Millions of people in Southern California were feeling uneasy as winds began to pick up on Wednesday, marking the final round of dangerous fire weather predicted for the region. This comes after two massive fires have already claimed lives and destroyed numerous homes. Following a brief respite with lighter winds, gusts were now reaching up to 35 mph on the coast and valleys, and up to 55 mph in the mountains, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Hall.
In other news:
– The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is closely monitoring the impact of the wildfires on investors and companies, and is considering extending filing deadlines and easing regulatory requirements for affected businesses. The SEC warns investors to beware of wildfire-related investment scams and to verify the background of anyone offering investment opportunities through Investor.gov.
– The Los Angeles wildfires were brought to attention by protesters during US Senate confirmation hearings. Demonstrators called out the devastating effects of the fires, particularly on young generations, and criticized the ties between big oil profits and the ongoing crisis. Amid disruptions, the confirmation hearing for Trump’s nominee for energy secretary, Chris Wright, faced questions on climate change and energy policies.
– Two elementary schools destroyed by the Palisades Fire have resumed classes on alternate campuses in Los Angeles. Students from Palisades Charter Elementary School are attending Brentwood Science Magnet, while those from Marquez Elementary School are at Nora Sterry Elementary School. Several other schools in the area have also relocated due to the fires. Meanwhile, thousands of students in the Pasadena Unified School District remain out of school following the Eaton Fire, which caused severe impact on multiple school sites.
– Palisades Charter High School is seeking temporary classrooms for its students after significant damage from the fires. While most classroom buildings were spared, around 40% of the campus was either damaged or destroyed, posing safety concerns. LA City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley responded to criticism over the wildfire response, acknowledging that there are lessons to be learned from the ongoing situation.
In response to the wildfires, the department made every effort to swiftly deploy resources to where they were most needed. They followed established procedures to call up off-duty firefighters and dispatch extra fire trucks. Upon request from Los Angeles, neighboring fire departments also provided assistance promptly. Federal government aid is now being provided to affected individuals, with over 53,000 applications received by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. $12 million has been distributed for essential needs such as food and lodging. This aid is intended to cover expenses that may not be met by insurance. Additionally, the Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans to aid in recovery efforts for individuals and businesses. Alongside government support, more than 70 organizations are assisting survivors of the fires. Officials have pledged to aid in the recovery and reconstruction process. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged the irreplaceable losses suffered in the wildfires, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the rebuilding phase. To expedite the reconstruction process, an executive order was issued to streamline bureaucratic procedures. The District Attorney’s office has begun charging individuals arrested during the crisis, promising swift and significant consequences for those breaking the law. Investigations into price gouging and scams are also underway. Chief Jim McDonnell of the Los Angeles Police disclosed that two arson suspects had been apprehended, with one confessing to starting fires out of personal pleasure. Numerous individuals have been arrested for various crimes, including looting and violating curfews. Concerns remain over potential evacuations affecting another 90,400 people, should the fires spread due to strong winds. Safety hazards persist in the burnt areas, including downed power lines and gas leaks, as mentioned by Fire Chief Kristin Crowley. Despite ongoing search efforts, over two dozen people are still reported missing, according to Sheriff Robert Luna. While the death toll stands at 21, the number of missing persons has slightly decreased. Approximately 30 active missing persons reports remain, with around 82,400 individuals still under evacuation orders as of Wednesday morning. A new brush fire was swiftly extinguished on Tuesday.
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley reported on Wednesday that a recent fire posed a threat to homes, but firefighters quickly and effectively responded, extinguishing the blaze in just 34 minutes. Strong winds reaching 30 to 40 mph were observed on Tuesday.
Despite the fire being contained, infrared flights revealed numerous hotspots within the burn zone of the Palisades Fire, indicating continued danger. Fire tornadoes, a rare but hazardous phenomenon, could possibly occur under California’s extreme wildfire conditions.
In addition to battling wildfires, California firefighters may face the risk of fire tornadoes, as warned by the National Weather Service. The combination of high winds and dry conditions poses a severe threat, with any new fire having the potential to rapidly escalate in size.
As of Wednesday morning, over 94,000 customers were left without power due to safety measures taken by Southern California Edison to reduce fire risk. The National Weather Service predicts another day of strong winds, with Ventura County expected to experience some of the most intense gusts.
Vice President Kamala Harris criticized insurance companies for their handling of wildfire risks, highlighting the challenges faced by homeowners, particularly in communities of color. She emphasized the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, citing Altadena as an example of devastation caused by recent fires.
Firefighters are navigating difficult conditions and changing terrains while combatting multiple blazes. Todd Hall, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, highlighted the ongoing critical fire weather conditions and the challenges posed by dry fuels, low humidity, and strong winds. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the fires amidst rapidly changing elevation levels from coast to mountain regions.
When firefighters arrive at the wildfires, they are met with flames reaching heights equivalent to three- to five-story buildings, according to Hall. If bulldozers are accessible through fire roads, they are used; however, many crews have to trek up to elevations as high as 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) to establish perimeters around the fires. Hall expressed concern about the risky situations some firefighters may face, emphasizing the importance of constant communication to update them on weather forecasts and potential wind shifts that could push the fires back toward them while constructing containment lines.
Here’s the current status of fire containment:
The wildfires in southern California continue to pose challenges due to strong winds, although firefighters have managed to contain them to a large extent in the past few days. Overall, the fires in the Los Angeles area have burned approximately 63 1/2 square miles (164 square kilometers) and caused damage to over 12,000 structures. The Eaton Fire, which caused significant damage in Altadena and the surrounding regions, was reported to be 45% contained as of Wednesday morning. Cal Fire announced progress in containing the larger Palisades fire, which now stands at 19% containment. The smaller Hurst Fire is nearly fully contained at 97%, having burned slightly over 1 square mile (2.6 square kilometers). The most recent fire, the Auto Fire, is currently 47% contained.
Firefighters are eagerly awaiting improved weather conditions to aid in battling the California wildfires. The high fire risk persists in parts of Los Angeles that have been engulfed in flames for days. However, there is optimism that the upcoming weekend weather will provide much-needed relief to the firefighting efforts. Following a brief respite in weather conditions on Tuesday that aided in fire suppression, a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” warning was issued for Wednesday in an area near the deadly fires that claimed the lives of at least 25 individuals and destroyed numerous homes. A red flag warning was issued by the National Weather Service from the Central Coast to the Mexican border from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. Forecasts are indicating that firefighting conditions are expected to improve toward the end of the week.
FEMA has begun providing financial assistance to affected households, with approximately 40,000 individuals applying for aid. FEMA has already distributed over $8 million for immediate necessities such as water, food, baby formula, and gas. The initial funds are directly deposited into recipients’ bank accounts, as confirmed by regional FEMA administrator Robert J. Fenton, Jr., who refuted misconceptions about vouchers. President Joe Biden assured that the federal government would cover 100% of firefighting and recovery expenses in the initial 180 days. However, FEMA’s assistance to individual families is capped at $43,600, clarified Fenton.
Representatives from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, the state, and various charities assembled to outline the aid process at a disaster recovery center in UCLA Research Park
In addition to FEMA support, the Small Business Administration provides low-interest loans to individuals affected by disasters. Businesses can secure loans of up to $2 million, while homeowners are eligible for loans up to $500,000 for rebuilding and an additional $100,000 for personal property damage.
California is currently facing extreme wildfire conditions, including the risk of fire tornadoes. Fire tornadoes, a rare but perilous weather phenomenon, can be created by wildfires under certain conditions of high winds and extreme dryness. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about the heightened fire danger due to these conditions, emphasizing the potential for rapid fire growth. Although not explicitly mentioned in the advisory, meteorologists acknowledge the possibility of fire tornadoes given the extreme circumstances.
Amidst the raging wildfires in Los Angeles, the film industry’s award season has been overshadowed by the devastation. Hollywood’s celebratory events have been subdued as wildfires encroached on prominent locations, including the Dolby Theatre, home to the Academy Awards. The industry, already grappling with challenges such as the pandemic and labor issues, is now faced with the question of how to proceed with the Oscars amidst the ongoing crisis. The impact of the wildfires has prompted a reevaluation of the usual festivities, with a focus on supporting those affected by the fires rather than lavish ceremonies.
As the wildfires continue to devastate California, GoFundMe campaigns have emerged as a platform for individuals to support victims and contribute to relief efforts. These campaigns, featuring personal stories and photos of the affected individuals, have resonated with people across the country, prompting acts of generosity and solidarity. Many donors, like Rachel Davies, have been moved by the personal narratives shared on these fundraising pages, leading to a surge in donations to support those impacted by the wildfires.
Millions of residents in Southern California are bracing for another round of dangerous fire weather conditions forecasted for Wednesday.
Along with a rare warning of a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” for an area near where two massive blazes have killed at least 25 and destroyed thousands of homes, firefighters received a reprieve on Tuesday when winds were unexpectedly light. This allowed them to make progress battling the two huge fires in the Los Angeles area and quickly extinguish several new fires that had erupted.
The Eaton Fire, located just north of Los Angeles, and the Palisades Fire, which devastated parts of the seaside neighborhood of Pacific Palisades in LA, both ignited on January 7 under conditions similar to what was expected on Wednesday. Last week, high winds propelled the flames at a remarkable pace, carrying fire-sparking embers sometimes miles away.
The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings, typically done when warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds are anticipated, from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. stretching from the Central Coast 275 miles south to the border with Mexico. The declaration of a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” was specifically for an area encompassing parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
As a precautionary measure to prevent their power lines from igniting new blazes, utilities cut off electricity to over 77,000 households. The severe conditions forecasted for Wednesday painted a concerning picture for ongoing firefighting efforts and the safety of residents in the affected areas.
