Fire crews are making headway against the deadly fires that have scorched the Los Angeles area – decimating more than 60 square miles so far – but winds are expected to pick up though the next few days, making firefighting efforts challenging again.
More than 15,000 first responders are helping respond to fires across Southern California, according to the director of California Fire.
There is an ongoing investigation into how the blazes started, officials said. At least 24 people died in the fires, according to the medical examiner’s office.
- Palisades Fire: At 14% contained, the Palisades Fire has burned 23,713 acres, according to Cal Fire. It has seen “very little” growth in the last 36 hours, Jim Hudson of the agency said.
- Eaton Fire: It is 33% contained with 14,117 acres burned, fire officials said.
- Other fires: The Hurst Fire was at 95% containment with nearly 800 acres burned, according to Cal Fire.
Here are some of the key things we learned Monday:
- Wind forecast: The most powerful and concerning winds will arrive in the Los Angeles metro and surrounding areas in the early hours of Tuesday morning, forecasts show. A Red Flag Warning will be in effect in much of the area until Wednesday evening before moderating into the weekend, National Weather Service meteorologist Rich Thompson said.
- Drought conditions: An alarming lack of rainfall during what should be the wettest time of the year has left the region parched and defenseless against rogue sparks and the fury of winter’s Santa Ana winds. Below-average precipitation is forecast to persist into at least the first week of February.
- Fire investigation: A task force led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating the cause of the fires, officials said. US Attorney Martin Estrada said federal officials plan to use federal arson statutes against anyone who may have recklessly or intentionally caused a fire.
- New lawsuit: Southern California Edison, the electrical utility for Los Angeles, has been sued for its alleged role in starting the Eaton Fire, according to the lawsuit. SCE has denied the allegation and said it found “no interruptions or operational/electrical anomalies” just before or after the fire. Local officials said Monday they still have not determined the cause of the fires, although they are investigating an electrical transmission tower in Eaton Canyon.
- Arrests and criminal charges: Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said 10 people are facing criminal charges — 9 for looting and one for arson, not connected to starting any of the major fires. Additionally, more than 40 people were arrested in Santa Monica’s evacuation zone, the police department said.
- Federal aid: House Speaker Mike Johnson said he personally believes conditions should be placed on California wildfire aid. Congress typically approves federal aid to rebuild after natural disasters without placing conditions. California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed at least $2.5 billion in additional funding to help the response to the fires.
- Awards shows: Both the Grammys and Oscars will proceed as planned on February 2 and March 2, respectively, organizers said. The Writers Guild of America East and West divisions said the union “will be delaying the announcement of Writers Guild Award nominees,” a spokesperson said.
