LA wildfires live updates: Winds subside allowing crews to make progress on containing blazes

James Liddell,Julia Musto,Holly Evans and Katie Hawkinson
·30-min read
LA wildfires live updates: Winds subside allowing crews to make progress on containing blazes

More than $100 million has been donated to the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires as winds slow, giving fire crews a break in their efforts to control the blazes that have burned for over a week.

The nine-figure donation total is just through GoFundMe campaigns to help families, communities and businesses, according to NBC Los Angeles. The figure is nearly half of the $235 million raised for all disasters across GoFundMe in 2024.

The donations continue pour in as winds have slowed in Los Angeles, providing relief for fire crews trying to battle the blaze.

Wind speeds are expected to drop Thursday. As conditions change, the “potential for rapid fire growth and localized downed trees and power outages will still remain,” the National Weather Service said.

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More than 40,000 acres have burned in Southern Californiasince the start of the wildfires on January 7. The biggest, the Palisades Fire, has destroyed nearly 24,000 acres and is 21 percent contained. The Eaton fire has taken out 14,000 acres and is 45 percent contained. At least 25 people have died in the fires.

Key Points

  • LA fires death toll: At least 25 people killed in Palisades and Eaton blazes

  • New birds-eye view of devastation

  • California wind speeds expected to decline on Thursday

  • Los Angeles launches new reporting system to help report illegal price gouging and fraud

  • Federal and local law enforcement authorities form task force to combat crimes related to Los Angeles wildfires

A retro blue VW van miraculously survives deadly Los Angeles fire

Wednesday 15 January 2025 19:12 , Julia Musto

A retro blue VW van miraculously survives deadly Los Angeles fire

Actor Danny Trejo calls out Kim Kardashian over using wildfires to promote incarcerated firefighter pay raise

Wednesday 15 January 2025 19:17 , Julia Musto

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“Kim, worry about the people who lost everything. You’ve still got everything,” actor Danny Trejo told TMZ on Wednesday.

Air quality could be worse than sensors indicate, health official warns

Wednesday 15 January 2025 19:28 , Julia Musto

Police officers inspect cars that lie abandoned on Sunset Boulevard on Wednesday following the Palisades Fire in Palisades, California. The fire is nearly 20 percent contained (AP)
Police officers inspect cars that lie abandoned on Sunset Boulevard on Wednesday following the Palisades Fire in Palisades, California. The fire is nearly 20 percent contained (AP)

The air quality index for much of Los Angeles County shows good to moderate air quality on Wednesday.

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But, officials have warned that measurements could be deceiving.

“Wind-blown ash particles may be too large to be picked up by our regular instruments and will not influence the AQI measures that we pointed folks to look at for air quality,” Dr. Nichole Quick, chief medical adviser for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, told reporters at a morning news briefing.

‘The Hills’ stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt on losing their home: ‘It’s a place that you love'

Wednesday 15 January 2025 19:31 , Julia Musto

Energy Secretary nominee Chris Wright says climate change is real - but stands by comments on wildfire hype

Wednesday 15 January 2025 19:52 , Julia Musto

Chris Wright, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Energy, testifies for his pending confirmation, on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Wright (AP)
Chris Wright, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Energy, testifies for his pending confirmation, on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Wright (AP)

Chris Wright, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Energy, doubled down on past comments about wildfire “hype” at his confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

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California Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla had asked the Liberty Energy CEO if he stood by prior remarks on social media claiming that the hype over wildfires is just hype to justify more impoverishment from bad government policies.

“Given the devastation that we’re currently experiencing in Los Angeles, do you still believe that wildfires are just hype?” the senator asked.

“Climate change is a real and global phenomenon,” Wright replied, noting that he was watching the fires with “great sorrow and fear.”

“I stand by my past comments,” he added.

In a video posted on YouTube in 2023, Wright said: “There is no climate crisis, and we’re not in the midst of an energy transition either.”

Federal and local law enforcement authorities form task force to combat crimes related to Los Angeles wildfires

Wednesday 15 January 2025 19:55 , Julia Musto

City asks people not to bring donations to Disaster Recovery Centers

Wednesday 15 January 2025 19:59 , Julia Musto

LA sports teams - many who have billion-dollar valuations - donate a paltry $8 million to fire victims

Wednesday 15 January 2025 20:16 , Julia Musto

LA fires latest: ‘ ‘Particularly dangerous’ winds warning in Southern California

While 8 new fires have broken out in the last day, all have been extinguished

Wednesday 15 January 2025 20:23 , Julia Musto

Eaton and Palisades Fire destruction impacts important places for communities, photos show

Wednesday 15 January 2025 20:40 , Julia Musto

A home destroyed by the Eaton Fire is seen in Altadena, California, on Wednesday. Crews have made progress on the 14,000-acre blaze (AP)
A home destroyed by the Eaton Fire is seen in Altadena, California, on Wednesday. Crews have made progress on the 14,000-acre blaze (AP)
A firefighter inspects homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire in in Altadena, California, on Wednesday. Some residents returned to their homes on Tuesday (AP)
A firefighter inspects homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire in in Altadena, California, on Wednesday. Some residents returned to their homes on Tuesday (AP)
Corpus Christi Church is seen in Palisades, California, on Wednesday. The Palisades Fire is still under 20 percent contained (AP)
Corpus Christi Church is seen in Palisades, California, on Wednesday. The Palisades Fire is still under 20 percent contained (AP)
Gelson's Market is seen in Malibu, California, on Wednesday. The city said 5,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the fire (AP)
Gelson's Market is seen in Malibu, California, on Wednesday. The city said 5,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the fire (AP)

5,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the Palisades Fire

Wednesday 15 January 2025 20:40 , Julia Musto

Videos show Cal Fire crew creating fuel break on Eaton Fire

Wednesday 15 January 2025 20:45 , Julia Musto

More than 122,000 California customers are left without power amid windy conditions

Wednesday 15 January 2025 20:49 , Julia Musto

More than 122,000 California customers were left without power Wednesday afternood amid windy weather conditions, according to tracker PowerOutage.US.

Officials had warned outages could spike. Under 90,000 customers were reported to be affected earlier in the day.

NBA reschedules games postponed by California wildfires, Atlanta winter storm

Wednesday 15 January 2025 20:53 , Julia Musto

Los Angeles Clippers players stand during a moment of silence for victims of the ongoing California wildfires before an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP)
Los Angeles Clippers players stand during a moment of silence for victims of the ongoing California wildfires before an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP)

The NBA has rescheduled two games that had been postponed due to the catastrophic wildfires in Southern California and a winter storm that hit Atlanta.

The league said Wednesday that the Los Angeles Lakers’ home game against the Charlotte Hornets will take place on February 19.

The Hornets’ visit to the Los Angeles Clippers, originally set for January 11, will now be on March 16. And the Hawks’ home game against Houston, Texas, is scheduled for January 28.

With reporting from The Associated Press

‘Fabulous’ 95-year-old grandmother with ties to old Hollywood is among California fire victims, family says

Wednesday 15 January 2025 21:01 , Julia Musto

An undated image provided by Dalyce Kelley shows her with her grandmother, Dalyce Curry, left, in Catalina, California. Curry is one of 25 killed in the past week’s deadly wildfires (AP)
An undated image provided by Dalyce Kelley shows her with her grandmother, Dalyce Curry, left, in Catalina, California. Curry is one of 25 killed in the past week’s deadly wildfires (AP)

Dalyce Curry, also known as “Momma Dee,” is remembered by her family as “fabulous.”

”My grandmother still wore her big hair, glasses, nails, you know, painted makeup,” her granddaughter and namesake Dalyce Kelley told The Associated Press in an interview published on Wednesday. “You know, she was just fabulous, period.”

The 95-year-old, who was an extra in a scene with Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues, died last week at her Altadena home as the Eaton Fire burned through the community.

With reporting from The Associated Press

Jim Jordan backs idea Trump should move 2028 Olympics from LA to red-run town

Wednesday 15 January 2025 21:32 , Julia Musto

Jim Jordan backs idea Trump should move 2028 Olympics from LA to red-run town

Search and rescue crews inspect the area of the Palisades Fire

Wednesday 15 January 2025 21:46 , Julia Musto

A search and rescue crew inspects a mobile home park destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Palisades, California, on Wednesday. The majority of the Eaton Fire area and Altadena had been searched by Wednesday (AP)
A search and rescue crew inspects a mobile home park destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Palisades, California, on Wednesday. The majority of the Eaton Fire area and Altadena had been searched by Wednesday (AP)
Two members of a search and rescue crew inspect a mobile home park destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Palisades, California, on Wednesday. The Palisades Fire is still burning across the region (AP)
Two members of a search and rescue crew inspect a mobile home park destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Palisades, California, on Wednesday. The Palisades Fire is still burning across the region (AP)
In this aerial shot, search and rescue crews inspect a mobile home park destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Palisades, California, on Wednesday. The deadly blaze leveled much of the Los Angeles community (AP)
In this aerial shot, search and rescue crews inspect a mobile home park destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Palisades, California, on Wednesday. The deadly blaze leveled much of the Los Angeles community (AP)
Search and rescue crew and two dogs inspect a mobile home park destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Palisades, California, on Wednesday. Several people remain missing in the area, officials said (AP)
Search and rescue crew and two dogs inspect a mobile home park destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Palisades, California, on Wednesday. Several people remain missing in the area, officials said (AP)
Search and rescue crew inspect a mobile home park destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Palisades, California, on Wednesday. The fire has spread over nearly 24,000 acres (AP)
Search and rescue crew inspect a mobile home park destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Palisades, California, on Wednesday. The fire has spread over nearly 24,000 acres (AP)

LA tourist attractions are reopening in a rare glimpse of normality after wildfire devastation

Wednesday 15 January 2025 21:48 , Julia Musto

LA tourist attractions reopen in rare glimpse of normality following wildfires

Malibu schools to remain closed through next week

Wednesday 15 January 2025 21:55 , Julia Musto

Long lines reported at post office after homes burned in Eaton Fire

Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:02 , Julia Musto

The burnt remains of a hardware store are seen in Altadena, California, on Wednesday. Altadena’s post office also burned down (AFP via Getty Images)
The burnt remains of a hardware store are seen in Altadena, California, on Wednesday. Altadena’s post office also burned down (AFP via Getty Images)

Altadena residents who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire are reporteldy facing long lines at the post office while trying to get their mail.

While the city’s post office burned down, the mail has been rerouted to Pasadena, according to ABC 7.

Altadena Resident Beverly Stewart called it a “major inconvenience.”

Damage from LA County wildfires is surveyed as search and rescue operations continue

Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:20 , Julia Musto

Firefighters from Idaho spray down the rubble of homes demolished by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on Wednesday. Multiple western states sent assistance to fight the fires (AFP via Getty Images)
Firefighters from Idaho spray down the rubble of homes demolished by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on Wednesday. Multiple western states sent assistance to fight the fires (AFP via Getty Images)
Search and rescue operations are underway amid the rubble of fire-ravaged homes demolished by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on Wednesday. Teams were nearly done there (AFP via Getty Images)
Search and rescue operations are underway amid the rubble of fire-ravaged homes demolished by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on Wednesday. Teams were nearly done there (AFP via Getty Images)
Firefighters spray the rubble of fire-ravaged homes in Altadena, California, on Wednesday. Teams from the EPA will come to clear hazardous debris when it is safe to do so (AFP via Getty Images)
Firefighters spray the rubble of fire-ravaged homes in Altadena, California, on Wednesday. Teams from the EPA will come to clear hazardous debris when it is safe to do so (AFP via Getty Images)
A car burned from the Palisades Fire is seen at Will Rogers State Park, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday. The historic home of the famous actor and cowboy burned in the blaze (Getty Images)
A car burned from the Palisades Fire is seen at Will Rogers State Park, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday. The historic home of the famous actor and cowboy burned in the blaze (Getty Images)
A vintage vehicle unscathed by the Eaton Fire is seen on Wednesday in Altadena, California. Many other vehicles burned and melted (Getty Images)
A vintage vehicle unscathed by the Eaton Fire is seen on Wednesday in Altadena, California. Many other vehicles burned and melted (Getty Images)
The remains of a home demolished by the Eaton Fire on the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountain are seen in Altadena, California, on Wednesday. Winds in the region picked up slightly on Wednesday (AFP via Getty Images)
The remains of a home demolished by the Eaton Fire on the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountain are seen in Altadena, California, on Wednesday. Winds in the region picked up slightly on Wednesday (AFP via Getty Images)

Dozens of Los Angeles residents — some armed — are defying evacuation orders to protect their homes in ‘Wild West’

Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:21 , Julia Musto

Dozens of Los Angeles residents — some armed — are defying wildfire evacuation orders

Nearly 17,000 personnel are working on California wildfires

Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:31 , Julia Musto

Little Mountain Fire crops up in San Bernardino

Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:43 , Julia Musto

Cal Fire makes history with first-ever 24-hour helibase

Wednesday 15 January 2025 23:00 , Julia Musto

LA County weather forecast is cooler, less windy

Wednesday 15 January 2025 23:21 , Julia Musto

Emergency telephone town hall on Palisade Fire scheduled for 7 p.m. PST

Wednesday 15 January 2025 23:31 , Julia Musto

Anyone who has lost their pets due to the wildfires should call this phone number

00:30 , Julia Musto

SEC warns investors to be cautious regarding wildfire-related investment fraud

00:45 , Julia Musto

Part of a home destroyed by the Eaton Fire still stands on Tuesday in Altadena, California. Residents have returned to rubble (AP)
Part of a home destroyed by the Eaton Fire still stands on Tuesday in Altadena, California. Residents have returned to rubble (AP)

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said it’s closely monitoring the impact of the California wildfires on investors and markets and warned people to “be vigilant for California wildfire-related investment frauds.”

The SEC’s divisions “will evaluate the possibility of granting relief from filing deadlines and other regulatory requirements for those affected by the wildfires. Entities and investment professionals affected by the California wildfires are encouraged to contact SEC staff with questions and concerns,” the agency said in a statement.

In-kind donations are at capacity, Los Angeles Fire Department says. Here’s where to donate

01:00 , Julia Musto

Volunteers stack donated water for people impacted by the Altadena Fire at a donation center at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, on Wednesday. The county said in-kind donations are at capacity (AP)
Volunteers stack donated water for people impacted by the Altadena Fire at a donation center at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, on Wednesday. The county said in-kind donations are at capacity (AP)

Cal Fire rescues dehydrated black-and-white cat now named ‘Domino’

01:31 , Julia Musto

Parents should clean any toys with ash on them before giving them to their kids, health officials warn

02:00 , Julia Musto

California wind speeds expected to decline on Thursday

02:29 , Katie Hawkinson

Wind speeds in southern California are set to decline Thursday, the National Weather Service said Wednesday afternoon.

While speeds will go down throughout Thursday, winds will still “be slow to weaken,” the NWS said. As conditions change, the “potential for rapid fire growth and localized downed trees and power outages will still remain.”

More than 111,000 people are without power in California as of Wednesday night, according to PowerOutage.us.

The two largest blazes, the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, are among the most destructive in Los Angeles history.

The Palisades Fire has torn across nearly 24,000 acres and is 19 percent contained as of Wednesday night. The Eaton Fire is also 45 percent contained after burning more than 14,000 acres.

More than 200 JPL, Caltech employees are left without homes

02:30 , Julia Musto

More than 200 employees at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena and Caltech have reportedly been left homeless due to the Los Angeles Fires, according to FOX Weather.

“It was like driving through a video game,” Marcy Harbut, a senior technical writer for the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute at Caltech, told the network. “Turn down the street. Got to turn around. And then all these people in that house, watch out for those flames. And these people are packing up their van. Be careful. Don’t run over people. It was just chaos.”

Cal Fire has received support from 12 states, Canada, and Mexico

03:02 , Julia Musto

SoCal Gas restores natural gas service to hundreds of Malibu customers

03:31 , Julia Musto

California has taken these executive measures to respond to the Los Angeles wildfires

04:00 , Julia Musto

A home is seen destroyed by the Palisades Fire on Tuesday in Malibu, California. The city has seen natural gas restored (AP)
A home is seen destroyed by the Palisades Fire on Tuesday in Malibu, California. The city has seen natural gas restored (AP)

Brentwood neighborhood is not under the current Do Not Drink notice

04:31 , Julia Musto

Rides remain free to take residents to recovery centers

05:00 , Julia Musto

Cal Transit maintenance station is ‘severely damaged’ in Palisades Fire

05:31 , Julia Musto

Los Angeles launches new reporting system to help report illegal price gouging and fraud

06:00 , Julia Musto

California National Guard reports from north side of Palisades Fire

06:30 , Julia Musto

National guardsmen stage at Will Rogers State Historic Park in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Tuesday. The Cal Guard is working on the fire (AP)
National guardsmen stage at Will Rogers State Historic Park in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Tuesday. The Cal Guard is working on the fire (AP)

Map lists LA County shelter locations

07:00 , Julia Musto

Hundreds seek assistance from disaster recovery centers

07:31 , Julia Musto

Hundreds have sought assistance at the disaster recovery center in West Los Angeles since it opened on Tuesday night.

Michele Baron, 58, left with pamphlets after learning how to get new birth certificates and social security cards for her and her daughter, she told The Associated Press. Her apartment of more than 20 years burned in the Palisades Fire.

“It’s so unimportant, like our things are unimportant,” Baron said. “Losing the memories are horrible.”

Corrections Department share what incarcerated firefighters eat on the front lines

08:00 , Julia Musto

Meghan Markle provides volunteer aid to fire victims

09:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Meghan Markle volunteered with an aid organization to provide help to fire victims in southern California, Town and Country Magazine reports.

Markle volunteered with Altadena Teen Girls, an organization founded by 14-year-old Avery Colvert to help her fellow teens in the area impacted by the deadly, destructive blazes.

Markle and her husband Prince Harry have also volunteered elsewhere, including with World Central Kitchen, as the fires continue to devastate California.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry pictured speaking with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo (AP)
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry pictured speaking with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo (AP)

LA28 President meets with Trump to thank him for unwavering commitment to bring games to devastated region

09:30 , Barney Davis

In a statement, Casey Wasserman said the incoming president Donald Trump shared “unwavering commitment” to LA28.

“As a lifelong Angeleno, I shared our sentiments for President-elect Trump’s continued support in Los Angeles amid the devastation in our region.

“We also addressed the 2028 Games, and we are grateful for his unwavering commitment to LA28 and his leadership in bringing the Summer Games back to the United States for the first time in more than 30 years.

“We look forward to partnering with him and his Administration to deliver a safe and successful Games our nation can be proud of.”

The Summer Games make their return to the United States for the first time in over 30 years. Los Angeles will host the Olympics for a third time in 2028, the other two times being in 1932 and 1984.

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

LA Zoo to reopen on Thursday

10:00 , Katie Hawkinson

The Los Angeles Zoo will reopen on Thursday after closing amid the deadly California wildfires.

“The Los Angeles Zoo will reopen to the public tomorrow, Jan. 16, and resume normal operations,” the zoo posted on X. “During these challenging times, we hope the Zoo can continue to serve as a place of peace, connection, and inspiration—a reminder of the resilience of nature and our community.”

“If you’d like to support wildfire relief efforts, the Zoo’s food and retail locations will be accepting donations that will be donated to the @calfund,” the post continued.

Talk turns to rebuilding in devastated regions

10:30 , Barney Davis

Staggered after one of the most destructive natural disasters in Southern California history, thousands of heartbroken families, burned-out business owners and beleaguered leaders across Los Angeles County are beginning to ponder another monumental task: rebuilding what was lost and charting a path forward.Alex Rosewood and nearly her entire family in Altadena, northeast of Los Angeles, lost their homes — her father, whom she and her husband were living with, and her aunt, uncle and cousin next door.

“We all plan to rebuild, for sure,” she said.“It’s going to be a while before we can get in there and build anything,” said Michael Hricak, an adjunct professor of architecture at the University of Southern California, referring to the dangerous chemicals and rubble left behind.

As for new construction, “it’s not being tougher than Mother Nature. It’s being somewhat respectful of Mother Nature and knowing what the challenges are.”

“Are we just inviting another problem down the road?” Hricak said.

Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order intended to clear the way for residents to rebuild quickly.

“As we prepare to make it through the rest of this emergency, we also have to start putting in place what we need to do to rebuild,” the mayor said Wednesday.

The federal government approved spending $100 million to remove paints, cleaners, asbestos, batteries and other household waste from the rubble.

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Watch: Tips to avoid scams, price gouging amid California fires

11:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Brain surgeon stays behind to save community

11:18 , Barney Davis

Malibu resident Dr Chester Griffiths, 62, ignored evacuation orders to keep flames from the Palisades fire at bay with the help of his son and neighbour.

He told the BBC: “We had always known that a fire would come someday - but we didn’t know when.

Sticking to a meticulous plan Dr Griffiths, his son and a neighbour positioned themselves on nearby roofs to spray water on the flames, and used dirt to put out embers on the ground until fire services could get to them.

“There were burning embers coming down on us for about 12 hours.

“[The fire department] felt that all the homes weren’t able to be saved.

“That’s why it’s so important to be trained ahead of time, to have your equipment and truly to have your community’s support.”

Leonardo DiCaprio announces that he is donating $1m to the Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts.

11:30 , Barney Davis

Hundreds of families have been displaced by the fires that claimed 25 lives since breaking out in the Altadena and Pasadena areas.

The Oscar winner confirmed on his social media that he was donating $1m in partnership with his organisation Re:wild, with funds going to support “both urgent needs and post-fire recovery efforts”.

Leonardo DiCaprio pledges $1m for ‘devastating’ Los Angeles wildfire relief

Timeline: How the LA fires erupted into the worst natural disaster in California history

12:00 , Katie Hawkinson

For a tenth consecutive day, thousands of firefighters are still battling the wildfires that are ravaging Los Angeles County.

The Palisades and Eaton fires, along with other smaller blazes, have spread more than 40,000 acres (larger than the land area of Washington, DC), with the flames being fanned by a fierce windstorm known as the Santa Ana winds.

Below is a timeline of key events from before the first blaze broke out:

Timeline: How the LA fires erupted into California’s worst natural disaster

Dozens of Los Angeles residents — some armed — are defying evacuation orders to protect their homes in ‘Wild West’

13:00 , Kelly Rissman

As the wildfires ravage Southern California, dozens of residents have refused to evacuate and have instead opted to defend their scorched properties from blazes and looters.

Nearly 88,000 people in Los Angeles County are still under evacuation orders as of Wednesday as the wildfires continue to scorch the region. But that hasn’t deterred roughly 80 locals in Altadena from sticking around, some of them armed, to stand their ground, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Even without clean water or electricity, the stragglers remain firm since they may not be allowed to return if they leave, due to the ongoing threat of downed power lines, weakened trees and fire tornadoes.

Read more:

Dozens of Los Angeles residents — some armed — are defying wildfire evacuation orders

ABC News reporter spent one night in Los Angeles ‘dream home’ before it burned down in wildfire

14:00 , Kelly Rissman

An ABC News correspondent reveals she spent just one night in her “dream home” before it turned to rubble during the devastating wildfires raging in Los Angeles.

Read more:

ABC News reporter spent one night in LA ‘dream home’ before wildfire burned it down

Governor Newsom signs fast track housing order

15:00 , Barney Davis

California Governor Gavin Newsom said he has signed an order to help deal with the housing crisis in the wake of the fatal firestorms.

He posted on X: “California is acting fast to help meet the immediate housing needs of Los Angeles firestorm victims.

“I just signed an executive order allowing flexible housing solutions, including mobile homes on @Cal_OES-created fairgrounds, faster permitting for temporary housing, and more.”

California Homelessness
California Homelessness

Firefighters make major progress on region’s two largest blazes

15:29 , Julia Musto

A crew for Southern California Edison prepares the ground for electric poles along the Pacific Coast Highway near homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Malibu, California, on Wednesday. Firefighters made progress on containing the fire over night (AP)
A crew for Southern California Edison prepares the ground for electric poles along the Pacific Coast Highway near homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Malibu, California, on Wednesday. Firefighters made progress on containing the fire over night (AP)

Firefighters have made more progress on deadly wildfires raging around Los Angeles County.

The largest of the blazes, the Eaton and Palisades Fire, had been tricky to manage due to whipping winds and low humidity in the region.

But, on Thursday, Cal Fire reported that containment on both had ticked upwards yet again.

The nearly 24,000-acre Palisades Fire is 22 percent contained, up from just 18 percent on Wednesday morning.

And, the more than 14,000-acre Eaton Fire is 55 percent contained. That’s a major improvement over yesterday’s 45 percent.

LA County officials host a press conference on wildfire response

16:00 , Julia Musto

LA County fire chief warns limited red flag warning in place through mid-day

16:39 , Julia Musto

Los Angeles County officials gave an update on wildfire response early Thursday.

County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said that 60 percent of damage inspections at the site of the Eaton Fire have completed.

He noted that a limited red flag warning is in place through 3 p.m. PST in some areas.

“We look forward to the weather conditions returning to normal this evening,” he said, noting that a moderate event is expected next week.

Marrone said that they continue to plan for repopulation. That would not occur for at least one more week for areas that are deemed safe.

Cal Fire continues to pre-position resources for new starts

17:00 , Julia Musto

The Pacific Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates is seen in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Little to no fire growth was seen overnight (AP)
The Pacific Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates is seen in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Little to no fire growth was seen overnight (AP)

Cal Fire Incident Commander Gerry Magaña said that while there has been “little to no fire growth” in the last 24 hours, threats still exist with structures.

“We continue to pre-position resources” for any new starts,” he assured.

LA fire chief says community will be able to ‘move forward in the recovery of these devastating fires’ together

17:31 , Julia Musto

The sun rises over homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Crews made progress on the blaze last night (AP)
The sun rises over homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Crews made progress on the blaze last night (AP)

“Due to the continued around the clock efforts ... we are very fortunate that this last wind event did not cause any expansion of the Palisades Fire,” Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley told reporters on Thursday.

“Together, we are able to move forward in the recovery of these devastating fires,” she said.

Still, Crowley noted that the region has a potentially dangerous combination of a large amount of unburned, dry fuel and low humidity.

“There are more extreme winds on the horizons ... next week and our community needs to remain ready,” she warned.

Crowley also assured that officials are working as quickly as possible to make sure it’s safe for residents to return to their communities.

LA County sheriff says evacuation orders are subject to change

18:00 , Julia Musto

The residence of Zhi-feng Zhao, destroyed by the Eaton Fire, is seen Wednesday, in Altadena, California. Thousands of others have been destroyed in deadly Southern California blazes (AP)
The residence of Zhi-feng Zhao, destroyed by the Eaton Fire, is seen Wednesday, in Altadena, California. Thousands of others have been destroyed in deadly Southern California blazes (AP)

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters on Thursday that evacuation orders remain subject to change.

Some 82,400 are under orders, and 90,400 are under warnings. Those numbers are fairly similar to yesterday.

His department has made 47 arrests, including some last night.

“If you do not have any legitimate business day or night, do not go” to affected areas, Luna urged.

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations continue in areas of both fires.

“There are areas that we are holding because we believe there may be deceased victims there,” Luna noted.

There are 31 people actively missing in both the Eaton and Palisades Fires.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass: State Farm insurance will offer renewals

18:31 , Julia Musto

A home destroyed by the Palisades Fire is seen in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Officials said that it will still be days before areas are deemed safe for repopulation (AP)
A home destroyed by the Palisades Fire is seen in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Officials said that it will still be days before areas are deemed safe for repopulation (AP)

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Thursday that State Farm insurance will offer renewals to affected policy holders.

Some companies were already pulling out following the majorly destructive wildfires, she noted.

LA County Public Works director warns residents about ‘massive debris-laden flows when it rains'

19:00 , Julia Musto

Mark Pestrella, the director of Los Angeles County Public Works, warned residents about additional hazards expected during any upcoming rain events.

The window for rain is expected to open in the later part of the month.

“Both areas suffered watershed damage burned to such a significance that we expect massive debris-laden flows when it rains,” Pestrella warned.

While the city’s system flood control is designed to handle it and the department is developing plans to hold and capture as much debris as possible, he said: “However, in an event that we have major rain, we do expect that all of the street areas and all the communities will be impacted by debris flows that could be hazardous to human health.”

Public Works is also working with utilities to restore power, water, and sewer to locations, “all of which have been damaged to the point that they can not be delivered safely currently in most of the areas.”

Some areas may be able to return because those communities didn’t suffer as much infrastructure damage, Pestrella noted.

‘I cried’ Showbiz editor speaks of moment he realised his home was gone

19:31 , Julia Musto

Ryan Pearson, a Los Angeles-based entertainment video editor for The Associated Press, lost his home to the California wildfires last week. He wrote about the gut-wrenching return to his home to find everything destroyed

“I swerved to avoid burning trees in the road. Debris and destruction surrounded me. Our street was blocked by a burning downed electrical pole.

“I didn’t even get out of my car. I just looked long enough to absorb it: Like nearly the entire community, our whole block had burned. Reese’s tree swing and the backyard ping-pong table were still there, plus our chimney and fireplace, with brick painted white. Everything else — everything in this place where we had chosen to live our lives and raise our child — was simply gone, as if it had never been there in the first place. But I knew better. I had lived it.

“Driving back down the hill, I cried.”

(AP)
(AP)

Firefighters make ‘good progress in securing containment lines’ on Eaton Fire

20:00 , Julia Musto

Firefighters work on the Eaton Fire, amid improved weather conditions. Officials said that overnight fire activity was limited to smoldering (Angeles National Forest)
Firefighters work on the Eaton Fire, amid improved weather conditions. Officials said that overnight fire activity was limited to smoldering (Angeles National Forest)

Calmed winds reduced fire activity, allowing firefighters tackling the Eaton Fire to make “good progress” securing containment lines.

“Overnight, fire activity was limited to smoldering, creeping, and rollouts in heavy fuels,” the Angeles National Forest said. “Crews remain focused on tactical patrols, mop-up, and addressing smoke and heat sources within the fire’s interior, particularly along the northern perimeter.”

Air support is continuing there on Thursday and will be used to extinguish inaccessible hot spots and aid containment efforts.

LA schools to resume outdoor activity if weather conditions continue or improve

20:31 , Julia Musto

The number of outages is down. But more than 60,000 California customers are still without power

21:00 , Julia Musto

An aerial view shows devastation from the Palisades Fire on beachfront homes in Malibu, California, on Wednesday. Search and rescue efforts in the affected area are underway (AP)
An aerial view shows devastation from the Palisades Fire on beachfront homes in Malibu, California, on Wednesday. Search and rescue efforts in the affected area are underway (AP)

More than 60,000 California customers are still without power on Thursday, according to outage tracker PowerOutage.US.

Of those, just under 30,000 are in Los Angeles County.

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