LA fires cause extensive damage as some communities look ‘like a bomb was dropped’

At least seven people have been killed and countless others injured as fast-moving wildfires have torn across Los Angeles, leaving thousands of firefighters attempting to extinguish the blaze.

Officials said Thursday that while progress had been made on the Sunset, Woodley, Hurst and Sunswept Fires, more “extreme fire behavior” and wind gusts up to 60mph are continuing to challenge firefighting efforts.

Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna said fire-ravaged neighborhoods in west L.A. “look like a bomb was dropped in them.”

The Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive natural disasters the city has seen, is still not contained. The fire has burned at least 19,059 acres, while the Altadena and Pasadena-based Eaton fire has scorched some 13,690 acres.

Another fire, the Kenneth Fire, broke out north of the Palisades fire on Thursday afternoon, threatening homes near Calabasas and Hidden Hills.

The causes of all of the wildfires are under active investigation, but thousands of buildings and businesses have been destroyed.

Numerous California customers remained without power on Thursday, with roughly 863,000 outages in Los Angeles County and another 857,000 or so in neighboring San Bernadino County, according to tracker PowerOutage.us.

Key Points

  • What to know about the new Kenneth Fire

  • California fire death toll expected to rise as 5 reported killed

  • Here’s the current wildfire situation in Los Angeles County

  • Mapped: Tracking the southern California wildfires

  • Forecasters warn about increased risk of wildfire spread

  • LA Zoo says no animals were harmed during wildfires

Fire meteorologist predicts ‘last uptick’ in winds before ‘very calm’ conditions

02:45 , Josh Marcus

The powerful Santa Ana winds that helped spread the fires burning around Los Angeles are expected to briefly pick back up overnight, before leveling off later in the week, according to a Cal Fire meteorologist.

“When the [Palisades] fire broke out, the area was under an extremely strong Santa Ana wind event and strong red flag conditions,” Rich Thompson said during a community briefing on Thursday, noting winds could reach 30 to 45 mph.

There will be “one last little uptick” in the Santa Anas overnight, and continued red flag conditions indicating high fire danger until 6 p.m. tomorrow evening, Thompson said.

Later in the week, an onshore sea breeze and “very calm, very quiet” conditions are expected.

Unfortunately, powerful winds will return by Sunday and extend into next week.

WATCH: Cal Fire updates community on Palisades fire

02:34 , Josh Marcus

What to know about the new Kenneth Fire

02:20 , Josh Marcus

Firefighters are battling a new fire on the outskirts of Los Angeles.

The Kenneth Fire began around 3:30 p.m. and has now burned 960 acres near the Los Angeles-Ventura County line, according to Cal Fire.

“Fanned by strong Santa Ana winds, the fire threatens nearby communities and infrastructure, prompting swift evacuation orders,” the agency wrote on its website. “Firefighters from Los Angeles and Ventura counties are actively engaged in containment efforts, deploying both ground crews and aerial resources.”

The blaze is burning near the Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, threatening homes in the nearby communities of Hidden Hills, Woodland Hills, and West Hills, according to the Los Angeles Times.

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday announced 900 firefighters would be deployed to fight the Kenneth Fire.

Harris cancels foreign trip as fires rage in Los Angeles

02:10 , Josh Marcus

Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff have canceled an upcoming foreign trip as fires rage in Los Angeles, Harris’s office said.

“In response to the historic wildfires in Los Angeles, the Vice President has made the decision to cancel her and the Second Gentleman’s upcoming trip to Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany,” it wrote in a statement. “She will remain in the United States to support the federal response in California.”

How California firefighters stopped the Sunset Fire

01:50 , Josh Marcus

In a rare bit of good news, fire crews were able to contain the Sunset Fire to just 43 acres, as other blazes rage across Los Angeles.

Here’s how it went down, according to California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Numerous L.A. residents received mistaken evacuation alert

01:30 , Josh Marcus

In addition to the very real threat of the multiple fires converging on L.A., Angelenos on Thursday also had to deal with a fake evacuation alert.

“I have been informed the evacuation warning that many of us just received on our phones was mistakenly issued countywide due to a technical error,” L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn confirmed on Thursday.

Cal Fire encouraged by lower winds

01:10 , Josh Marcus

A Cal Fire official said Thursday the agency got a “great” pause in high winds to launch further fire-fighting efforts, relaxed weather conditions that may continue through the night.

“We’re optimistic about tonight,” battalion chief Brent Pascua told CNN. “We’re not going to see those 80 mph winds that are knocking over trees.”

Death toll ‘will rise’ in coming days: sheriff

00:50 , Josh Marcus

At least six people have died so far in the Los Angeles fires, but that figure could rise in the coming days, according to officials.

“I think the death toll will rise,” L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a Thursday new conference. “I hope I’m wrong.”

The six deaths represent a likely undercount.

“Right now, frankly, we don’t know yet,” he added.

What we know about the victims of the most destructive fire in LA history

Beyoncé’s mother loses Malibu house in fires: ‘It was my favorite place’

00:30 , Josh Marcus

Tina Knowles, mother of pop star Beyoncé, is one of many notable people around the L.A. area who have lost their homes in the recent fires.

“It was my favorite place, my sanctuary , my sacred Happy Place,” Knowles wrote on Instagram, sharing a tranquil video of the view from before her Malibu bungalow burned down. “Now it is gone.”

“This could have been so much worse with out the dedication of the disaster workers and first responders,” she added. “I’m so sad for the people who lost the five family members. My deepest Prayers are with you !!!!!!”

Video: Fire-fighting plane scoops ocean water near World Central Kitchen site

00:10 , Josh Marcus

Chef José Andrés’s World Central Kitchen nonprofit is on the scene near the Palisades fire providing food to first responders.

As chefs worked to feed the firefighters, water-scooping firefighting planes dipped into the nearby Pacific Ocean.

Evacuations ordered in area near Kenneth Fire

Thursday 9 January 2025 23:50 , Josh Marcus

Emergency officials have ordered the evacuation of those in the Van Owen, City Border, Burbank, and Valley Ricle areas due to te “rapidaly moving” Kenneth Fire.

The fire broke out in Woodland Hills, near the border of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, earlier today.

20 people arrested for looting so far, sheriff says

Thursday 9 January 2025 23:30 , Josh Marcus

Looters have seized on the chaos of the L.A. fires to plunder homes and businesses, according to police.

“Twenty individuals chose to go into our areas and deprive these poor people who have been through so much of their property,” L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters on Thursday.

Fire death roll rises to six

Thursday 9 January 2025 23:24 , Josh Marcus

At least six people have now died as a result of the Los Angeles fires with the addition of the first person killed in the Palisades Fire.

The city of Malibu confirmed the death in a statement to CNN.

“Although the individual has not yet been identified, this tragic news weighs heavily on our hearts,” Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart said. “On behalf of the City of Malibu, I want to express my deepest condolences to the loved ones of this person. Our community grieves with you in this moment of unimaginable loss.”

Where to donate to support victims of L.A. wildfires

Thursday 9 January 2025 23:10 , Josh Marcus

A range of charitable organizations are doing important work to support Angelenos as they struggle with multiple historic wildfires.

The American Red Cross, California Community Foundation, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and World Central Kitchen are all accepting donations to assist on aspects ranging from food to shelter to medical supplies.

Video: Biden announces federal government will

Thursday 9 January 2025 22:55 , Josh Marcus

The federal government will cover 100 percent of the cost of key parts of the response to the L.A. wildfires for the next 180 days, the president announced on Thursday.

“Folks, I want to underscore, I told the governor and local officials, spare no expense to do what they need to do,” Biden said.

Watch live: Biden addresses nation as wildfires tear across Los Angeles

WATCH: L.A. resident confronts governor while he’s on phone with Biden

Thursday 9 January 2025 22:40 , Josh Marcus

A Los Angeles resident confronted California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday, demanding answers about why certain L.A. fire hydrants weren’t working and what officials would do differently to prevent future tragedies.

The exchange quickly grew heated, as the governor explained he was attempting to reach President Biden on the phone, while the woman insisted she be present for the call.

Watch the whole exchange below, via Sky News.

Utilities helped cause water shortage during fires: Biden

Thursday 9 January 2025 22:26 , Josh Marcus

As fires continue to run rampant around L.A., officials have said they’ve at times had issues accessing enough water from hydrants to put out the blazes.

The issues have prompted some on the right to erroneously allege that California’s leadership has emptied the state’s reservoirs.

The actual cause of the shortage, President Biden said on Thursday, was that utility companies shut off power in certain areas to avoid power lines sparking new fires.

The lack of electricity then impacted water pumping systems.

Swanky L.A. hotel goes from Golden Globes hangout to fire refuge

Thursday 9 January 2025 22:09 , Josh Marcus

Just four days ago, West Hollywood’s Sunset Tower was playing host to film stars and producers as they celebrated the Golden Globes.

Now, as fires ravage Los Angeles, A-listers and local residents alike are taking refuge in the art deco tower.

Some guests have seen brief visits turn into indefinite stays, while others have dropped into the hotel for an hour or two to escape the chaos outside, Vanity Fair reports.

“There’s a lot more pets, and that makes me happy because unfortunately, there was an article in The New York Times today about how people are leaving their pets behind in the fires,” owner Jeff Klein told the magazine. “So I’m happy to know that at least at the Sunset Tower, they’re bringing their pets. It’s also nice—I think a pet will comfort you as well. But yes, it’s almost like Noah’s Ark in a way.”

Watch live: Biden addresses nation as wildfires tear across Los Angeles

Thursday 9 January 2025 21:55 , Josh Marcus

Watch live as Joe Biden addresses the nation as wildfires continue to rip through the Los Angeles County area on Thursday, 9 January.

Today, the White House said the president will convene senior White House and Administration officials for a briefing on the full Federal response he has directed to the wildfires.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of California to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires and straight-line winds from 7 January and continuing.

Watch live: Biden addresses nation as wildfires tear across Los Angeles

L.A. fires like ‘breathing in lead’ for homeless people

Thursday 9 January 2025 21:39 , Josh Marcus

The fires around Los Angeles have had particular heath impacts on the roughly 45,000 homeless people who live in the city of Los Angeles.

Living outside, and often lacking reliable transportation, puts this community at heightened risks from breathing in noxious smoke.

“People have said it feels like you’re breathing in lead and you can see what you’re breathing in,” advocate Carla Orendorff, who works with mutual aid groups supporting homeless people, told The Guardian.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance says it’s ready to support colleagues at Los Angeles Zoo

Thursday 9 January 2025 21:06 , Julia Musto

“Our hearts are with the Los Angeles community and all those affected by the devastating fires,” the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance told The Independent in an emailed statement.

“We are in close contact with our colleagues at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens but as of now, they have not requested our assistance. We remain prepared and ready to support them at any point.”

California wildfires in photos: Firefighters continue to work hard as residents return home

Thursday 9 January 2025 20:51 , Julia Musto

Mimi Laine pauses as she inspects her mother's home that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire on  Thursday in Altadena, California. (Getty Images)Mimi Laine pauses as she inspects her mother's home that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire on  Thursday in Altadena, California. (Getty Images)

Mimi Laine pauses as she inspects her mother’s home that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire on Thursday in Altadena, California. (Getty Images)

A firefighter sprays water on a burning home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Thursday in Altadena, California. (Getty Images)A firefighter sprays water on a burning home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Thursday in Altadena, California. (Getty Images)

A firefighter sprays water on a burning home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Thursday in Altadena, California. (Getty Images)

Wildfire smoke hangs over downtown Los Angeles amid poor air quality in the region on Thursday in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)Wildfire smoke hangs over downtown Los Angeles amid poor air quality in the region on Thursday in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)

Wildfire smoke hangs over downtown Los Angeles amid poor air quality in the region on Thursday in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)

A man and woman hold each other in the rubble of destroyed homes in Altadena, California, on Thursday. (AP)A man and woman hold each other in the rubble of destroyed homes in Altadena, California, on Thursday. (AP)

A man and woman hold each other in the rubble of destroyed homes in Altadena, California, on Thursday. (AP)

Harry and Meghan share heartfelt message to Californians as wildfires rage miles from their home

Thursday 9 January 2025 20:26 , Julia Musto

Harry and Meghan share heartfelt message to Californians as wildfires rage

Fire danger level has increased to ‘critical’ at the Angeles National Forest

Thursday 9 January 2025 20:15 , Julia Musto

Lidia Fire is now 60 percent contained

Thursday 9 January 2025 20:07 , Julia Musto

Trump once again swipes at Gavin Newsom over water resources: ‘It’s already far too late!’

Thursday 9 January 2025 20:00 , Julia Musto

“Governor Gavin Newscum should immediately go to Northern California and open up the water main, and let the water flow into his dry, starving, burning State, instead of having it go out into the Pacific Ocean. It ought to be done right now, NO MORE EXCUSES FROM THIS INCOMPETENT GOVERNOR. IT’S ALREADY FAR TOO LATE!”

Mount Wilson Observatory power is out as Eaton Fire approaches

Thursday 9 January 2025 19:53 , Julia Musto

Los Angeles Schools will be closed on Friday

Thursday 9 January 2025 19:49 , Julia Musto

Eaton Fire picking up near Mount Wilson

Thursday 9 January 2025 19:48 , Julia Musto

The Eaton Fire has reached the top of nearby Mount Wilson, threatening television transmitters on the peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, Carlos Herrera, a public information officer for Los Angeles County, told CNN.

“This was something we hadn’t anticipated that might be a potential,” he said, adding, “It just kind of picked up. We are attacking it via aerial support.”

Sunset Fire is fully contained, Mayor Karen Bass says

Thursday 9 January 2025 19:37 , Julia Musto

Authorities are investigating human remains that are believed to have been found in rubble: Report

Thursday 9 January 2025 19:36 , Julia Musto

Altadena mother reacts after learning her home has burned to the ground: ‘Everything is just gone’

Thursday 9 January 2025 19:32 , Julia Musto

Khaled Fouad, left, and Mimi Laine embrace as they inspect a family member's property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire on Thursday in Altadena, California. The Eaton Fire is still burning (Getty Images)Khaled Fouad, left, and Mimi Laine embrace as they inspect a family member's property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire on Thursday in Altadena, California. The Eaton Fire is still burning (Getty Images)

Khaled Fouad, left, and Mimi Laine embrace as they inspect a family member’s property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire on Thursday in Altadena, California. The Eaton Fire is still burning (Getty Images)

“It’s all burned down, everything, my kid’s school, our community, our neighbor’s houses,” the mother told CBS News Los Angeles tearfully. “Everything is just gone.”

She said they had left everything at the house, and that her three-year-old keeps asking when they’ll go home.

“I’m trying to figure out how to tell my three-year-old we don’t have a home, we don’t have a school,” she said. “We don’t know where to go, what to do next.

Wildfires continue to destroy Los Angeles. Its now up to hundreds of prison inmates to help slow the spread

Thursday 9 January 2025 19:30 , Julia Musto

Nearly 400 California inmates are helping battle Los Angeles wildfires

Drone footage shows desolate landscape of wildfire devastation in Los Angeles

Thursday 9 January 2025 19:20 , Julia Musto

California governor thanks first responders

Thursday 9 January 2025 19:19 , Julia Musto

Biden to brief nation on Los Angeles fires

Thursday 9 January 2025 19:14 , Julia Musto

Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets game is postponed

Thursday 9 January 2025 19:12 , Julia Musto

The NBA postponed the Los Angeles Lakers’ home game against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday due to the wildfires burning across Los Angeles County.

It is the second consecutive day a game slated to be played in downtown Los Angeles has been postponed.

The NHL’s Los Angeles Kings were scheduled to host the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night.

With reporting from The Associated Press

Forecasters warn of ‘increased risk’ of rapid fire spread

Thursday 9 January 2025 19:08 , Julia Musto

Thousands of Los Angeles homeowners were dropped by their insurers before the Palisades Fire, report says

Thursday 9 January 2025 19:05 , Julia Musto

The Eaton Fire burns in Altadena, California, on Thursday. (AP)The Eaton Fire burns in Altadena, California, on Thursday. (AP)

The Eaton Fire burns in Altadena, California, on Thursday. (AP)

Thousands of Los Angeles area homeowners were dropped by their insurers last year before the devastating Palisades Fire, according to CBS News.

Approximately 1,600 policies in Pacific Palisades were dropped by State Farm in July, California Department of Insurance spokesman Michael Soller told CBS MoneyWatch in a Thursday email.

“Our No. 1 priority right now is the safety of our customers, agents and employees impacted by the fires and assisting our customers in the midst of this tragedy,” State Farm told the network.

Firefighter and lifeguard recalls seeing Palisades Fire grow: The fire ‘just kind of exploded’

Thursday 9 January 2025 18:56 , Julia Musto

“As the wind started picking up and kind of raging in a northwesterly direction, the fire just kind of exploded,” Fabian Herrera told CBS News.

He was on a beach in Malibu and watched the blaze move to the top of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.

“Now you have areas like this …. These beachfront homes, all destroyed or affected in some sense,” said Herrera.

Firefighter and lifeguard recalls seeing Palisades Fire grow: The fire ‘just kind of exploded’

Thursday 9 January 2025 18:56 , Julia Musto

“As the wind started picking up and kind of raging in a northwesterly direction, the fire just kind of exploded,” Fabian Herrera told CBS News.

He was on a beach in Malibu and watched the blaze move to the top of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.

“Now you have areas like this …. These beachfront homes, all destroyed or affected in some sense,” said Herrera.

Thousands of structures have been destroyed in California wildfires. Here’s what that means

Thursday 9 January 2025 18:52 , Julia Musto

Initial estimates on the number of structures destroyed by wildfires are based on heat signatures picked up by aircraft, Cal Fire told CNN.

“It doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a residential structure or commercial structure. It could be a vehicle. It could be an outbuilding,” Todd Hopkins, an incident commander for the agency, explained Thursday.

However, teams are on the ground to make more detailed inspections. They will catalog whether a house is damaged or completely destroyed.

“The thousands of structures can mean many different things besides just a home, but it is thousands — plural — that have been destroyed, thousands of structures,” he said.

Fires still burn as residents begin to tour the damage

Thursday 9 January 2025 18:44 , Julia Musto

A beachfront property is burned by the Palisades Fire on Thursday in Malibu, California. Officials have warned leftover debris could be hazardous (AP)A beachfront property is burned by the Palisades Fire on Thursday in Malibu, California. Officials have warned leftover debris could be hazardous (AP)

A beachfront property is burned by the Palisades Fire on Thursday in Malibu, California. Officials have warned leftover debris could be hazardous (AP)

Robert Lara, left, looks for belongings along with his stepfather on Thursday following the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. Windy conditions were not over (AP)Robert Lara, left, looks for belongings along with his stepfather on Thursday following the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. Windy conditions were not over (AP)

Robert Lara, left, looks for belongings along with his stepfather on Thursday following the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. Windy conditions were not over (AP)

People look over damaged structures on Thursday following the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. The blaze resulted in several deaths and more injuries (AP)People look over damaged structures on Thursday following the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. The blaze resulted in several deaths and more injuries (AP)

People look over damaged structures on Thursday following the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. The blaze resulted in several deaths and more injuries (AP)

A firefighter waters down a home after the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California., on Thursday. The fire remained 0 percent contained (AP)A firefighter waters down a home after the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California., on Thursday. The fire remained 0 percent contained (AP)

A firefighter waters down a home after the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California., on Thursday. The fire remained 0 percent contained (AP)

Pacific Palisades neighborhood ‘looked apocalyptic,’ LA County DA says

Thursday 9 January 2025 18:32 , Julia Musto

“Up and down each one of the blocks I traveled, those houses no longer exist. They are basically rubble,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman told reporters on Thursday.

“It looked apocalyptic. Not since the 1990s when Los Angeles was hit with the fires, the flood, the earthquake and the riots, have I seen such disaster occur here in our city.”

These are real-time wildfire smoke conditions and air quality around the Los Angeles area wildfires

Thursday 9 January 2025 18:30 , Julia Musto

Actor returns to pile of ashes where his LA home once stood

Thursday 9 January 2025 18:21 , Julia Musto

Actor Jamie Lee Curtis donates $1 million to wildfire relief efforts

Thursday 9 January 2025 18:20 , Julia Musto

LA officials condemn looters ‘preying’ on residents as wildfires devastate California

Thursday 9 January 2025 18:18 , Julia Musto

Kieran Culkin reacts to California wildfires: ‘My friends have been affected by it’

Thursday 9 January 2025 18:17 , Julia Musto

“My friends have been affected by it,” Succession star Kieran Culkin said of the wildfires.

Los Angeles wildfires may be the costliest in U.S. history: Report

Thursday 9 January 2025 18:11 , Julia Musto

The Los Angeles wildfires may to be the costliest in the nation’s history, analysts told The Wall Street Journal on Thursday.

Total economic losses from the fires are close to $50 billion, double the estimate of a day earlier, JPMorgan analyst Jimmy Bhullar told the publication.

Insured loss estimates could increase “if the fires are not controlled,” he said.

Although, that sum is less than preliminary damage and economic loss estimates from media forecaster AccuWeather.

LA officials condemn looters ‘preying’ on residents as wildfires devastate California

Thursday 9 January 2025 18:06 , Julia Musto

Pasadena warns about Eaton Fire debris in drinking water

Thursday 9 January 2025 17:44 , Julia Musto

More than 100 crews are deployed to restore power

Thursday 9 January 2025 17:43 , Julia Musto

There are currently 118 crews deployed to restore power in Los Angeles County.

“If you see a wire down, please call 911 and we will send crews immediately to make the area safe,” Janisse Quiñones, CEO and chief engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, said Thursday.

“Some customers may experience some longer outages because some power equipment has been damaged or “compromised” by the fires,” she added.

Death toll from the fires is expected to rise

Thursday 9 January 2025 17:40 , Julia Musto

Cadaver dogs and search crews are beginning to search the rubble, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Thursday.

“Right now, frankly, we don’t know yet,” he said.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass assures budget cuts ‘really did not affect this disaster’

Thursday 9 January 2025 17:36 , Julia Musto

The sun rises over the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of west Los Angeles, California, on Thursday following devastating wildfires. The fire is still not contained (REUTERS)The sun rises over the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of west Los Angeles, California, on Thursday following devastating wildfires. The fire is still not contained (REUTERS)

The sun rises over the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of west Los Angeles, California, on Thursday following devastating wildfires. The fire is still not contained (REUTERS)

Months before the devastating Palisades Fire swept the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, the city reportedly cut $17.5 million from the fire department’s budget this fiscal year, according to ABC 7.

The station said the total budget for the Los Angeles County Fire Department was $819.64 million. In the previous year, it was $837.2 million.

“If you go back and look at reductions, none would have impacted the situation they were dealing with over the last few days,” Mayor Karen Bass told reporters on Thursday.

LA Zoo says its campus and animals have not been impacted by the fires

Thursday 9 January 2025 17:26 , Julia Musto

The Los Angeles Zoo says its animals and campus have not been impacted by the local wildfires and that animal care teams have been working to ensure their care and wellbeing.

“There are some down trees and branches from the wind storm but no damage to buildings, exhibits or critical infrastructure, and there have been no injuries to staff or animals,” the zoo said in an email to The Independent. “The LA Zoo will remain closed today as staff continues to work to clean up from the storm.”

Here’s the current wildfire situation in Los Angeles County

Thursday 9 January 2025 17:22 , Julia Musto

  • The Lidia Fire has been 40 percent contained at 348 acres and the fire’s progress has been stopped.

  • While the Palisades Fire is not contained, it remains at 17,234 acres and “extreme fire behavior” and wind gusts up to 60mph are continuing to challenge firefighting efforts.

  • The Hurst Fire has spread over 671 acres. Crews got a handle on flare-ups overnight and have established a perimeter. It is 10 percent contained.

  • The Woodley Fire has burned 30 acres and is fully contained. There are no current threats from the fire.

  • The Sunset Fire is 42.8 acres and forward progress has been stopped, with firefighting crews working to put out spot fires within the perimeters. All related evacuation orders have been lifted.

  • The progress of Studio City’s Sunswept Fire was stopped at just under an acre.

Officials said that firefighters have a “much better posture” than on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, forecasters say a red flag warning will remain in effect for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties through Friday.

While damage assessments are ongoing, preliminary reports of damaged or destroyed structures are in the thousands, Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley reported.

She said this is one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles.

All incidents are under active investigation.

LA Fire PIO gives update on Thursday fire response

Thursday 9 January 2025 17:13 , Julia Musto

Sarah Michelle Gellar and other stars turn on LA mayor and Gavin Newsom over fire response

Thursday 9 January 2025 17:11 , Julia Musto

Sun rises on devastation from Palisades Fire

Thursday 9 January 2025 17:10 , Julia Musto

Debris covers the ground after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed (AP)Debris covers the ground after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed (AP)

Debris covers the ground after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed (AP)

Debris covers the ground after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Much of the debris could be toxic, officials warned (AP)Debris covers the ground after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Much of the debris could be toxic, officials warned (AP)

Debris covers the ground after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Much of the debris could be toxic, officials warned (AP)

The sun rises after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Windy conditions resulted in fast-moving blazes in the region (AP)The sun rises after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Windy conditions resulted in fast-moving blazes in the region (AP)

The sun rises after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Windy conditions resulted in fast-moving blazes in the region (AP)

The sun rises after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Structures are burnt to the ground (AP)The sun rises after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Structures are burnt to the ground (AP)

The sun rises after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Structures are burnt to the ground (AP)

Utility systems have been ‘significantly damaged’ and municipal water system continues to suffer poor quality

Thursday 9 January 2025 16:58 , Julia Musto

Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella told reporters Thursday that the county’s utility systems have been “significantly damaged” by the wildfires.

He said that there’s a “tremendous amount of debris” that needs to be processed and moved out of the area, some of which may be hazardous or toxic.

While the reservoirs are full and continue to be ready, Pestrella warned that the municipal water system continues to suffer poor quality due to ash from the blazes.

He noted that specific areas, like Malibu, require water to be boiled, and that those in areas burned to the ground should boil their water.

Evacuations will probably continue as winds pick up, LAPD Chief predicts

Thursday 9 January 2025 16:52 , Julia Musto

“The air is not healthy for people who are challenged from a respiratory standpoint,” Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim Mcdonnell told reporters on Thursday.

He said that evacuations will probably still continue as the winds pick up.

LA County Sheriff impacted areas, homes: ‘Some of ‘em looked like a bomb was dropped in ‘em’

Thursday 9 January 2025 16:44 , Julia Musto

“Some of ‘em looked like a bomb was dropped in ‘em,” Sheriff Robert Luna said.

“This is a crisis and we don’t know what to expect, but we’re ready for everything.”

Nearly 180,000 residents in Los Angeles County are under evacuation orders

Thursday 9 January 2025 16:42 , Julia Musto

Nearly 180,000 residents in Los Angeles County remain under evacuation orders, according to Sheriff Robert Luna.

Nearly 200,000 were under evacuation warnings.

20 people arrested for allegedly looting, number expected to go up: LA County Sheriff

Thursday 9 January 2025 16:37 , Julia Musto

Some 20 individuals have been arrested for allegedly looting homes and businesses affected by wildfires.

“Absolutely unacceptable,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters.

Those who remain in the area are guilty of a misdemeanor.

“Our first choice isn’t to do enforcement…” he noted. “It’s to help people.”

Eaton Fire growth has been ‘significantly stopped’

Thursday 9 January 2025 16:33 , Julia Musto

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Thursday that the growth of Acton’s Eaton Fire has been “significantly stopped.”

Mutual aid resources continue to arrive in response to the blaze, and 879 firefighting personnel are working on the incident.

There have been several reported injuries and deaths and more than a thousand structures were damaged.

The fire’s cause remains under active investigation.

Palisades Fire remains 0 percent contained

Thursday 9 January 2025 16:21 , Julia Musto

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