LA fires live updates: ‘Particularly dangerous’ weather warning issued as winds increase in Southern California


Newsom says LA wildfires could be worst natural disaster in US history

A new blaze, named the Auto Fire, broke out late Monday in Ventura County, California, and has already scorched about 56 acres, prompting a swift response from fire crews.

While it remains at 0 percent containment, it has been successfully halted to the river bottom area of Oxnard with no buildings in jeopardy, officials said.

Firefighters are bracing for the return of ferocious Santa Ana winds that are expected to fan the flames of massive wildfires raging across Southern California, as the death toll climbs to at least 25 people.

The combined area burnt by the fires around Los Angeles is reportedly about 60 square miles.

The National Weather Service has warned of a “particularly dangerous situation” in the days ahead as Santa Ana winds return.

Peak winds are expecte to be milder than last week, the agency said Monday, though relatively low humidity and 20 to 40 mph offshore winds will “support rapid fire growth and potential for extreme fire behavior.” Gusts of up to 70 mph are expected in mountainous regions.

Photos show firefighters work on the Auto Fire

A firefighter stands amid the Auto Fire in Oxnard, northwest of Los Angeles, California, on Monday. The fire is not yet contained
A firefighter stands amid the Auto Fire in Oxnard, northwest of Los Angeles, California, on Monday. The fire is not yet contained (AFP via Getty Images)
Firefighters monitor and control the spread of the Auto Fire in Oxnard, northwest of Los Angeles, California, on Monday. Forward progress was halted by firefighters
Firefighters monitor and control the spread of the Auto Fire in Oxnard, northwest of Los Angeles, California, on Monday. Forward progress was halted by firefighters (AFP via Getty Images)
A firefighter monitors the spread of the Auto Fire in Oxnard, northwest of Los Angeles, California, on Monday. Firefighters remained on the scene
A firefighter monitors the spread of the Auto Fire in Oxnard, northwest of Los Angeles, California, on Monday. Firefighters remained on the scene (AFP via Getty Images)

Julia Musto14 January 2025 17:05

FEMA has approved $8.4 million in disaster assistance funds to households and individuals in California

FEMA Region 9’s Regional Administrator Bob Fenton said Tuesday that maximum grants from the agency for housing or other needs are $43,600, although noting the Small Business Administration could do low interest loans and that there are other forms of assistance to help with unmet needs.

Julia Musto14 January 2025 16:58

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says ‘massive destruction’ is ‘unimaginable until you actually see it’

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass took an aerial tour of devastation from the wildfires on Monday.

“The massive, massive destruction is unimaginable until you actually see it,” she recalled to reporters in a Tuesday news briefing.

“In Los Angeles and California, we don’t know hurricanes. But, imagining a dry hurricane and thinking about what they went through and their lives on the line. From the air, we could see people on the ground clearing brush and doing everything that they needed to prevent the next tragedy,” the mayor remarked.

Bass stressed that the way to help first responders is to be prepared, and for people to evacuate if they are under a warning. She noted that people previously had difficulty getting through traffic.

“We want to begin to think about how we rebuild the massive destruction that I saw from the air. We don’t want people burdened by red tape and bureaucracy. So, my executive directive addresses that,” Bass noted.

She said the order with help establish framework to secure additional relief and resources, as well as making 1,400 units of housing available immediately.

Julia Musto14 January 2025 16:50

Curfew in effect again for impacted evacuation order areas

A curfew is once again in effect for impacted evacuation order areas.

“We understand that our residents want to go back to their homes, but this is a disaster area,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.

Nearly 40 arrests have been made by the department, including nine related to the curfew.

Julia Musto14 January 2025 16:41

Number of residents under evacuation orders shrinks again as danger continues

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters on Tuesday that 88,000 residents under currently evacuation orders, and 84,800 are under warnings.

“There is a decrease in these numbers but, as our fire partners have stated, it is still very dangerous for the next 24 hours,” he said. On Tuesday, orders were in place for 92,000.

Luna noted that more than 600 National Guard members are deployed across the communities of Pasadena, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and other affected areas.

He reiterated that many people rescued by deputies who had waited until the last minute to leave had “significant burns.”

“Don’t wait until the order’s given.”

Julia Musto14 January 2025 16:32

‘Life-threatening and destructive and widespread winds are already here,’ warns LA City Fire Department Chief

“Life-threatening and destructive and widespread winds are already here,” Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley warned residents.

She said that the Los Angeles Fire Department had staffed all available resources, strategically placing fire patrols and engines in unimpacted high fire risk areas in the city.

Julia Musto14 January 2025 16:15

LA County Fire Chief: ‘Repopulation will not occur until all areas are safe. Period.’

“Repopulation will not occur until all areas are safe. Period,” Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said Tuesday.

He announced that a Super Scooper aircraft previously damaged by a drone will be available for wildfire response starting at 11 a.m. PST.

Julia Musto14 January 2025 16:11

LA County fire chief asks residents to understand power shutoffs are necessary for collective safety

“I ask all Los Angeles County residents in wildfire-prone areas to understand that the necessary public safety power shutoffs are gonna prevent our next fire from starting if we have downed power lines,” Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone told reporters on Tuesday.

“I know that this is a challenge, but it is necessary for our collective safety.”

Marrone also asked that unhoused neighbors do not start warming fires.

Julia Musto14 January 2025 16:07

Live: Los Angels County officials give wildfire update as dangerous weather warning issued

Julia Musto14 January 2025 16:04

Angeles National Forest is closed through the weekend

Julia Musto14 January 2025 16:01



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