California wildfires highlights: Santa Ana winds pick up speed; New fire erupts in Ventura County

California wildfires highlights: The raging wildfires across Los Angeles claimed the lives of at least 24 people, with the toll likely to mount as several others remain missing. The monstrous fires have destroyed more than 12,000 structures, forcing over 150,000 to flee their homes. Data from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection showed that only 14 per cent of the Palisades Fire has been contained so far, while Eaton Fire is under 33 per cent containment....Read More
Meanwhile, Hurst Fire, which spread across 799 acres, is almost contained (97 per cent).
A new blaze, 'Auto Fire' erupted in the Ventura County neighbourhood late on Monday and spread over 56 acres, with zero per cent of the fire under containment.
Firefighters braced for the dangerous Santa Ana winds, which picked up speed early on Tuesday. As per the National Weather Service's forecast, dry Santa Ana wind gusts of 45 to 70 miles per hour (72 to f112 kph) were forecast to continue through Wednesday.
California wildfires | Key points
- California Governor Gavin Newsom said he was launching a “Marshall Plan” to rebuild the ravaged city. “We already have a team looking at reimagining L.A. 2.0,” he said.
- Santa Ana winds picked up speed early on Tuesday, with the possibility of gusts hitting 75 mph (120 kph), and are expected to persist through Wednesday.
- Just under 100,000 residents continue to remain under evacuation orders, which is half the number from last week. Meanwhile, another 1,66,000 residents have been warned of potential evacuation.
- The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power also warned that it could deliberately cut power for safety purposes in the coming days as wind speeds picked up, posing serious risk for new fires in the region.
- A new blaze ‘Auto Fire’ erupted in Ventura County late on Monday. The fire has so far spread across 56 acres of land, CAL Fire data showed.
California wildfires live: Santa Ana winds pick up speed
Santa Ana winds have picked up speed with the possibility of gusts hitting 75 mph (120 kph) early Tuesday, said David Roth, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Firefighters across Los Angeles braced for further fires amid the high winds.
California wildfires live: LA mayor issues executive order to speed up rebuilding efforts
Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass on Monday issued an executive order to speed up the rebuilding efforts as the California wildfires are leaving a massive trail of destruction in the city.
“This unprecedented natural disaster warrants an unprecedented response that will expedite the rebuilding of homes, businesses and communities,” the statement from the mayor's office was cited by CNN.
California wildfires live: Ahead of high speed winds' return, LA could cut power for safety purposes
The Los Angeles Department of water and power could cut power in the coming days as the strong 'Santa Ana' winds are likely to arrive in the city on Tuesday, raising the risk of more fires.
“Los Angeles is in active fire response and local fire authorities may ask LADWP to de-energize power lines as a preventative measure, to help prevent wildfires and protect communities,” the department said on its website.
California wildfires live: New fire erupts in Ventura County
A new blaze, by the name of 'Auto Fire', has erupted in Ventura County, which is part of an area under the highest fire threat as wind speeds begin to rise across Los Angeles.
In a social media post, the Ventura County Fire department said, "The fire is currently at 5 acres in medium fuels with a moderate rate of spread. Approximately 75 firefighters are on scene working to stop forward spread of the fire."
California wildfires live: Losses from blaze could hit $30 billion mark for insurance industry, says report
The wildfires raging across Los Angeles could cause losses of as much as $30 billion for the insurance industry, Bloomberg reported.
The new estimates from Wells Fargo & Co. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analysts exceeded last week's highest prediction from JPMorgan Chase & Co. that the fires stood to cost insurers roughly $20 billion.
California wildfires live: What is 'Particularly Dangerous Situation' warning?
The Los Angeles National Weather Service's most serious advisory, 'Particularly Dangerous Situation', is a recent phenomenon, a CNN report said.
This red flag warning began in 2020 and is used as a special and rare type of alert to distinguish the most extreme areas of red flag warnings to the public as well first responders.
These warnings have a combination of highest wind gusts and dry air.
California wildfires live: Beyoncé postpones Jan 14 announcement amid LA fires
Beyoncé has postponed her January 14 announcement to later date amid the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.
In a post on Instagram, she wrote, "I continue to pray for healing and rebuilding for the families suffering from trauma and loss. We are so blessed to have brave first responders who continue to work tirelessly to protect the Los Angeles community."
She also asked people to visit her 'BeyGood' platform to join the efforts in supporting those affected.
California wildfires live: Destruction, battle and despair | In photo
The raging wildfires across Los Angeles have left behind a massive trail of destruction and despair, with firefighters still battling to contain the blazes.
California wildfires live: Zero tolerance for looting amid crisis, says LA mayor
Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass, while addressing a news conference, said that “there will be zero-tolerance for looting during this crisis”.
“Local officials stand ready to prosecute anyone attempting to enter houses or properties,” she added.
California wildfires live: Extra water tankers, firefighters arrive in LA
Ahead of the forecasted return of the Santa Ana winds, additional water tankers and firefighters arrived in Los Angeles.
LA mayor Karen Bass earlier showed confidence that the region was ready to face the new threat with additional firefighters brought in from across the US, as well as Canada and Mexico.
“We’re absolutely better prepared,” said LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone.
California wildfires live: National Weather Service issues 'extreme fire danger' warning
The Los Angeles National Weather Service has issued an "Extreme Fire Danger" ahead of the likely return of the dangerous Santa Ana winds.
Sharing a map image with the warning, it showed areas circled with purple markers to highlight red flag or PDS shaded regions.
It asked residents to note that, "If you cannot tell whether your specific community inside a Red Flag or PDS shaded area or not, assume that it is. The fire risk areas do not start/end as sharply as our geographic boundaries do. Stay safe neighbors."
California wildfires live: List of LA county schools closed
Following are the schools that have reported closures due to the wildfires in Los Angeles:
- La Canada Unified School District
- Canyon Charter Elementary
- Kenter Canyon Charter Elementary
- Palisades Charter Elementary
- Marquez Charter Elementary
- Topanga Charter Elementary
- Lanai Road Elementary
- Paul Revere Middle School
- Pasadena Unified School District
- Roosevelt Elementary, Santa Monica
California wildfires live: Gov seeks $2.5 billion for 'Marshall Plan' in LA
California Governor Gavin Newsom has sought $2.5 billion funding to assist emergency responders and help to fund vast recovery plans for the deadly wildfires in Los Angeles.
The proposal includes $1 billion in emergency aid and another $1.5 billion for recovery and wildfire preparedness.
“California is organizing a Marshall Plan to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger – including billions in new and accelerated state funding so we can move faster to deliver for the thousands who’ve lost their homes and livelihoods in these firestorms,” Newsom said in a statement.
“To the people of Los Angeles: We have your back," he added.
California wildfires live: Not in the clear, says LA city fire chief
As firefighters continue to battle the deadly wildfires in Los Angeles, city fire chief Kristin Crowley said that the set up is as bad as it gets, adding that "we are not in the clear".
Officials said the state was pre-positioning firefighting crews in vulnerable areas, not just in Los Angeles but also in other Southern California counties that were also under elevated fire danger.
California wildfires live: What is the pink flame retardant being used for LA fires?
Fire agencies have said that they are using pink flame retardants, suppressants mostly used to fight forest fires, to slow down the wildfires raging through Los Angeles.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said that while fire suppressants can be every effective, they also have limitations. Strong winds can make it too dangerous to fly at the low altitudes needed for drops and can dissipate the retardant before it hits the ground.
California wildfires live: Gov Newsom slams Musk for 'spreading lies'
California Governor Gavin Newsom accused Tesla CEO Elon Musk of spreading "lies" about the state's response to the raging wildfires in Los Angeles.
Musk had blamed the huge loss of homes in LA on "bad governance at a state and local level that resulted in a shortage of water".
Newsom responded to the tech billionaire and said, "(Musk) is exposed by firefighters for his own lies".
California wildfires live: LA city gives out free N95 masks
The City of Los Angeles, in a press release, announced that it is handing out free N95 masks at locations across the city, including at libraries and recreation centres, to help residents battle the poor air quality.
“The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is recommending that Angelenos wear well-fitting, medical grade masks while outside when air quality is poor, or if you smell smoke or see ash,” the release read.
California wildfires live: Biden announces one-time payments to fire victims
Outgoing president Joe Biden has announced $770 dollar one-time payments to the victims of the California wildfires.
California wildfires live: LA water & power department sued over Palisades Fire, says report
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was sued on Monday over claims that it failed to manage proper water supplies to firefighters battling the deadly Palisades Fire, Reuters reported citing a court filing.
The law, filed on behalf of residents and others affected by the blaze, said that the utility department should have maintained water in a nearby reservoir, which was dry when the fire erupted last Tuesday.
California wildfires live: Oscar nominations delayed
Owing to the ongoing wildfires across Los Angeles, the Oscar nominations have been delayed by almost a week.
The nominations will now be announced on January 3, said the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The 97th Oscars will take place at the Dolby Theatre on March 2 and will be broadcasted live on ABC beginning 7 pm ET. It will also be livestreamed on Hulu.
California wildfires live: Going to do things with LA, says Trump
US-President elect Donald Trump, set for his January 20 inauguration, said that he is putting back his developer's cap, eyeing the wildfire-torn Los Angeles city.
The former real-estate developer, cited by AP from an interview with Newsmax, said the areas burned by the wildfires looked like they were hit by a "massive bomb".
"We are going to do things with Los Angeles," he said without elaborating any further.
California wildfires live: Joe Biden asks Congress to 'step up'
Outgoing president Joe Biden, while getting a brief about the federal response to the raging wildfires across Southern California, said that while the government is covering most costs connection to the blazes in LA for the next 180 days, it will take tens of billions of dollars to get the city fully back up and running.
And hence, he said, Congress "needs to step up" and provide funding.
He also expressed grief over the loss of 24 lives in the wildfires and announced additional disaster assistance for California, covering costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures.
California wildfires live: FBI officials says 'stop flying your drones over fires'
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a press conference that three people have been arrested for two drone usages.
Meanwhile, the FBI was also investigating to identify the operator of the drone that collided and damaged a firefighting plane over the Palisades Fire last Thursday.
Akil Davis, assistant director-in-chare of the FBI's LA office, said "We are coming across probably 20 incursions a day."
Noting that both the agency and fire department are catching such incidents every day, Davis added, “That’s why we continue to stress to the public: Stop flying your drones over these fires,” Davis said.
California wildfires live updates: LA fire chief speaks on when people can return home
LA fire department chief Kristin Crowley said that residents who had to flee their homes due to the wildfires across California will be able to return home but only when it is safe.
“I will tell you and guarantee you that when it is safe to do so, we will allow the population and repopulation in the community to come back in — that is top of mind. But just as important top of mind is the safety of those individuals as well,” she was quoted as saying by CNN.
“It will not be days. We’ll do it as quickly as we can, but it has to be safe," she added.
California wildfires live updates: Police chief says probe into LA fires underway
Officials have said that a task force-led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is investigating the reason behind the deadly Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, CNN reported.
LA police chief Jim McDonnell told the media outlet that more details won't be provided till the probe is completed, adding that the inquiry was not limited to the Palisades Fire.
California wildfires live updates: Over 15,000 first responders at work, says CAL Fire director
CAL Fire Joe Tyler, at a news briefing on Monday, said that more than 15,000 first responders are at work across Southern California.
“It takes coming together with our local, state, federal, non-profit, tribal and international partners to make this all possible,” he said.
California wildfires live updates: Palisades fire has 'very little' growth
During a news briefing on Monday, CAL Fire's Jim Hudson said that the Palisades Fire has seen a "very little" growth over the last 36 hours, adding that it is still being counted under a red-flag event.
California wildfires live updates: Over 40,000 acres of land destroyed
According to the data from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 40,588 acres of land have been burnt down by the raging wildfires so far.
California wildfires live updates: President Biden on LA fire death toll
US President Joe Biden on Monday (local time) expressed his deep condolences following the loss of 24 lives in the raging wildfires that had wreaked havoc in southern California, particularly in the city of Los Angles.
According to a statement, President Biden said, "Our hearts ache for the 24 innocent souls we have lost in the wildfires across Los Angeles. Jill (Biden) and I pray for them and their loved ones."
California wildfires live updates: LA sports teams donate $8 million to fire relief efforts
Twelve Los Angeles pro sports teams on Monday pledged to donate a combined $8 million to support victims of the Los Angeles wildfires and those fighting the blazes, Reuters reported.
California wildfires live updates: Threat remains critical amid the battle against LA fires
More powerful winds were expected to trigger new wildfires that could set back the recent progress made in containing blazes that have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people.
California wildfires live updates: Glitzy Oscars nominees' lunch cancelled after LA fires
The body that awards the Oscars said Monday it was cancelling its ritzy nominees' luncheon, as Los Angeles grapples with enormous wildfires that have crippled the city.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also moved its nomination announcement online, as Hollywood tries to navigate the sombre mood at a time it would usually be in full red carpet throttle.
California wildfires live updates: Lawsuit claims utility's equipment sparked devastating Eaton Fire
A lawsuit filed Monday against Southern California Edison claims the utility’s equipment sparked the deadly Eaton Fire burning just outside Los Angeles and Edison has acknowledged fire agencies are investigating whether its equipment may have started a smaller LA-area fire that broke out the same day, AP reported.
California wildfires live updates: Oscar nominations postponed for 2nd time because of LA fires
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has postponed the announcement of this year's Oscar nominations for a second time because of the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, organisers said on Monday.
The nominations for the film industry's highest honors will now be announced on Jan. 23. They originally had been set for January 17 and then moved to January 19.
California wildfires live updates: Los Angeles mayor says city ‘preparing to deal with another round of extreme wind’
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told AP the city is preparing to deal with another round of extreme wind.
At the same time, city officials are helping residents start to recover from losing their homes by opening centers to help them apply for replacement birth certificates and drivers licenses and other documents. Businesses are also being encouraged to apply for disaster relief loans.
Gavin Newsom shares new video, claims it show Elon Musk being ‘exposed by firefighters for his own lies’ about LA fires
California Governor Gavin Newsom accused Elon Musk of exposing his own lies about a water shortage as deadly wildfires wreak havoc in Los Angeles. This comes days after Musk said on X that “bad governance at the state and local level” is what “resulted in a shortage of water.” Deep dive
Beyoncé contributes $2.5 million to newly launched LA Fire Relief Fund
Beyoncé has contributed $2.5 million to a newly launched LA Fire Relief Fund created by her charitable foundation, BeyGOOD.
The announcement arrived via the BeyGOOD foundation Instagram account on Sunday. “The fund is earmarked to aid families in the Altadena/Pasadena area who lost their homes, and to churches and community centers to address the immediate needs of those affected by the wildfires,” the caption read.
California wildfires live updates: 150,000 people under evacuation orders
About 150,000 people were under evacuation orders, with more than 700 taking refuge in nine shelters. Officials said most of those orders were unlikely to be lifted before the high wind warnings expire Wednesday evening.
California wildfires live updates: 1,400 fire engines, 84 aircraft pressed into service
Crews from California and nine other states are part of the ongoing response that includes nearly 1,400 fire engines, 84 aircraft and more than 14,000 personnel, including newly arrived firefighters from Mexico.
California wildfires live updates: LA county fire dept receives dozens of new water trucks
Los Angeles County Fire Department chief Anthony Marrone told AFP his department had received resources including dozens of new water trucks and firefighters from far afield and was primed to face the renewed threat.
Asked whether hydrants could run dry again, as they did during the initial outbreak of fires last week, Mayor Karen Bass replied: "I believe the city is prepared."
California wildfires live updates: Producers Guild Awards nominations postponed again
The Producers Guild of America (PGA) has once again postponed its 2025 PGA Awards nominees due to the devastating LA wildfires. The nominations, initially delayed until Sunday, will now be announced sometime next week, ANI reported.
California wildfires live updates: Weather office issues red flag warnings for ‘severe conditions’ through Wednesday
The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for severe fire conditions through Wednesday, with sustained winds of 50 mph (80 kph) and gusts in the mountains reaching 70 mph (113 kph), AP reported. The most dangerous day will be Tuesday, warned fire behavior analyst Dennis Burns at a community meeting Sunday night.
California wildfires live updates: Burglary attempt at Kamala Harris' Brentwood home?
Two persons were detained near Vice President Kamala Harris' residence in Brentwood, California, after police were contacted regarding a potential break-in during a citywide curfew imposed due to raging wildfires that are ravaging Los Angeles. Deep dive
California wildfires live updates: Actor Joshua Jackson loses Topanga Canyon home
The Doctor Odyssey actor Joshua Jackson has become one of those Hollywood celebrities who have lost his home due to LA wildfires, ANI reported. Despite the loss of a beautiful bungalow, the actor feels 'incredibly lucky' to be surrounded by his loved ones amid the chaos.
California wildfires live updates: Netflix postpones release date of Meghan Markle’s show
The release of a new Netflix series produced by the Duchess of Sussex will be postponed due to the devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires, the streaming platform has announced. Eight-part series Love, Meghan, which will see the actress share cooking, gardening and hosting tips, will premiere on March 4 instead of January 15.
“I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California,” Meghan said in a statement to Tudum, the official companion site to Netflix.
California wildfires live updates: Los Angeles wildfires in photos: Houses, cars destroyed; 30,000 evacuated
California wildfires live updates: Firefighters raced to contain the frontiers of two Los Angeles wildfires that burned for the sixth straight day on Sunday, taking advantage of a brief respite in hazardous conditions before high winds were expected to fan the flames anew. Check photos here
California wildfires live updates: More than 100,000 people in Los Angeles County had been ordered to evacuate
California wildfires live updates: Officials warned the entire Los Angeles County population of nearly 10 million that anyone may be ordered to evacuate from the flames and toxic smoke.
By Sunday, more than 100,000 people in Los Angeles County had been ordered to evacuate - down from a previous high of more than 150,000 - while another 87,000 faced evacuation warnings.
"These winds combined with low relative humidities, and low fuel moistures will keep the fire threat in all of Los Angeles County very high," Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone told a press conference, adding that evacuated areas may not be reopened until red flag conditions are lifted on Thursday.
California wildfires live updates: Kim Kardashian demands pay raise for firefighters
California wildfires live updates: Reality TV star Kim Kardashian expressed her gratitude to firefighters who have risked their lives to save people and demanded a pay raise for them.
“(Pay) has never been raised with inflation. It's never been raised when fires got worse and many died. A recent agreement to raise it to five dollars an hour was reportedly 'shot down last minute,” she alleged.
California wildfires live updates: Singer Beyonce's foundation donates $2.5 million to LA fire relief
California wildfires live updates: As per Variety, Singer Beyonce's foundation BeyGOOD has pledged to donate $2.5 million to help families rebuild after they've suffered losses.
BeyGOOD will provide the funds to families in Altadena and Pasadena, two areas that were devastated by wildfires. In addition to helping those who lost their homes and possessions, BeyGOOD “will also assist churches and community centers in other impacted areas to address the immediate needs of people affected by the fires”.
California wildfires live updates: Composer Arnold Schoenberg's original work lost in fires
California wildfires live updates: The publisher Arnold Schoenberg’s works says original manuscripts and scores from the composer were lost in the Los Angeles wild fires.
Belmont Music Publishers, located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, made the announcement Sunday.
“We have lost our full inventory of sales and rental materials,” the company said in a statement. “We hope that in the near future we will be able to 'rise from the ashes’ in a completely digital form. … There are some scores and performing materials for which we have digital scans.”