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Los Angeles wildfire live updates: LA's 'off the charts' dryness keeps risk of new fires high

Los Angeles wildfire live updates: Following a day when milder-than-expected winds enabled crews to contain minor fires, forecas...

The Times of India | Jan 17, 2025, 21:45:55 IST

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21:45 (IST), Jan, 17

LA fires revive calls for a 'climate superfund' law in California

Vermont and New York have recently introduced "Climate Superfund" laws, marking a significant shift in how states are addressing the financial burden of climate change. These laws mandate that energy companies contribute to the costs associated with climate-related disasters, such as extreme weather events. As wildfires ravage parts of California, the state is being urged to adopt similar legislation.

Kassie Siegel, director of the Climate Law Institute at the Center for Biological Diversity, emphasized that this approach would alleviate the financial strain on taxpayers, who currently bear the full cost of climate-related disasters.

However, these laws are expected to face intense legal opposition from the oil industry and its supporters. The US Chamber of Commerce and the American Petroleum Institute have already filed a lawsuit against Vermont’s law, arguing that it is unconstitutional and unfairly punitive, claiming that its calculations are flawed. The outcome of these legal challenges remains uncertain.

18:32 (IST), Jan, 17

Private firefighters highlight wealth divide in ruined Los Angeles

On one side of the street lie the ashes of ruined houses, lost to the huge blazes that defeated Los Angeles firefighters when hydrants ran dry.

On the other side, a small village of shops is still intact, watched over by tanker trucks and an army of private firemen.

More than a week after enormous blazes spread unchecked through swathes of America's second largest metropolis, questions are being asked about how some of the city's super-rich seem to have survived almost unscathed.

"All I can say is that we got hired and we have been ordered to stay here. I'm not allowed to tell you more than that." a man in a yellow and green uniform told AFP in front of the commercial development.

16:41 (IST), Jan, 17

Tennis great Shriver says trophies stolen after LA fires

US tennis great Pam Shriver revealed on Thursday that a horde of major trophies from her Hall of Fame career were stolen along with her car after she evacuated following the Los Angeles wildfire disaster, ESPN reported.

Shriver told the network that her car containing the silverware was discovered missing early Thursday after it was parked outside a hotel in Marina del Rey.

Shriver, 62, said five US Open trophies, five French Open plates, five Wimbledon trophies and one Australian Open trophy were inside the stolen vehicle.

"I was just starting to take things out to pack them in the car, and I was like, 'Where's the car?'" ESPN tennis analyst Shriver was quoted as saying by the network.

Shriver had removed the trophies from her home in Brentwood last Friday after returning to Los Angeles from a vacation in Hawaii.

15:36 (IST), Jan, 17

California is years behind in implementing a law to make homes more fire resistant

In response to devastating wildfires, including the deadliest in California's history, state lawmakers in 2020 introduced new measures requiring the removal of combustible materials—such as dead plants and wooden furniture—within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of homes in high-risk areas.

These rules were intended to go into effect on January 1, 2023. However, as Los Angeles faces fires that have destroyed thousands of homes and could become the most expensive natural disaster in US history, the regulations remain unwritten. The state Board of Forestry and Fire Protection has yet to set a timeline for their completion.

“This is frustrating at every level of government,” said Democratic state Senator Henry Stern, one of the lawmakers behind the legislation. “I feel like a failure on it, being quite frank.”

12:29 (IST), Jan, 17

'So much suffering': Taylor Swift donates to LA fire relief efforts

Amid the devastation caused by California's wildfires, singer Taylor Swift has stepped forward to support the victims. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 'Blank Space' star announced her donation to relief efforts, choosing not to disclose the amount, and urged her followers to contribute as well.

"The fires in California have devastated so many families, and it's been heartbreaking to see these stories unfold. So much suffering, loss, and destruction," Swift wrote.

She added, "As so many people embark on some of the most challenging times of their lives, there are also incredible organizations and groups coming together to help these communities rebuild. These are the organizations I've donated to. If you feel compelled or able to donate, please do."

08:18 (IST), Jan, 17

Racer and TV analyst Townsend Bell lost 3 homes in California wildfires

Townsend Bell's offseason anticipation ended when Fox Sports hired him as an analyst for its inaugural IndyCar season. But during his first producer call, Bell's wife interrupted with alarming news: their Pacific Palisades neighborhood was on fire. After evacuating, Bell rushed back on foot, salvaging racing gear amidst advancing flames.

Despite losing rental properties in Malibu and extensive damage to his home, Bell is focused on racing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, where he’ll also assist NBC Sports. With uncertainty back in California, Bell views Daytona as a bittersweet opportunity to begin a new chapter.

07:23 (IST), Jan, 17

Inmates battling LA wildfires see chance for redemption

Inmate Jacob Castro spends his days cutting firebreaks in the hills surrounding Los Angeles—a grueling task that offers him a rare sense of purpose after 29 years behind bars.

"This is the first thing I've done in my life that I'm proud of," Castro shared with AFP during a brief pause from his work.

Castro is among over 900 inmates who are actively assisting firefighters, either on the frontlines or in operational support, as they combat the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles. These fires have claimed at least two dozen lives and left homes in ruins.

While firefighters hail the inmate crews as indispensable, their presence has sparked a debate, drawing mixed reactions from the public.

06:18 (IST), Jan, 17

Insurance access for US homeowners with higher climate risks declines

Homeowners in areas of the United States with the highest climate-related risks saw declining access to insurance, a Treasury Department report released Thursday said.
Average insurance non-renewal rates were about 80 percent higher for consumers in high-climate-risk areas than for those in the lowest-risk ones, the report found.

It showed that "homeowners insurance is becoming more costly and harder to procure for millions of Americans as the costs of climate-related events pose growing challenges," the department said.

The report, providing a view of the homeowners insurance market, comes as a climate-related crisis unfolds in Los Angeles, and with millions across the country rebuilding from the effects of hurricanes and other disasters last year.

Los Angeles has been battling deadly wildfires that have killed at least 24, destroyed thousands of buildings, and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes.

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06:18 (IST), Jan, 17

Donald Trump vows to help ‘troubled’ Hollywood with Mel Gibson, Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone

Donald Trump wants to make Hollywood “bigger, better and stronger” and has cast Mel Gibson, Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone as stars of what he is calling his “Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California.”

On Wednesday, the President-elect announced on his social media site that the three actors would be his eyes and ears to the moviemaking town.

“It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!” he wrote on Truth Social.

He also called the trio special envoys. Special ambassadors and envoys are typically chosen to respond to troubled hot spots like the Middle East, not California.

Gibson said in a statement that he got the news “at the same time as all of you and was just as surprised. Nevertheless, I heed the call. My duty as a citizen is to give any help and insight I can.”

Gibson, who lost his home in the Palisades fire, added, "Any chance the position comes with an Ambassador’s residence?”

U.S. film and television production has been hampered in recent years, with setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hollywood guild strikes of 2023 and, in the past week, the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Overall production in the U.S. was down 26% from 2021, according to data from ProdPro.

06:17 (IST), Jan, 17

Ash and other dangers mean LA area residents who fled fires a week ago won't be going home soon

It has been more than a week since two massive fires forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes in the Los Angeles area, and officials said Thursday residents won't be going home soon. As the search continues for human remains in the leveled neighborhoods, properties also face new dangers with burned slopes at risk of landslides and the charred debris laden with asbestos and other toxins.

More than 80,000 people are still under evacuation orders, and many do not know what, if anything, is left of their houses, apartments and possessions. Scores of people have gathered at checkpoints to plead with police and soldiers restricting access to their neighborhoods.

Officials said they understand their frustration, but they asked residents for patience as hazardous materials teams and cadaver dogs comb the sites block by block. They said it will be a week or more before people can go back.

“The properties have been damaged beyond belief,” Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said at a briefing. “They are full of sediment, debris, silt and hazardous materials.”

Hillsides have become unstable behind some damaged homes, and a small landslide in Pacific Palisades this week sent debris into the streets, he added.

06:17 (IST), Jan, 17

Threat from toxic fire debris will prevent many LA residents from checking on damaged homes

Homeowners learned Thursday that it could be a week or more before they will be allowed to check on their fire-damaged properties while officials assess the threat of potentially toxic ash and debris left by the blazes that have blackened neighborhoods across the LA area.

More than 80,000 people are still under evacuation orders, and many do not know what, if anything, is left of their houses, apartments and possessions.

“The properties have been damaged beyond belief,” Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said at a briefing. “They are full of sediment, debris, silt and hazardous materials."

County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said residents eager to enter burned areas to see what’s left of their homes or search for valuables need to be patient.

“We don’t have a date. We’re trying to render the area safe,” he said.

Officials said it would be at least another week before access is restored, as hazardous materials teams investigate. The rubble and ash can contain asbestos, lead and other dangerous materials.

21:00 (IST), Jan, 16

Priyanka Chopra expresses sorrow, wants support for victims affected by LA Wildfires

Actor Priyanka Chopra has expressed her deep sorrow and urged people to support the victims who have been affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires in California.

On Thursday, Priyanka penned a long note where she urged people to help victims with pictures of LA Wildfires.

She wrote, "I [?] you LA. My heart is so heavy. While I'm deeply grateful for our home and my family's safety, so many of our friends, colleagues, and fellow Angelenos have lost so much. These fires have displaced countless families and devastated entire communities, leaving an overwhelming need for rebuilding and support."

She added, "To the firefighters, first responders, and volunteers risking everything--you are true heroes."

19:51 (IST), Jan, 16

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio donates $1 million for Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts

Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio has pledged a $1 million donation to support the ongoing wildfire relief and recovery efforts in Los Angeles County.

DiCaprio shared the announcement on social media, voicing his concern about the devastating effects of the recent wildfires in the region. In an Instagram story, he wrote, “The Los Angeles wildfires are devastating our city. I am committing USD 1 million in partnership with @rewild's Rapid Response Program to assist with both urgent needs and post-fire recovery.”

The funds will go to various organizations actively working on the ground, including the LA Fire Department Foundation, the California Fire Foundation, World Central Kitchen, the California Community Foundation, the Pasadena Humane Society, and the SoCal Fire Fund. These groups are focused on providing critical resources to first responders, firefighters, and communities affected by the fires, according to Deadline.

16:56 (IST), Jan, 16

Fritz donates Melbourne prize money to help victims of LA fires

American world number four Taylor Fritz said Thursday he will donate his $82,000 first-round prize money from the Australian Open to help victims of the Los Angeles wildfires, calling the devastation "insane".

Fritz, who lives in California, made the gesture after reaching the Melbourne third round by beating Chilean qualifier Cristian Garin 6-2, 6-1, 6-0.

First-round prize money is Aus$132,000 (US$82,000).

14:55 (IST), Jan, 16

Fire-wrecked Los Angeles waits for winds to drop

Fire-wrecked Los Angeles waited nervously on Wednesday for dangerous winds to drop and give a much-needed break to weary firefighters still struggling to snuff out deadly blazes.

More than a week after fires fanned by hurricane-force gusts began a destructive march that has left two dozen people dead and large areas of the city in ruins, forecasters said the end may be in sight.

There will be "a big improvement for tonight and tomorrow, though there'll still be some lingering areas of concern," Ryan Kittell of the National Weather Service told AFP.

Part of Los Angeles County and much of neighboring Ventura County remained in a "Particularly Dangerous Situation," a designation that was in effect before last week's deadly blazes.

12:09 (IST), Jan, 16

A final round of dangerous fire weather and dry conditions is in the forecast

Southern Californians remained on edge Wednesday as strong winds returned, fueling fears of a final round of dangerous fire weather in a region already devastated by two massive wildfires. The blazes have claimed at least 25 lives and destroyed thousands of homes.

A brief respite on Tuesday allowed firefighters to make progress, but by early Wednesday, gusts intensified. According to National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Hall, winds reached speeds of up to 35 mph (56 kph) in coastal and valley areas, and up to 55 mph (88 kph) in the mountains before dawn.

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09:16 (IST), Jan, 16

YouTube, Google donate USD 15 million for LA fire relief

Video-sharing platform YouTube announced on Thursday that it is partnering with Google to contribute $15 million toward relief efforts in Los Angeles, aimed at supporting the city's creator community.

The funds, provided via Google.org, will assist several organizations, including Emergency Network Los Angeles, the American Red Cross, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, and the Institute for Nonprofit News. Additional recipients are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), YouTube stated, "YouTube and Google are contributing $15 million to organizations via Google.org to provide immediate relief in LA in support of our creator community. Recipients include Emergency Network LA, Red Cross, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, and the Institute for Nonprofit News, with more to come. http://yt.be/LA"

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, also expressed his solidarity with those affected. In a post on X, he wrote, "To all of our employees, the YouTube creator community, and everyone in LA, please stay safe and know we're here to support."

07:12 (IST), Jan, 16

What to know about the devastation from the Los Angeles-area fires

Over a week into what could become the costliest wildfires in US history, residents of the Los Angeles area remain weary and on edge, clinging to hopes that the winds expected to shift on Thursday will bring relief from the unrelenting threat of further upheaval.

The wildfires, which ignited on January 7, have claimed at least 25 lives, with nearly 30 people still unaccounted for. Thousands of homes have been reduced to ashes, and the dry Santa Ana winds have driven flames across at least 63 square miles (163 square kilometers). The disaster has displaced thousands, stretched firefighting resources to their limits, left tens of thousands without power, and rendered water unsafe to drink in some areas. Authorities are still working to determine the cause of the infernos.

05:47 (IST), Jan, 16

Los Angeles wildfire live updates: DA’s office has started charging some of those arrested

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman promised that the consequences would be “swift and significant” for anyone violating the law.

Hochman said his office is also investigating price gouging concerns.

Hochman called price gouging “particularly despicable” because offenders are taking advantage of desperate people who need somewhere to stay.

Hochman said charity and insurance scams have also been reported. He encouraged people to check out any charities before donating to them and avoid sending cash or bitcoin.

05:47 (IST), Jan, 16

Los Angeles wildfire live updates: Officials promise to help people recover and rebuild

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged there is no way to replace much of what has been lost in the wildfires.

“You’ve lost memories, family. All of the experiences that took place there are gone, and gone unexpectedly, gone rapidly,” Bass said.

Earlier this week, Bass issued an executive order to expedite rebuilding by eliminating some of the red tape.

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

05:46 (IST), Jan, 16

Los Angeles wildfire live updates: People are starting to receive federal government aid

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has received more than 53,000 applications for help and distributed $12 million for basic needs like food and lodging for those affected by the California wildfires.

The government aid is designed to help cover some of the needs that insurance doesn’t.

In addition to FEMA grants, the Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans to help individuals and businesses recover.

In addition to government agencies, more than 70 organizations are also helping fire survivors.

05:46 (IST), Jan, 16

Los Angeles wildfire live updates: LA city fire chief pushes back on criticism over wildfire response

Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said Wednesday there would be lessons to be learned about the response to the fires, but stressed that her department did everything it could to quickly surge resources to where they were needed.

Crowley said her department followed the system it has in place to call up off-duty firefighters and send out additional fire trucks to help.

Other fire departments in the area also sent help quickly after Los Angeles asked for it.

05:46 (IST), Jan, 16

Los Angeles wildfire live updates: Classes resume for 2 elementary schools — but on other campuses

Students from two elementary schools that burned down in the Palisades Fire arrived Wednesday for their first day at other Los Angeles campuses where their classes are being held temporarily.

Palisades Charter Elementary School’s roughly 400 students are learning at Brentwood Science Magnet, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) away while Marquez Elementary School’s 300-plus students are at Nora Sterry Elementary School, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) away.

Seven other schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District that have been closed since the Palisades Fire also are relocating.

In the nearby Pasadena Unified School District, where the Eaton Fire killed several people, thousands of other students are still home from school.

Five school sites in the Pasadena district were “severely impacted” by the fire and all schools in the district will be closed this week, district Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco said Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Palisades Charter High School has asked the community for help finding temporary classrooms for its roughly 3,000 students.

While most classroom buildings were not visibly damaged by fire, about 40% of the campus was damaged or destroyed, and access is prohibited due to potential hazards from toxins such as asbestos, Principal Pam Magee said in a post on the school’s Instagram page.

05:46 (IST), Jan, 16

Los Angeles wildfire live updates: The SEC zeroes in on the Los Angeles wildfires

The Securities and Exchange Commission said Wednesday that it is watching the impact the wildfires have on investors and companies closely.

The agency said it will consider extending filing deadlines and easing other regulatory requirements for companies affected by the wildfires.

The SEC also urged investors to be vigilant for California wildfire-related investment frauds and encouraged investors to check the background of anyone offering them an investment by using the online search on Investor.gov.

The SEC said it will “vigorously prosecute those who attempt to defraud victims of the wildfires.”

Los Angeles wildfire live updates: Devastating fires have ravaged Los Angeles over the past week, resulting in at least 25 fatalities, forcing thousands to evacuate, and destroying more than 12,000 structures, potentially marking the most financially devastating series of fires in US history.

Beginning January 7, the fires intensified due to strong Santa Ana winds, creating challenges for firefighting teams across various parts of the city. According to Cal Fire, the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires have affected approximately 63 square miles (163 square kilometres). As of Wednesday, containment levels stood at 19% for the Palisades Fire and 45% for the Eaton Fire.

The LA County medical examiner's office reported eight deaths from the coastal Palisades Fire and 17 from the inland Eaton Fire. Approximately 30 individuals remain unaccounted for.

The cause of these fires remains under investigation. While official damage assessments are pending from government agencies, AccuWeather estimates the combined damage and economic impact could range between $250 billion to $275 billion, potentially making these fires the most expensive in national history.

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Los Angeles wildfire live updates: LA's 'off the charts' dryness keeps risk of new fires high

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