in Brentwood also remains closed as well as many other museums across the county, including the Los Angeles Zoo in Burbank, which said it would be closed until further notice for the safety of its staff, visitors and animals.
National Guard personnel were spotted Friday on Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles County as part of the response to several wildfires in the region.
More than 600 Guardsmen are assisting local authorities, the Pentagon said Friday. Marines and other military service members are on standby.
“Currently, over 600 California National Guardsmen are activated, including 14 hand crews for fuel mitigation, 200 military police for security operations, and 10 helicopters for firefighting and search and rescue operations. This number is expected to increase over the next 24 hours,” Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters.
President Joe Biden, right, and Vice President Kamala Harris, left, receive a briefing from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, on screen top right, Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Deanne Criswell, on screen top left, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, on screen at bottom, regarding the federal response to the spread of wildfires in the Los Angeles area, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday warned of misinformation as several wildfire continue to rage in the Los Angeles area.
“There were hurricane force winds of mis and disinformation, lies. People want to divide this country and we’re going to have to address that as well,” Newsom said during a briefing with President Biden.
Newsom and Biden, as well as local officials, have commented on misinformation being spread about firefighting efforts and access to water and utilities amid the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
During Friday’s briefing, Biden criticized comments from President-elect Trump, who has harshly criticized the response from the federal government.
An evacuation order in Granada Hills for the Archer Fire has been downgraded to an evacuation warning as firefighters continue to make progress on the newly sparked wildfire, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The Archer Fire remained at 31 acres as of 11:42 a.m. Friday, officials said in an update.
A separate evacuation warning in the area was also lifted, officials said.
The evacuation warning had been in place to the “South of the existing Evacuation Order: W: Tampa Ave S: Rinaldi E: Balboa Blvd N: Sesnon Blve; FS 18; Batt 15; Valley Bureau; Council District 12; AO1 AO2 BC15 BC701 BC717 BP8 BP98 CE84 CM40 CM42 E104 E18 E201 E215 E233 E239 E266 E273 E28 E287 E450 E462 E7 E73 E75 E8 E87 E88 E90 E91 H2 H4 H7 HA2 HA4 HA7; CH5; 18.”
The now-downgraded evacuation order was for: “W: Tampa Ave S: Rinaldi E: Balboa Blvd N: Sesnon Blve; FS 18; Batt 15; Valley Bureau; Council District 12; AO1 AO2 BC15 BC701 BC717 BP8 BP98 CE84 CM40 CM42 E104 E18 E201 E215 E233 E239 E266 E273 E28 E287 E450 E462 E7 E73 E75 E8 E87 E88 E90 E91 H2 H4 H7 HA2 HA4 HA7; CH5; 18.”
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. (Getty Images)
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory was left unharmed as firefighters managed to hold back flames from the Eaton Fire that has ravaged the area around it.
The lab, which manages many of NASA’s robotic missions, has been closed this week after wildfires broke out in Los Angeles County.
JPL Director Laurie Leshin said many employees lost their homes because of the fires.
“@NASAJPL is untouched by fire due to the brave dedication of our first responders. But our community has been very seriously impacted with over 150 JPLers who have lost their homes and many more displaced,” she wrote Friday on X.
President Biden listens during a briefing regarding the federal response to the spread of wildfires in the Los Angeles area, Friday, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
President Biden on Friday defended California Gov. Gavin Newsom over criticism surrounding the wildfires and blamed them on climate change.
“There is climate change,” the president said during a White Briefing on the wildfires Friday. “This is part of it and we have to deal with it.”
He also noted that Newsom was getting a “bad rap” about fire hydrants not having enough water in them.
“Give me a break,” the president said. “What’s this all about is the utilities, understandably, what they did is they cut off power because they’re worried about these high tension lines coming down and causing more fires in the wind, right? When they do that, guess what? They shut off the power, the controls, the ability to pump the water. And so now they’re giving them generators.”
Vice President Kamala Harris added, “This is also the nature of … changing climate, these extreme weather conditions. Not only are they volatile and devastating, but there is no method necessarily to the impact in terms of the predictability of where it might land if we’re talking about a hurricane or, or a wildfire.”
A reporter went head-to-head with the Democratic speaker of the California Assembly about whether lawmakers should be focused on earmarking legal funds to “Trump-proof” the Golden State while wildfires in the Los Angeles region are still ablaze.
“Is now the right time to have a special legislative session on allocating money to fight Trump in a way that you could already do without a special legislative session?” KCRA correspondent Ashley Zavala asked Speaker Robert Rivas on Thursday.
“I’m here to address … these wildfires,” Rivas responded. “This is a historic, historic wildfire. This is, this is a historic event. These wildfires, as I mentioned, are going to be, quite possibly, some of the worst wildfires and disasters in the state and national history.”
Zavala fired back, saying “while this wildfire is happening, and while people are trying to understand what’s going on and are worried about disaster relief, worried about the ability to get homeowners insurance, your chamber gaveled into a special legislative session to prepare for Donald Trump in a way that you are already able to do without a special legislative session. So again, is now the right time for that?”
Again, Rivas pivoted his answer to focusing on wildfire recovery, but did not directly answer Zavala’s inquiry.
“So certainly our focus right now, as Speaker, Ashley, at this moment, my colleagues and I, we are acting with great urgency, great urgency, to ensure that we’re providing much needed relief to Angelenos, to ensure that we understand what it’s going to take for that for this region to recover and and to support those that have been most impacted by this disaster,” Rivas said.
“And you know it’s … the response from our first responders has been unprecedented, and they’re doing all that they can to control and contain, again, these multiple fires and doing whatever they can to ensure that they’re keeping people safe now, and again in anticipation and in preparation for recovery, and as a state, we will, as a legislature we will do everything we can to support that recovery,” he added.
This is an excerpt from an article by Jamie Joseph.
The Los Angeles Fire Department issued an immediate evacuation order Friday after a brush fire broke out on a hillside in Granada Hills.
“Granada Hills; Immediate Mandatory Evacuation Order for Archer Fire: East: Balboa x Int 5 West: Tampa South: Sesnon North: Sunshine Canyon Road,” the order states for the so-called Archer Fire.
The Los Angeles Police Department arrested a man on Thursday who was allegedly “attempting to light a fire,” as wildfires continued to ravage the area. However, LAPD Assistant Chief Dominic Choi has since said that there was “not enough probably cause to arrest this person on arson or suspicion of arson.”
Choi expressed gratitude for those who alerted authorities, saying that he was thankful they “were involved in helping bring this person to our attention.”
On Thursday, officers responded to a call at about 4:30 p.m., for a possible arson suspect on the 21700 block of Ybarra Road.
Initially, LAPD officer Charles Dinse was quoted in a News Nation report telling a reporter that a suspect was detained in Rolling Hills by citizens, and when asked if the suspect purposely set the Kenneth Fire, he said, “at this time that’s what we believe, yes.”
LAPD officer Charles Dinse told FOX News’ Matt Finn that at this time authorities have no direct link between the person who was arrested and the Kenneth Fire.
A $3.8 million home belonging to Edwin Castro, a Powerball winner, was destroyed in the Palisades Fire, one of several wildfires ripping through Los Angeles, The New York Post reported on Friday.
Castro is not the only person to lose his luxury home in the wildfires, several celebrities have also seeing their houses reduced to ashes. Anna Faris, Billy Crystal, Sandra Lee and other Hollywood A-listers have said that their homes burned down in the devastating wildfires.
In November 2022, Edwin Castro made history when he won the record-breaking Powerball prize of $2.04 billion. Castro reportedly purchased multiple properties, one of which was the now-destroyed home in Malibu, California.
“As much as I am shocked and ecstatic to have won the Powerball drawing, the real winner is the California public school system,” Castro said in a statement after winning the historic prize, according to Fox 11 Los Angeles.
Gov. Gavin Newsom posted an update regarding the containment of the Sunset Fire, the Lidia Fire, the Hurst Fire, the Kenneth Fire, the Palisades Fire, and the Eaton Fire.
Newsom has faced increased scrutiny over his response to the wildfires ripping through Los Angeles. On Thursday, a Los Angeles mother confronted the governor, demanding answers about why fire hydrants ran empty and what he was going to do to fix communities that have been reduced to ash.
“I’m doing everything I can,” the governor said. “I will do whatever I can.”
“Fill the hydrants. I would fill them up personally, you know that,” Darvish said before raising her voice, “I would fill up the hydrants myself. Would you do that?”
Newsom said he would do whatever it takes, but Darvish shot back and said, “But you’re not!”
The fires have left at least 10 dead and destroyed more than 10,000 homes and businesses.
This contains an excerpt from an article by Michael Dorgan.
“A curfew order has been established for the Palisades and Eaton Fire areas in all mandatory evacuation zones,” starting at 6 p.m. local time, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced Friday.
“This curfew will be strictly enforced and is being taken to enhance public safety, protect property, and prevent any burglaries or looting in the area that the residents have evacuated,” Luna added, warning that “We are not screwing around with this.”
Los Angeles county officials kicked off Friday’s update on the wildfires with an apology for the false alarm sent to residents through the wireless emergency alert system.
“There is an extreme amount of frustration, anger, fear with regards to the erroneous messages,” emergency director Kevin McGowan acknowledged. “I can’t express enough how sorry I am for this experience. First of all, I want to clarify this is not human driven. There is no one sitting at a desk right now initiating emergency alerts. I want to restate that right now as these alerts are being issued, they are not being activated or initiated by a person.”
McGowan stressed that technical specialists are working to identify the cause of the messages sent in error and fix the problem. He urged residents not to turn off their emergency alerts in the meantime, saying alert tools have saved lives during the fire emergency.
President Biden made what many considered a “disgusting” joke during his remarks on the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires Thursday.
Biden convened senior administrative officials to address the federal response to the Pacific Palisades wildfires that have continued to rage throughout the county, forcing the displacement of thousands of California citizens and destroying thousands of homes and buildings.
After briefing the public on the federal government’s plan to help local officials during the disaster, Biden gave the floor to Vice President Kamala Harris, who hails from California, and made a quick joke.
“Madam Vice President, I know you’re directly affected. So you fire away, no pun intended,” Biden said.
X users were quickly shocked by the comment and began blasting the president.
“WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS DUDE,” Redstate writer Bonchie exclaimed.
“Is the empathy in the room with you now?” Townhall.com video editor Kevin McMahon wrote.
Townhall.com columnist Derek Hunter wrote, “Most of the time, @JoeBiden is just a mean, vindictive person (has been his whole career), but in this case I think this can be blamed on his senility.”
This is an excerpt from an article by Lindsay Kornick.
The devastating wildfires that have left 10 dead and more than 10,000 homes and businesses destroyed are still plaguing Los Angeles-area residents. In times of emergency, it is crucial to make sure you have public service numbers.
If you are in the Los Angeles area, these numbers could come in handy. You can also call 911 in case of an emergency.
LAFD’s General Public Info line: 213-978-3800
LAPD’s non-emergency line: 1-877-275-5273
City Services: 311
Animal services: 888-452-7381
Emergency Management Department: 213-484-4800
As firefighters work to contain the flames, there are ways that everyday people across the country can help those impacted by the fires. Join FOX Corporation, which has donated $1 million, in giving to the American Red Cross’ California Wildfire relief efforts to help those in need.
FOX Corporation’s donation will help the agency provide safe shelter, hot meals, emotional support, and resources to aid in recovery in the region.
To donate, visit GO.FOX/REDCROSS.
A desperate Los Angeles mother confronted California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday about the city’s raging wildfires, demanding answers about why fire hydrants ran empty and what he was going to do to fix communities that have been reduced to ash.
Pacific Palisades resident Rachel Darvish ran toward the governor as he was about to get into a black SUV, having surveilled some of the damage after several fires wreaked havoc on the once picturesque neighborhood known for its charming homes and sweeping coastline views.
“Governor! I live here, governor! That was my daughter’s school, what are you going to do,” Darvish, wearing a white industrial-style mask, said in the clip captured by Sky News.
A softly spoken Newsom then says he was “literally talking to the president” to find out what he and President Biden could do for Darvish and her daughter.
“Can I hear it, can I hear your call? ’cause I don’t believe it!” Darvish said, shaking her hands with deep skepticism.
“I’ve tried five times, that’s why I’m walking around to make the call,” Newsom responded, saying he had no cell phone coverage and was trying to get through to Biden.
“I’m devastated for you I’m so sorry, especially for your daughter,” an apologetic Newsom said.
Darvish suggested they get cell service together, and she wanted to be there when Newsom got through to Biden, noting that local school children had lost everything. She demanded answers about why there was not enough water in the hydrants to douse the deadly flames.
“Why was there no water in the hydrants, governor? Is it going to be different next time?” she asked.
“It has to be, it has to be, of course,” Newsom replied.
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m doing everything I can,” the governor said. “I will do whatever I can.”
“Fill the hydrants. I would fill them up personally, you know that,” Darvish said before raising her voice, “I would fill up the hydrants myself. Would you do that?”
Newsom said he would do whatever it takes, but Darvish shot back and said, “But you’re not!”
This is an excerpt from an article by Michael Dorgan.
Real estate developer and former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rick Caruso slammed state and local officials for their apparent lack of preparation for the Palisades Fire.
In comments to FOX 11 Los Angeles, Caruso blamed officials’ “excuses” and “negligence” for the devastation wreaked by wildfires in Los Angeles County.
“I think that career politicians have making excuses down to a fine art, and you see it rolling out and trying to explain why there wasn’t water,” Caruso said. “Nobody wants to excuse why they lost their homes, why they lost their business.”
At a press conference Thursday, officials said that fire hydrants, which have been hamstrung by low water pressure or have run dry, were designed to fight house fires, not massive wildfires. But Caruso called that another excuse.
“You talk to the firefighters, they were so frustrated because they didn’t have the water pressure they needed,” Caruso said. “They didn’t have the water that they needed. They’re standing with dry hoses. And this malarkey about fire hydrants are intended for homes and not for wildfires like this. My God, what an excuse to make.”
He noted that forecasts last week had predicted “life-threatening” and “destructive” winds that could fuel a large fire, which came to pass.
“It wasn’t breaking news that there may be a fire here,” Caruso said. “And because of the negligence of our government leaders and our government officials, we have the Santa Monica Mountains, the density of that brush was fuel just waiting to explode. And that’s when it did. And then, on top of the high winds, you just had everything come together. Could it have been prevented? Probably not. Could it have been mitigated? There’s no doubt in my mind.”
A new analysis by JPMorgan estimates that the overall economic losses and insured losses caused by the deadly wildfires impacting Southern California are likely to be the most costly in state history.
JPMorgan’s insurance analysts released a report on Thursday that looked at the exposure of homeowner’s and commercial property insurance lines in light of the wildfires that have devastated communities in the Los Angeles area, including Pacific Palisades and Altadena. At least five people have been killed in the fires and over 2,000 homes, businesses and other structures have been damaged or destroyed.
The report noted that nearly 30,000 acres have been impacted by the fire and nearly 15,000 houses and buildings are considered to be at risk as of Thursday — up from 13,000 as of Wednesday morning. Firefighters have struggled to contain the wildfires, which are being driven by strong Santa Ana winds.
“Expectations of economic losses stemming from the fires have more than doubled since yesterday to closer to $50 billion, and we estimate that insured losses from the event could exceed $20 billion (and even more if the fires are not controlled),” JPMorgan analysts wrote. “This would make this event significantly more severe than the 2018 Butte County Camp fires, the highest insured loss wildfires in California’s history previously (with insured losses of roughly $10 billion).”
“Insured losses in the Butte Camp fire were close to two-thirds of economic losses (about $15 billion). That event impacted over 150,000 acres and affected over 18,000 houses/buildings,” the report said.
The 2018 Camp Fire devastated the town of Paradise and several nearby communities and caused 85 fatalities. It was caused by a downed utility transmission line during a high wind event.
This is an excerpt from an article by Eric Revell.
Southern California homes and businesses are still ablaze tonight and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.
Celebrities are taking to social media to express their disappointment at the loss of their homes and flashy cars, but one family in Altadena is mourning the loss of something much more.
In an interview with FOX 11 LA, 6-year-old Henry, of Altadena, stands next to his mother and brother. In the background, you can see the mangled siding and bricks of what looks like a former home, along with the burnt wreckage of many other homes that were lost.
Henry seems to keep his composure as he recounts the frightening moments leading up to the loss of his home – all while clutching the only two things he has left in this world.
“And then – the power went out … and then we were going to get our dad, but he was coming. Then we had power, flashlights, they’re so good, and I went and they woke us up, me and my brother. And then we left our house,” said Henry.
He said items in the house were burned, including his prized 3D printer.
“It was so special to me and it’s going to make me a little sad, but, I don’t know why, but this is what happened to our house,” Henry said. “And a lot of stuff that I love is gone. And now, and everything is broken, and it’s all lost its color and stuff. And these are the only things that I have.”
In the interview, Henry, who is visibly disappointed, shows the reporter the remnants of his parents’ bicycles and says that he wanted to come to the site of his former home to confirm what was broken and see what was left.
“I wanted to check on it and see if it was not broken and my dad took a video that it was broken,” he said. “We went here for today, so we know what happened and that was our chimney where Santa comes and now it’s gone. Now we can’t get presents here anymore.”
This is the case for thousands as the wildfires continue to rage throughout the area.
This is an excerpt from an article by Christina Shaw.
Victor Shaw, 66, was identified by KTLA as one of the fatalities from the devastating Eaton Fire centered around the city of Pasadena.
Shaw’s remains were found reportedly clutching a garden hose in his hand while trying to defend his family home of more than 50 years.
His sister Shari told the station that Victor said he wanted to stay behind Tuesday night to try to fight the flames, but a family friend said his body was discovered the next day on the side of a road with a hose.
“They just told me that he was lying on the ground and that he looked serene, as if he was at peace,” Shari Shaw told KTLA.
The five wildfires active in Los Angeles County on Friday – the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Kenneth Fire, Hurst Fire and Lidia Fire, have so far burned more than 30,000 combined acres, according to Cal Fire.
The agency says the largest – the Palisades Fire – has scorched nearly 20,000 acres and is only 6% contained. Across the county, more than 10,000 homes and businesses have been burned.
Milo Ventimiglio is mourning the loss of his Malibu home – a safe space he and his pregnant wife, Jarah Mariano, were expecting to introduce their new baby to in just a few days.
During an interview with CBS News, the “This Is Us” actor, 47, opened up about the “heavy” reality that has hit his family due to the Los Angeles wildfires.
“You start thinking about all the memories in different parts of the house and what not, and then you see your neighbors’ houses and everything kind of around and your heart just breaks,” a visibly upset Ventimiglia said while walking through the rubble of what is left of his home.
Ventimiglia, who evacuated on Tuesday, revealed he and his wife watched their home burn to the ground through their security cameras.
“I think there’s a shock moment where you go, ‘Is this real and is this happening?’ At a certain point we just turned it off. We accepted the loss.”
With Mariano set to give birth any day now, Ventimiglia revealed the baby’s nursery was complete.
“The whole thing was set up,” he said.
Ventimiglia, whose character Jack Pearson died of smoke inhalation after his home burned down in “This Is Us,” said he is fully aware of the irony.
“It’s not lost on me, life imitating art,” he said.
This is an excerpt from an article by Christina Dugan Ramirez.
Wildfires across Southern California continue to displace thousands of Los Angeles residents, including celebrities.
A wildfire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, driven by strong Santa Ana winds, began in the Santa Monica Mountains late Tuesday morning and quickly engulfed 200 acres within an hour, surging to nearly 3,000 acres by sunset, FOX Weather reported.
Three subsequent fires – Eaton, Hurst and Sunset – have erupted in various parts of the city.
A photograph shows actress Anna Faris’ Pacific Palisades multi-million-dollar home, charred and completely destroyed by the wildfire. “Anna and her family are safe and very grateful,” a representative for the actress told Fox News Digital.
A distraught Molly Sims wept on camera, describing the depressing status of her neighborhood. “Wanted to give everyone an update,” she said, stifling back tears. “Our community is beyond devastated. We are all pulling together. A lot of my friends have lost their home[s]. I’m waiting to see if our home will be there. Right now it’s just a waiting game. But I just want you to know I appreciate all the texts and DMs,” she said, before urging people to donate. “All we can do is wait.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Billy Crystal and his wife, Janice Crystal, said they are mourning the loss of their family home.
“Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing,” the couple said in a joint statement. “We ache for our friends and neighbors who have also lost their homes and businesses in this tragedy. Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”
“We pray for the safety of the firefighters and first responders,” the statement continued. “The Pacific Palisades is a resilient community of amazing people and we know in time it will rise again. It is our home.”
This is an excerpt from an article by Elizabeth Pritchett, Tracy Wright, Caroline Thayer and Christina Dugan Ramirez.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called out a reporter on Thursday for the lack of blame being placed on California leaders for the devastating wildfires, pointing out that it’s in stark contrast to how Republican leaders are often treated in the wake of disasters.
DeSantis, and all other Republican governors, had just wrapped up a dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday evening when the heated exchange with a reporter took place.
The reporter appeared to be asking another governor if it was appropriate for Trump to criticize Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom as deadly wildfires rage throughout the state.
The question prompted DeSantis to step forward and ask, “Is it appropriate for people in your industry to try to create division and to try to create narratives any time these things happen?”
“Now, you’re not as interested in doing that because Newsom is a D. If Newsom was a Republican, you guys would go try … you would have him nailed to the wall for what they’re doing over there,” he continued.
The Florida governor, who has managed multiple disasters during his tenure, said he has often been criticized for things that were out of his control and has been blamed for incidents before the facts came out, referencing the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse.
“I think your track record of politicizing these things is very, very bad,” DeSantis said.
He said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass would be treated much differently for her trip to Ghana while fires were high risk if she were a Republican.
“You should have been there preparing and doing that, and yet I don’t see a lot of heat being directed [toward her],” DeSantis said. “I’d like to see some balance on how this is done. You can criticize the president-elect, but you also have to hold these other people accountable, and I have not seen that.”
Steve Guttenberg is continuing his efforts to help first responders and those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.
During an interview with Fox News Digital, the actor, best known for his roles in “Police Academy” and “Three Men and a Baby,” shared footage of damage to the Pacific Palisades neighborhood from the flames and explained why he thinks the catastrophe is a “great equalizer.”
“It’s a great equalizer because it doesn’t matter how much money you have, the big house you have, your own fancy car you have,” he said. “At the end of it, you’re just walking down the street with a small little suitcase looking to evacuate and looking for somebody to help you get to where you’re going. That’s all you got.”
Earlier this week, Guttenberg sprang into action to help firefighters and moved cars stranded on Sunset Boulevard by residents fleeing the fire, he exclusively told Fox News Digital.
“It’s kind of like Zombieland, you know. There’s all these abandoned cars all over the street,” the star explained Tuesday.
Guttenberg urged people who were leaving their vehicles behind while evacuating to also leave their keys so crews could make their way through to the fire.
“What people do is that they abandon their cars, and it’s a crisis. And they don’t leave their keys in their cars,” Guttenberg told Fox News Digital Jan. 7. “What happens is, the fire trucks can’t get up the street because they have all these abandoned cars with no ability to move them. So, what I was doing was helping out move cars and put them up on the hill and clear the way for the fire department.”
Guttenberg noted the inferno was “the biggest fire that we’ve ever seen in the Palisades. It’s enormous.”
This is an excerpt from an article by Christina Dugan Ramirez and Larry Fink.
Fire personnel respond to homes destroyed while a helicopter drops water on the Palisades Fire in California on Jan. 7, 2025. (David Swanson/AFP via Getty Images)
As deadly wildfires spread and thousands of Los Angeles County residents flee for their lives, there are brave Americans who are going toward the danger to fight the flames.
John Mixson, a retired U.S. Coast Guard helicopter search and rescue aircraft commander, knows the risks posed to the crew members battling the fires. Crews resumed flights Wednesday after being grounded since Tuesday evening.
“There’s several different hazards involved that’s unique to the operation that they do,” Mixson told Fox News Digital. “One of the most apparent ones is the low altitude above hilly terrain in high wind conditions, which is what they’re battling now.”
Air crews working to contain the wildfires are grappling with several obstacles as well. Mixson pointed out that through the smoke these crews must also avoid other aircraft, terrain and everyday hazards such as radio towers.
In addition to the stressful conditions, operators in firefighting aircraft also have to handle populated areas carefully. This means navigating how to put out the blaze while dealing with not only “personal property, but personnel and life.”
Despite the high stress of the job, which Mixson admits is “challenging and very hazardous,” he expressed confidence in those who are fighting the devastating fires.
“The crews that do it are all extremely, extremely highly trained specifically for the specialized mission,” Mixson said. “This isn’t a secondary mission for the Cal Fire folks or any of the DoD or Forest Service firefighting folks. Just like the U.S. Coast Guard, they are very, very specialized in what they do. It is very, very hazardous, it’s very challenging. But they’re also very, very highly trained, uniquely to the specific task.”
This is an excerpt from an article by Rachel Wolf and Ashley Papa.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman warned residents of looters and vowed to punish them Wednesday amid reports of looting in the county as firefighters struggle to contain multiple wildfires raging in Southern California, including the massive Pacific Palisades fire.
“While the community rallies to support one another, we are also aware of the individuals who are targeting vulnerable victims to preying on this misfortune, seeking to exploit the vulnerability of those who have already endured so much,” the DA said in a statement.
“Let it be clearly known that those who seek to illegally profit from the pain and suffering of others—whether through looting, fraud, theft, burglary, or any other form of criminal activity—will not go unpunished.”
At the same time, private security firms are struggling to meet the increased demand as flames and looters alike threaten upscale Los Angeles neighborhoods.
“We are slammed,” said Herman Weisberg, the managing director of SAGE Intelligence, which works with Hollywood stars and other prominent individuals. “Can’t get guys there, and housing them is near impossible.”
Hotels are packed with displaced families and first responders, he said. Even one of his friend’s houses burned down. Rental cars are scarce, even if security personnel could stay outside town.
“We’ve already pretty much committed all the assets I have in California to various assignments, but we’re trying to mobilize some more out of towners, which has its own issues,” he said. “Everybody that we have is former law enforcement, but not everybody is licensed in the state of California.” As for Hochman, he and other authorities have vowed to hold thieves and other criminals accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
“To those who are enduring hardship, please know that you are not alone,” he said. “Thank you to our brave first responders who are working tirelessly to protect our community from this devastation. We appreciate you and everything you are doing.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a news briefing Thursday that at least 20 people had been arrested on looting charges and warned potential copycats to stay out of evacuated homes.
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz.
Los Angeles officials say multiple wildfires remain uncontained across the city and urged residents to comply with ongoing evacuation orders on Thursday.
Mayor Karen Bass delivered the message alongside police and firefighting leaders at a press conference on Thursday. Police said they have already arrested 20 people for looting and burglary in evacuation areas, and more arrests are expected.
“This is absolutely an unprecedented historic firestorm,” Bass said. “But we are all hands on deck. We need to continue to cooperate. We need to evacuate when asked to do so. We need to help others, help our neighbors. And first and foremost, we need to stay united.”
The mayor faced sharp questions from reporters following the briefing, with inquiries highlighting that she was out of the country when the fires began.
“Do you think your leadership was effective in responding to this disaster?” a reporter asked.
Bass argued her focus was on saving lives, but said there would be time to investigate how Los Angeles was prepared for the crisis at a later date.
Bass also responded to criticism of her slashing the fire department’s budget last year, saying “there were no reductions that were made that would have impacted the situation that we were dealing with over the last couple of days.”
From the 2023-2024 to the 2024-2025 budgets, the LAFD’s budget was reduced by over $17 million from $837,191,237 to $819,637,423.
Bass had proposed a larger budget cut to the LAFD, about $23 million, but it was not adopted.
This is an excerpt from an article by Anders Hagstrom.
The Los Angeles Police Department arrested a man on Thursday who was allegedly “attempting to light a fire,” as wildfires continued to ravage the area.
Officers responded to a call at about 4:30 p.m., for a possible arson suspect on the 21700 block of Ybarra Road.
Initially, LAPD officer Charles Dinse was quoted in a News Nation report telling a reporter that a suspect was detained in Rolling Hills by citizens, and when asked if the suspect purposely set the Kenneth Fire, he said, “at this time that’s what we believe, yes.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the LAPD for confirmation and was told the message did not come from them.
Fox News’ Matt Finn said he has spoken to the LAPD twice and they confirmed someone was arrested at about 4:30 p.m. in the Topanga division of LA, however the LAPD would not confirm the person was arrested for starting the Kenneth Fire.
Finn also spoke with Dinse, who said a person was arrested in proximity to the Kenneth Fire.
But Dinse also agreed with what the LAPD said, which was that at this time, they do not have a direct link between the person who was arrested and the Kenneth Fire.
A firefighter sets a backburn in front of the advancing Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
At least 10 people are confirmed dead as multiple wildfires decimate the Los Angeles area, according the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner.
In an update Thursday night, the coroner’s office said it has “received notification of 10 fire-related deaths.”
Authorities previously said that five deaths are from the Eaton Fire and two are from the Palisades Fire. It’s unclear where the remaining three come from.
“The identification make take several weeks as the Department of Medical Examiner is not able to respond to all death locations due to the fire conditions and safety concerns. Please also keep in mind, traditional means of identification such as fingerprinting and visual identification may not be available and will add more time for naming these decedents,” the office said in a news release.
The two biggest wildfires raging in the Los Angeles area have burned more than 10,000 homes and businesses, officials say.
Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this update.
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