California wildfires stay updates: Death toll hits 7 as new Kenneth blaze threatens Calabasas in mighty LA firestorm
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At least seven people have been killed and countless others injured as fast-moving wildfires have torn across the outskirts of Los Angeles, leaving thousands of firefighters battling desperately 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 60 mph 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 at a mere 6 percent containment. The fire has burned at least 19,978 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 blaze is believed to have been started intentionally, and a suspect is in custody, per the LAPD.
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 115,895 outages in Los Angeles County and another 32,725 or so in neighboring San Bernadino County, according to tracker PowerOutage.us.
Harry and Meghan speak out on L.A. fires
A statement posted to their official website on Thursday (January 9) reads: “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 statement goes on to list a number of organisations that are seeking to support those affected by the fire, including Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, the LA Fire Department Foundation and the Animal Wellness Foundation.
Kevin E G Perry has the details.
Containment of Palisades fire gradually increasing
Firefighters are making slow but steady progress containing the Palisades fire.
After spending much of the day at zero percent containment, that figure has moved up to six percent as of Thursday evening, per Cal Fire.
900 additional firefighters deploy to battle Kenneth Fire
The Kenneth Fire broke out on Thursday outside of Los Angeles near Hidden Hills and Calabasas, joining the multiple blazes already taxing the capabilities of first responders.
An additional 900 firefighters have been sent to battle the fire, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday evening.
Trump names Fox News alum to post in Justice Department
Donald Trump named Fox News contributor and attorney Leo Terrell to a senior role in the Justice Department, serving as senior counsel to the assistant attorney general for civil rights.
“Leo is a highly respected civil rights attorney and political analyst,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He received his law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has defended many high profile cases throughout his incredibly successful career. Leo will be a fantastic advocate for the American People, and ensure we will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
LAPD describes citizens’ arrest of Kenneth Fire arsonist
The Kenneth Fire, which broke out on the Los Angeles-Ventura County border on Thursday, was allegedly set by an arsonist, according to the LAPD.
A group of citizens then detained the individual, LAPD senior lead officer Charles Dinsel said on Thursday.
California officials brief Biden on L.A. fires
President Biden is working with California officials to respond to the Los Angeles fires.
Here’s the latest on his activities, per the White House.
Today President Biden spoke by phone separately with California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Adam Schiff, Congressman Brad Sherman, Congressman Ted Lieu, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and Los Angeles County Supervisors Hilda Solis and Kathryn Barger to discuss the latest updates on the wildfires across Los Angeles.
L.A. fires death toll rises to seven: report
A second person has died in the Palisades Fire, CNN reports, bringing the estimated death toll from the L.A. fires to seven.
Here’s what we know about the victims.
Fire meteorologist predicts ‘last uptick’ in winds before ‘very calm’ conditions
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.
Source: independent.co.uk
