Firefighters work to control wildfires as winds die down

Oscar Robinson, a retired carpenter and Altadena resident of 30 years, said he's ready to help rebuild his beloved community after returning from evacuation orders.

Robinson's house was among those still saved from the destruction of the Eaton Fire, which destroyed many of his neighbors' homes.

"I would put my utility bags on, pull out my hammer, my saw, and go to work to try to bring this community back," said Robinson.

The Wonderful Company announced Wednesday it's committing $10 million to fire relief efforts in Los Angeles.

One million of the funds will go to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and $500,000 to the Los Angeles Police Foundation. The remaining funds will be disbursed as relief efforts in Los Angeles continue, according to the company.

“We are profoundly grateful to all of the frontline firefighters and police officers who are working around the clock to protect our communities, even as many of their own families evacuate and homes are threatened,” said Lynda and Stewart Resnick, the company’s owners. “These heroes are putting themselves in harm’s way to protect all of us, and The Wonderful Company will have their back. Los Angeles is The Wonderful Company’s home, and it is our personal home, the place where we met, were married, raised our family, and built our business. The city and region mean everything to us. We will be here for our community and our employees through this crisis and well beyond as this great city rebuilds.”

The company also added that it would double all Los Angeles fire-related donations made by its 10,000 global employees.

Approximately 18,000 of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's customers in fire-impacted areas are still without power.

The affected areas include Pacific Palisades, Encino, and Brentwood.

"LADWP, PG&E and other mutual assistance crews continue the work of assessing the damage in those communities and will begin restoration efforts there once fire officials have given us clearance to do so," wrote LADWP.

LADWP has restored power for more than 338,000 customers since Jan. 7 at the start of the windstorm.

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services said yesterday it was working to prevent a secondary emergency following the wildfires: The risk of contaminated water.

"Eventually wet weather will arrive in burn scars and can push toxic material left behind into waterways. The Cal OES Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force is on the ground in Los Angeles ready to prevent that contamination," the agency said in a message on X.

This includes erecting barriers and fences to protect waterways and what the agency described as the biggest debris removal project in state history.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday the deployment of additional California Highway Patrol teams to help beef up security in communities impacted by the wildfires.

“Law enforcement is working 24/7 since these firestorms began to help residents and ensure the public safety of the area. Together, we are working to keep Californians safe during this unprecedented tragedy — and protecting neighborhoods from looters during these evacuation orders," wrote Newsom.

Officers will be deployed in two-person units to evacuated zones to stop looters and respond to calls for assistance.

LA Animal Services, a pet shelter in Los Angeles, announced it will be waiving adoption fees for dogs, cats, pups and kittens.

"When you adopt or foster you ensure there’s lifesaving space in our shelters for animals w/nowhere else to go. Be a hero to a pet in LA," the shelter said on X.

For those who are unable to adopt, LA Animal Service also said it people should consider fostering.

Adopt a pet today! We’re offering waived adoption fees for dogs, cats, pups and kittens. Can’t adopt, consider fostering. When you adopt or foster you ensure there’s lifesaving space in our shelters for animals w/nowhere else to go. Be a hero to a pet in LA. #adopt #foster pic.twitter.com/qaw9lcEPCe

— LA Animal Services (@LACityPets) January 12, 2025

LA Animal Services has pet shelters in Chesterfield Square, East Valley, Harbor, North Central, West LA and West Valley.

More than $100 million has been raised on GoFundMe to support families, communities and businesses affected by the fires, a spokesperson for the online fundraising site said today.

The funds are also going to nonprofit organizations providing relief efforts on the ground.

The wildfire fundraising figure is close to half of what was raised for natural disaster recovery efforts all of last year: In 2024, about $235 million was raised for disaster efforts across all GoFundMe campaigns, the spokesperson said.

Hilton and American Express today announced they will make 20,000 hotel room nights available free to people who have been displaced by the wildfires.

The two companies said in a statement that they will work with the organization 211 LA to coordinate the rooms.

Hilton's website directs people to apply online.

Investigators trying to determine how the Palisades Fire started have generated more than 150 leads, an ATF official said today.

“Some of these leads have come from homeowners, witnesses and video submitted,” Jose Medina, acting special agent in charge of the ATF’s Los Angeles field division, said at a news conference.

“We have investigators scouring video from state-owned cameras that were in place in the area, from residents in the area and social media posts,” he said.

Investigators have interviewed people who called 911 that day, as well as the first responders, Medina said.

They’ve also talked to first responders who responded to a fire on Jan. 1 that was put out, he said. The Palisades Fire broke out around 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 7, and investigators are developing a timeline that includes a period well before it began, Medina said.

The Palisades Fire, which broke out over a week ago in Pacific Palisades, is now 21% contained, Cal Fire announced Wednesday evening. This is up from 19% containment reported Wednesday morning.

The Palisades fire has so far scorched over 23,700 acres and destroyed at least 10,000 structures in Pacific Palisades, Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains, new Cal Fire data shows.

A firefighter working to contain the Palisades Fire rescued a dehydrated tuxedo cat that was found near an unburned structure.

The feline was found hungry and in desperate need of water by CalFire’s Michael Deleo and Oregon Strike Team 12. Its rescuers gave the cat food, water and care, prompting the kitty to show its sweet side.

The cat, that was named “Domino” by first responders, was transported to animal control thanks to the crew of the Gresham Fire Department. Efforts are now being made to reunite the cat with its family.

Google and YouTube will donate $15 million to support the Los Angeles community and content creators impacted by wildfires, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan announced on Wednesday.

“To all of our employees, the YouTube creator community, and everyone in LA, please stay safe and know we’re here to support,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai said on X.

Mohan said the contributions will go to local relief organizations including Emergency Network Los Angeles, the American Red Cross, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and the Institute for Nonprofit News.

Once the company’s LA offices can safely reopen, impacted creators will be able to use YouTube’s facilities “to recover and rebuild their businesses” and access community events, the statement said.

Aircraft with infrared technology have been flying over the Eaton Fire zone looking for hot spots today, as firefighters continue to work toward extinguishing the blaze once and for all, a fire official said.

“We are confident that this fire will stay within the current footprint that it is in,” Jed Gaines, operations section chief on the fire, said at a community meeting. “Crews are out there all day and all night continuing to put this thing out all the way.”

Crews and water are positioned in case any new fire starts outside the footprint of the Eaton Fire, Gaines said.

The area was still under a red flag warning this afternoon, but the worst of the winds today had passed, incident meteorologist James White said.

“Thankfully, the weather that we’ve actually observed has been all good news,” White said this afternoon. “We’re all past the highest risk periods of that red flag warning.”

Actor and activist Eva Longoria appeared at the Pasadena Job Center, where volunteers were cleaning up fallen leaves and branches, a fire hazard, in the surrounding area. She helped give out donated supplies to people in need.

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio announced he will be pledging $1 million "to support both urgent needs and post-fire recovery efforts" in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

"Initial aid will immediately the LA Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation, Pasadena Humane Society, and SoCal Fire Fund, DiCaprio said in an Instagram story on Wednesday. "Organizations on the frontlines providing much-needed resources to our first responders and firefighters, and the people, animals and communities who need it most."

In the past, DiCaprio has partnered with organizations like the United Nations and World Wildlife Fund to promote climate action and wildlife conservation efforts.

Other stars who have donated to wildfire recovery efforts include Eva Longoria and Jamie Lee Curtis, who have pledged to donate $1 million each. Beyoncé's BeyGood Foundation has also donated $2.5 million.

The high winds that are fueling the intense wildfires in the Los Angeles area have peaked and are steadily quieting down, according to the National Weather Service.

In fact, red flag warnings for most of LA were set to expire at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening, except in the mountainous parts of Santa Clarita, where the warnings will expire Thursday at 3 p.m., the weather service said.

While winds have peaked and will continue to lower into this evening, dry conditions and locally gusty winds will linger into Thursday -especially in some mountains. Red Flag Warnings expire at 6pm today for most areas, except those windiest mountains which go thru Thu 3pm #cawx pic.twitter.com/EQG7g7TKLm

— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 15, 2025

The outlook longer term has mixed news. Fire weather isn't expected through the weekend, but there's a 60% change of a red flag warning being issued on Monday and an even higher chance for Tuesday.

Good news: We are expecting a much-needed break from the fire weather concerns to close this week. Bad News: Next week is a concern. While confident that we will NOT see a repeat of last week, dangerous fire weather conditions are expected. #cawx #PalisadesFire #EatonFire pic.twitter.com/zhXmHUWtgp

— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 15, 2025

Los Angeles County has announced they have surpassed their capacity to receive in-person donations and instead asked those wanting to help to consider monetary donations.

"Los Angeles County is seeing an overwhelming outpouring of generosity from the public looking to assist our fellow residents," LA County said on its website, adding the amount of physical donations they have received is "well beyond what many charitable organizations can process at this time."

In-kind donations are at capacity. We encourage those who wish to contribute to consider monetary donations via the organizations below. Financial contributions are the fastest, most flexible and most effective way to help. https://t.co/CvKCGliVMc pic.twitter.com/6UQuXqEe6q

— Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) January 15, 2025

"LA County is working with our public and private partners to triage the flow of generous and well-intended support, and to develop systems to identify the most urgently needed items and get them to the people who need them in the most effective way we can," the county said.

The county instead asked individuals to make monetary donations to a reputable charity such as those listed on the Emergency Network Los Angeles website.

The Walt Disney Company said today it is opening its wardrobe warehouse to employees and their families who lost their homes to the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

Disney last week also pledged $15 million to help in rebuilding efforts after the Palisades and Eaton fires destroyed thousands of homes and other structures.

The wardrobe items offered to employees, production crew and their families are from film and TV shows, the company said in a statement.

Heidi Chong, vice president of production shared services for Disney Entertainment Television, said that Disney was in a unique position to help because it is "sitting on an entire warehouse full of wardrobe — some of which has been barely used, if it’s been used at all."

“We really want to emphasize to the families: ‘If you come here, we’ve already organized everything for you. It’s all on display on the racks. You can find what you need,’ Chong said in a statement. “There are no limits to the amounts that people are getting; it’s really about what they need.”

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. 

Investors can check for California wildfire-related securities scams and check the backgrounds of people offering them investments using free search tools on Investor.gov. 

“The SEC’s Division of Enforcement will vigorously prosecute those who attempt to defraud victims of the wildfires,” the statement said. 

Firefighters are racing to control a vegetation fire in San Bernardino, officials say.

The blaze on Little Mountain Drive has reached about 30 acres, the San Bernardino County Fire Department said, sharing video of their engines working in the brush off the road.

They said there could soon be a threat to structures as they called in more backup.

SAN BERNARDINO: #SBCoFD units are on scene of a VEGETATION FIRE on Little Mountain Dr x W Edgehill Rd. #LittleMountain IC reporting approx 30 acres in light flashy fuels with a rapid rate of spread. Structure threat in approx 20 minutes. 2nd alarm enroute. pic.twitter.com/3D3LFmuSBp

— San Bernardino County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) January 15, 2025

The Wyoming and Nevada Guards have deployed C-130 Hercules planes to combat the Los Angeles wildfires.

According to the Air Force, each of the three C-130 Hercules supplied by the Wyoming National Guard is equipped with a portable fire retardant system, called a modular airborne fire fighting system (MAFFS).

The Nevada National Guard and a Colorado Springs-based U.S. Air Force Reserve unit also supplied three additional C1-30 aircraft to support the effort.

“The 152nd Airlift Wing, Nevada Air National Guard, is ready to assist in protecting the people, homes, and businesses in Southern California.," Col. Catherine Grush, 152nd Airlift Wing commander said in a statement.

As of Monday morning, more than 1,850 National Guard members from California, Nevada and Wyoming have joined the Los Angeles firefighting crews to combat the wildfires.

FEMA has announced it has opened a sheltering assistance program for people who have been displaced by the wildfires.

The Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program was launched Wednesday and allows eligible wildfire victims to temporarily stay at select hotels or motels until they can find long-term housing.

"TSA is a temporary program intended to provide short-term lodging for eligible disaster survivors whose primary residence is uninhabitable or inaccessible because of the disaster and are not covered by insurance additional living expenses or loss of use," FEMA said in a press release.

To enter into the program, individuals must have already applied for FEMA disaster assistance. Those who qualify will be notified by FEMA through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email depending on the method of communication selected at the time of application for disaster assistance. 

Under the program, FEMA will pay the cost of room, taxes, and non-refundable pet fees directly to participating hotels and motels. FEMA will not cover, however, all other costs, including laundry, restaurant/room service, parking, telephone, or movie rental. 

Just as multiple wildfires are spreading through the Los Angeles area, several companies and organizations are offering free or discounted resources to help victims and their loved ones stay safe.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Los Angeles wildfires have destroyed at least 10,000 structures since they broke out last week, making them some of the most destructive fires to ever occur in Los Angeles County.

Evacuation efforts have been repeatedly complicated by snarled traffic situations as masses of people attempt to flee on limited highway space and narrow roads. See a list of road closures here.

Here are some of the free or discounted resources available to wildfire evacuees and first responders.

All 17 schools in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District will remain closed until the end of the week, the district announced Wednesday, leaving open whether class will begin again next week.

🚨 #PalisadesFire Update: All Malibu schools in the Santa Monica-Malibu USD will remain closed for the rest of the week. The City will share updates about next week when available.

Thank you for your understanding. Stay updated at 👉 https://t.co/2E1IO55DkY. pic.twitter.com/nBjiJrwMf1

— City of Malibu (@CityMalibu) January 15, 2025

As of late Wednesday morning, the Palisades fire has burned 23,713 acres, making it the fourth most destructive wildfire in recorded California history, and is at 19% containment.

Aircraft have been invaluable in fighting the wildfires raging around the Los Angeles area.

We got a look at one of the Cal Fire helicopters based in LaVerne that is being used to fight the Eaton fire — more than half a million gallons of water have been dropped on it so far.

"Being able to have helicopters available to us during these large incidents is very important, especially when we’re dealing with rugged terrain," said Eric Hernandez, a spokesman for Cal Fire. "Some of these areas, such as Mount Wilson, are very steep, where it’s very challenging for our crews to be able to get in there. That’s where were utilizing our air support, to be able to put out any hot spots or contain a fire by dropping water or retardant."

Ventura County's Auto fire is 50% contained at 61 acres and is not expected to continue growing, the county's fire department said Wednesday.

They shared drone footage of the smoldering brush piles where the blaze is burning in Ventura, just north of Oxnard.

#autofire; The Auto Fire is now at 50% containment and 61 acres. Overnight, firefighter addresses small, isolated flare ups and stubborn pockets of heat across the fire perimeter. The fire remains static in its original footprint with no anticipated growth.

Today, firefighters… pic.twitter.com/VZ0Htb0od4

— VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) January 15, 2025

The fire started Monday night and is being handled by the Ventura County Fire Department, not Cal Fire.

The nation of Japan is donating $2 million to victims of the Southern California wildfires.

The money will be channeled through the Red Cross, which will then be distributed to victims, according to the announcement on Wednesday.

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the fires," said Kenko Sone, who leads the Japanese consulate in L.A., in a release.

"Even under such difficult circumstances, it is encouraging to see so many organizations, volunteers, and individuals donating food, supplies and time to help with ongoing efforts. The perseverance and resilience of Angelenos is amazing and what the City of Angels represents."

As of Wednesday morning, the Palisades and Eaton fires have burned a record-breaking combined 38,000 acres at 19% and 45% containment respectively.

Students at schools that were left destroyed by the Palisades Fire are returning to class on Wednesday after they were relocated to other campuses.

Students from Palisades Charter Elementary and Marquez Charter Elementary have been relocated to Brentwood Science Magnet Elementary and Nora Sterry Elementary, respectively.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, residents affected by the Palisades Fire who may have lost a pet can call the missing animal hotline at 213-270-8155.

This is a recorded line where residents can leave information about their pet and that information will be provided to Animal Services to help them identify any pets they have. 

Petco is also offering help to residents who have been affected by the wildfires to report their missing pets or report a found pet.

Petco Love Lost offers a search of over 200,000 to help lost and found pets return home.

As parts of Los Angeles County remain under a red flag warning on Wednesday, strong wind gusts are expected through 3 p.m.

Wind gusts at about 40 to 50 mph can be expected around noon over the Los Angeles and Ventura County mountains.

After 6 p.m., the wind advisories and the red flag warnings are set to expire.

Santa Ana winds will persist through this morning, with speeds of 20-30 mph and gusts up to 55-65 mph in wind-prone areas. Winds will peak around midday, then gradually weaken by the afternoon and evening.

Red Flag Warnings and Wind Advisories are expected to expire at 6 p.m. today, but low humidity and locally gusty winds will maintain an elevated fire risk on Thursday.

As destructive wildfires continue to tear through Southern California, many donation centers were quickly overwhelmed with an outpouring of contributions from the community.

For evacuees, many of whom have been left with next to nothing, access to needed items like clothes, toiletries and even funds are going to be critical in the coming days and weeks.

Here's where evacuees can find food, clothing, disaster relief, pet care and other resources:

Damage from wildfires in Southern California has left 70,250 energy customers without power, with Southern California Edison launching its Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) protocol in targeted areas to protect communities.

The electrical utility for Los Angeles said Wednesday that it had deployed more than 3,000 crew members, contractors and mutual assistance personnel to help restore power, inspect areas and remove safety hazards.

"We recognize that PSPS creates hardships, yet safety remains our number one priority," stated Funmi Williamson, the senior vice president of SoCal Edison.

A campsite has been set up at the Rose Bowl to accommodate the hundreds of first responders who are battling the brush fires in Los Angeles County.

Dozens of tents are offering firefighters a place to sleep and a mobile kitchen has even been set up at the iconic stadium to provide hot meals for the first responders. Additional services such as laundry are even being provided at the camp and a command center has been set up at the space.

“These are long hours so we want to make sure we are taking care of our people,” a Cal Fire representative said.

Crumbs and Whiskers Cat Cafe is hosting 15 minute free cat cuddle sessions for those affected by the ongoing wildfires. Lead host of the cafe, Haley Collins called it a “peaceful and de-stressing experience.”

Among the thousands of buildings destroyed in the Palisades Fire is a branch of the Los Angeles Public Library that opened in its current form more than 20 years ago, the library system said.

Library service to Pacific Palisades goes much further back than 2003, when the library was opened, it said.

Limited library service to the coastal community began in 1929, the first branch library opened in 1952, and a larger one replaced it in 1963, the library system said.

The library that burned down, with 11,500 square feet of books and other materials, opened in 2003.

“It is with great sadness that we report the loss of our beloved Palisades Branch Library. We are eternally grateful to the amazing staff, volunteers and community members who have contributed to the growth of the Palisades Branch Library,” the library system said in a statement.

A report from the Los Angeles County Fire Department states that the Eaton Fire is currently 35% contained and has resulted in 16 deaths.

The fire has burned 14,117 acres and damaged 441 structures, according to the report.

Authorities will address the community on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. during a virtual community meeting to "provide an update on the current situation."

"Containment efforts are steadily progressing along the eastern edge of the fire near Santa Ana Canyon." the report says. "Contingency resources are strategically prepositioned throughout communities along the fire's western edge due to the Santa Ana winds condition."

The stream will be live on Youtube for those residents who choose to join.

Utility and other workers have begun restoring wrecked infrastructure and trying to make Pacific Coast Highway safe again after the Palisades Fire, but residents must still wait to return, a fire commander said tonight.

“We will not allow people into their homes until it is safe to do so, but we want to make it safe again,” Los Angeles County Fire Battalion Chief Kristian Litz, who is an operations sections chief on the fire, said at a community meeting.

The Palisades Fire, which has burned around 23,713 acres, is 18% contained. It broke out Jan. 7.

Litz said he toured the fire by helicopter today and saw no active flames on the edges.

“But I’m telling you now: That doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods,” he said. “We still have a lot of work to do.”

San Bernardino emergency agencies said they will hand out resources to residents impacted by the power shutoffs on Wednesday.

Some items include gloves, masks, garbage bags, and solar charging packs. Information on food waste disposal will also be provided.

Resources will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:

• Angelus Oaks Fire Station #98, 576 Fontage Road, Angelus Oaks
• Gail Cox Community Center, 41303 Valley of the Falls Dr., Forest Falls

Resources will be available on a first come, first served basis.