As the death toll rises to at least 24, firefighters are bracing for a return of deadly Santa Ana winds that are expected to fan the flames of wildfires raging across Southern California.
The National Weather Service warned of “particularly dangerous conditions” Sunday evening, with peak winds weaker than last week but “strong enough to potentially cause explosive fire spread.” The agency predicted wind gusts of up to 110 mph in mountainous areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Malone said firefighters deployed 70 additional water trucks to help fight the fire, which was spread by new gusts of wind.
As of Monday morning, the fire had burned more than 40,000 acres, including more than 23,000 acres across the Pacific Palisades and along the Pacific Coast Highway. The Palisades Fire is only 13% contained. The Eaton Fire has burned more than 14,000 acres in Altadena and Pasadena and is 27% contained.
California Governor Gavin Newsom appeared on NBC’s press conference on Sunday and called the Los Angeles wildfires the worst disaster in U.S. history.
National Guard aircraft drop flame retardant on raging Palisades fire
Julia MustoJanuary 13, 2025 14:35
Meteorologist warns of Santa Ana winds to persist over coming days ‘remains a major concern’
“This is certainly still a big concern.” ABC7 Leslie Lopez said Monday morning.
She advised residents to prepare a carry-on bag with medicines, important documents, food, water and other valuables.
Julia MustoJanuary 13, 2025 14:24
President Zelensky prepares 150 Ukrainian firefighters for deployment to Los Angeles
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he is preparing 150 Ukrainian firefighters to be sent to California to help fight wildfires raging in Southern California. He promised to send his name.
“Today, I have instructed the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and our diplomats to prepare for the possibility that our rescue workers will take part in extinguishing the wildfires in California,” Zelenksy said on his X account Sunday night. The caption of the shared video read:
“The situation on the ground is extremely difficult and Ukrainians can save American lives. This is currently being coordinated and we have offered support to the American side through relevant channels. 150 firefighters. is already ready.”
james riddellJanuary 13, 2025 14:21
Coco Gauff sends message to Los Angeles firefighters after winning Australian Open
American tennis ace Coco Gauff sent a message to Los Angeles residents affected by the bushfires after defeating fellow American Sofia Kenin in the first round of the women’s singles at the Australian Open.
“Good luck LA. Thank you to all the firefighters!” the 20-year-old wrote on the camera lens.
james riddellJanuary 13, 2025 14:10
Musk vows to deploy fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks equipped with Starlink terminals to Los Angeles
james riddellJanuary 13, 2025 14:01
Watch: Newsom slams ‘delusional’ Donald Trump
james riddellJanuary 13, 2025 13:42
Approximately 50,000 people still without power in Southern California
Approximately 50,000 homes and businesses remain without power in Southern California as firefighters continue to extinguish fires across the region.
According to Poweroutages.us, 49,600 energy customers are without power, with the majority of outages coming from Los Angeles.
james riddellJanuary 13, 2025 13:34
Fire chief shares concerns that fires could break out again this week
Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustine warns that the fight against Los Angeles wildfires is at a “crossroads” and fear another wildfire “breakout” will occur this week as Southern California residents prepare for ferocious winds. We shared the concern that this may not be possible.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4 today “Once we get through Wednesday night, we’re going to say, ‘Oh, we made it, we’ve pretty much got this fire under control,'” Augustin said on Monday’s show. Ta. Just wipe away hot spots and embers.
“Or they might say, ‘If the winds pick up, this fire will start on Tuesday or Wednesday.'”
The fire chief also said they were using “all hands on deck” as crews battled to extinguish the blaze.
james riddellJanuary 13, 2025 13:21
Billionaire former LA mayoral candidate pledges $5 million donation to LAFD
Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rick Caruso has pledged $5 million to the Los Angeles Fire Foundation.
The billionaire businessman claims fire departments are “in dire need of funding” due to recent budget deficits, and that the cash injection will fund critical equipment used in both firefighting and medical triage. I’m looking forward to it.
“Los Angeles Fire Chief Crowley and his team of firefighters and EMTs are in dire need of funding,” he tweeted Sunday.
Today, Tina and I are pledging $5 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation to help Chief Crowley and his team continue their heroic work in the city and greater Los Angeles area. ”
Caruso said his ultimate goal is to raise $20 million for LAFD.
james riddellJanuary 13, 2025 13:00
