PASADENA, Calif. − Firefighters battled two massive wildfires on Wednesday while residents throughout Los Angeles County remained vigilant in anticipation of the Santa Ana winds, which had previously intensified the ongoing disaster affecting vast, once-beautiful neighborhoods.

Contrary to forecasts, winds lessened on Tuesday, allowing firefighting teams to gain ground in their efforts to control the devastating fires. As of about 2 p.m. PT on Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Los Angeles indicated that winds were diminishing, with no significant new fires reported up till then. Red flag warnings were expected to lift in most regions by 6 p.m.

Despite the progress, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley urged residents eager to return home to stay patient.

“We understand your wish to return to your neighborhoods,” said Crowley at a Wednesday briefing. “However, serious safety and infrastructure challenges persist, such as fallen power lines, damaged gas lines, hazardous materials, and unsafe water.”

Amid the ongoing disaster, some positive updates emerged.

“The good news is that winds in the Santa Monica mountains will remain focused on the western third of the range, far from the Palisades Fire,” the weather service noted in a forecast discussion. “The really encouraging news is that today will be the last day with significant winds.”

Tragically, at least 25 lives have been lost due to the fires. Approximately 82,400 residents in the county are under mandatory evacuation orders, while another 90,400 are under evacuation warnings, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna on Wednesday.

Updates:

∎ Emergency responders from the San Bernardino County fire department were deployed Wednesday afternoon to a brush fire that rapidly spread over 30 acres in a mountainous area, posing a risk to structures. The Little Mountain Fire’s spread was halted, with no injuries or structural damage reported, though it remained at 0% containment, Cal Fire indicated on Wednesday evening.

∎ The Palisades Fire is 21% contained after burning through 37 square miles, as reported by Cal Fire in an evening update. The Eaton Fire has devastated over 22 square miles in Pasadena and Altadena and has reached 45% containment. Cal Fire maintains that the fire will likely stay “within its current footprint.”

∎ Firefighters have made notable headway with the Hurst and Auto fires. The Hurst Fire is 98% contained, according to Cal Fire. The Auto Fire has scorched 61 acres and is 85% contained, with forward advancement halted on the fire that began on Monday night in Ventura County, according to authorities.

∎ Cooler weather conditions and a diminished fire threat are anticipated for the remainder of the week in the Los Angeles area, although the likelihood of red flag warnings in Los Angeles and Ventura counties is expected to rise to 60% on Monday, according to forecasts.

∎ Hilton and American Express announced on Wednesday that they will provide 20,000 hotel room nights “at no cost” for those displaced by the wildfires in Los Angeles County. Hilton is collaborating with 211 LA, a local nonprofit, to manage the distribution of these accommodations.

∎ A coalition of arts organizations and philanthropists in Los Angeles, spearheaded by the J. Paul Getty Trust, revealed the establishment of the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund to assist artists and arts workers affected by the wildfires, starting with a $12 million endowment.

Contributing: James Ward

EPA hazmat crews to commence debris cleanup Thursday

Hazardous material teams from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will start cleaning up debris in wildfire-affected neighborhoods on Thursday, as announced by California Governor Gavin Newsom. EPA incident commander Tara Fitzgerald stated that teams will remove hazardous household waste from affected properties.

“After the teams finish removing explosive and highly toxic materials, residents will be a step closer to recovery,” Newsom stated on X.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Health Officer issued a new directive prohibiting the cleanup or disposal of fire debris from damaged properties until an approved government agency conducts a hazardous materials inspection.

The order from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health only pertains to fire debris and does not prevent residents from retrieving personal items from their homes.

Cause of fires still unknown, but hints are surfacing

It’s widely recognized that fierce winds, low humidity, and drought have significantly contributed to the wildfires in Los Angeles County. However, the ignition causes remain uncertain.

Officials continue to investigate the origins of the fires, but new lawsuits and eyewitness reports suggest potential sources for the sparks that ignited the blazes.

Investigators looking into the Palisades Fire are concentrating on a ridgeline in western Los Angeles, believed to be the point where the fire started, in an area previously affected by a New Year’s Day fire caused by fireworks, according to media reports. The Los Angeles Fire Department managed to extinguish that fire, but the risk of reignition remains a concern in such dry conditions even weeks later.

The Eaton Fire, which affected the Altadena area, has triggered multiple lawsuits claiming that equipment from Southern California Edison, a power company, sparked the flames. The utility has stated it was unaware that its equipment could have been responsible for igniting the fire.

Report: LA Mayor Bass was attending a party in Ghana when the fire ignited

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, facing backlash for her absence during the onset of the fire crisis, was reportedly at an embassy cocktail party in Ghana when the Palisades Fire began affecting the area, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Bass was part of a Biden administration delegation attending the inauguration of Ghana’s president, and by the time she left the event for her return flight, large plumes of smoke were visible across a wide expanse of Los Angeles, the newspaper reported.

While it was beyond Bass’s knowledge that the Palisades and Eaton fires would wreak havoc during her absence, the Times highlighted that she traveled to Ghana on January 4 despite National Weather Service alerts regarding severe winds heightening fire risks.

Bass, a former U.S. representative, had previously stated during her mayoral campaign that she would forego international travel—an activity she previously enjoyed—if elected as the leader of Los Angeles.

Disney supports employees, opens wardrobe warehouse for those affected

The Walt Disney Company is providing assistance to employees impacted by the fires burning north of Disneyland.

Disney Entertainment Television has invited employees and their families who have lost their homes to visit the production company’s wardrobe warehouse in Hollywood, where they can select new clothes and shoes, according to a release from Disney. The items selected can be kept by the employees and their families.

“Most companies do not possess a full warehouse of wardrobe items, much of which has been minimally or never used,” remarked Heidi Chong, Vice President.

of the Production Shared Services for Disney Entertainment Television. “We really want to stress to families: ‘If you visit us, everything has been organized for you. It’s all set out on display. You can easily find what you need.’ There’s no limit to what people can take; it truly depends on their needs.”

The wardrobe selections feature items from the following shows: Genius: MLK/X, grown-ish, The Old Man, Station 19, UnPrisoned, and Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, according to Disney.

Classic Cars Safe from Wildfires

The wildfires that are devastating neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural institutions in Los Angeles have, fortunately, left some cherished items intact: classic cars.

Images captured following the destruction reveal vintage vehicles, from soft blue Fords to early Volkswagen Beetles, standing undamaged amidst neighborhoods that have suffered immense loss.

These pristine vehicles serve as a striking contrast to the bleak surroundings.

Alleged Arsonist Claims to ‘Enjoy Causing Chaos’

As large fires rage, people are still setting small fires in the area. On Wednesday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that several individuals faced arson charges for minor blazes in Irwindale and Industry.

In Los Angeles, Police Chief Jim McDonnell shared news of two arson arrests, including a man who confessed to igniting a tree, stating he enjoys the scent of burning leaves. Additionally, a woman suspected of setting numerous trash piles ablaze told officers she “liked causing chaos and destruction,” according to McDonnell.

“These individuals exist, and this is what they do,” McDonnell said. “If you have any information about them, please contact us before more serious incidents occur.”

Couple Endures Eaton Fire in Pasadena

Partners Robert Bullock and David Anderson chose to remain in their historic home just outside Pasadena while the Eaton Fire erupted last week. Despite being within a mandatory evacuation zone, they felt a duty to protect their property from burning embers that landed on their yard and roof.

“If we were situated in a forest facing an inferno, abandoning it would be understandable, but that wasn’t our situation,” Bullock explained.

After the flames subsided, the couple faced potential looters who invaded their neighborhood, seemingly taking advantage of the empty homes. They armed themselves with a rifle they had purchased a couple of years prior for protection but found it difficult to sleep during the initial nights of the fire.

“The first couple of nights were horrific,” Bullock recounted, hearing the sounds of exploding propane tanks and ammunition in the distance as the fire swept through. “It felt like being in Iraq.”

Residents of Pacific Palisades Sue LA Water Agency

Dozens of victims from the Pacific Palisades wildfire are filing a lawsuit against the public utility for apparent failures in the water supply that they claim worsened the destruction of the Los Angeles fire. Residents and a pizzeria owner from the ravaged area are holding the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) accountable for hydrants running dry just hours after the fire began. All plaintiffs reported loss of their homes or businesses due to the inferno.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced an investigation into the LADWP’s failure to provide adequate water supply, while the utility argues that the water system was overwhelmed by the extensive fires. The department attributed the shortages to “unprecedented and extreme water demand,” which hindered their ability to refill tanks and hydrants.

“As soon as we realized the risk of losing water supply and pressure, we promptly dispatched potable water tankers to support firefighting efforts,” the agency stated.

− Minnah Arshad

Cal Fire: Public Should Not Come to LA for Cleanup

Thousands of firefighters continue to combat the flames, including hundreds from other states. Cal Fire has clarified that a misleading social media post claims that ordinary individuals can volunteer to assist with cleanup in fire-affected regions of California.

“This claim is false, and we would like to clarify that there are no opportunities available for the public to join cleanup efforts,” Cal Fire advised in a statement. “We kindly request that you do not call to inquire about this.”

High Fire Danger and Winds Loom for LA Area Next Week

The current wave of strong Santa Ana winds is expected to ease by the end of this week, but meteorologists warn that another round could hit the Los Angeles region next week. The National Weather Service has indicated that from January 22 to January 25, “another surge of Santa Ana winds may develop, combined with unusually dry weather,” although specifics regarding timing and intensity are still uncertain.

Critical red flag warnings for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties were due to end on Wednesday evening, while fire weather alerts for mountainous regions north of Los Angeles have been extended into Thursday.

Further Power Shutoffs Possible in SoCal Due to Winds

As of Wednesday, over 90,000 residences and businesses in Southern California were experiencing power outages, with more than 30,000 in Los Angeles County and 32,000 in San Bernardino County. Additionally, residents in wildfire-risk areas may face power shutoffs this week, as Los Angeles remains under a critical red flag warning, according to the city’s water and power department.

The department has urged residents, particularly those in mountainous regions, to prepare for outages by charging devices and having flashlights and spare batteries ready.

“Local fire agencies may instruct LADWP to shut down power lines as a precautionary step to prevent wildfires and ensure community safety,” the Los Angeles Water and Power Department stated.

Restoration efforts will not be immediate for those without power: “LADWP crews may not be able to restore service to your home or business promptly,” the department cautioned. “These measures are being taken for public safety.”

Status of Schools in Los Angeles Post-Wildfire

Many students in Los Angeles County are dealing with schools that have been damaged or destroyed by the wildfires. While most schools resumed classes on Wednesday, some remained closed due to the risk of renewed winds that could reignite the fires.

The Los Angeles Unified School District, which is the second largest in the nation, reopened most facilities on Monday and has announced plans to gradually bring back activities like recess, outdoor physical education, and sports this week.

Not every school has reopened since the fires swept through last week. The Pasadena Unified School District, serving around 14,000 students, will not reopen until at least next Monday.

Undergraduate and graduate classes at the University of California, Los Angeles, will continue online until Friday.

Families Struggle to Recover Missing Pets

The wildfires sparked a significant pet rescue effort, and Krissy Simmel is among those stepping in to help.

Erik Morentin, a 35-year-old consultant for a non-profit, made several trips to Pacific Palisades last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in hopes of rescuing cats belonging to his elderly mother-in-law and her roommate. Each day he was turned away, only being allowed to enter for essential items like medications, not for pets. By Friday, he felt like giving up.

That’s when Simmel intervened, convincing security to allow her to take Morentin to the house. It was still standing and the cats were unharmed, Morentin reported.

“I raced back to Sunset Boulevard and Krissy met me in her Jeep; it was just so overwhelming,” he recounts. “I just kept saying, ‘Thank you so much. You saved those cats’ lives.’” Read more here.

− Josh Peter

Search Underway for Missing Individuals

As per updates from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, at least 25 lives have been lost due to the wildfires, noting that what was initially reported as an additional death attributed to the Eaton Fire was later identified as non-human remains.

By Tuesday night, the medical examiner confirmed another fatality connected to the Palisades Fire. So far, 16 deaths have been linked to the Eaton Fire, while the Palisades Fire has resulted in at least nine fatalities.

Search and rescue missions are ongoing as local authorities conduct door-to-door searches for missing individuals. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported on Tuesday that 24 individuals remain unaccounted for in regions impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires.

Contributing: YSL News Network; Reuters