Los Angeles Fires Day 10: What’s the Latest and How Can You Help? | Environmental news

EXPLANATION

Wind conditions will ease on Thursday, but authorities are warning that another Santa Ana wind could develop early next week.

Firefighters battling wildfires in Los Angeles made significant progress Wednesday after dangerous wind-driven blazes subsided, but officials warned the threat was far from over.

A Cal Fire spokesman described the continued fight as fraught with “extreme hazards and potential for fire spread.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged caution, saying, “We’re not out of the woods yet.”

Calmer conditions brought relief to Los Angeles, the second largest metropolitan area in the United States, which was on edge as flames threatened surrounding communities.

Here’s what we know:

What’s the latest in the field?

Number of dead and missing

• The fires killed at least 25 people — nine in the Palisades fire and 16 in the Eaton fire.

Active fires:

• Palisades of Fire: The largest of the three major wildfires has scorched 9,596 hectares (23,713 acres) in and around the Pacific Palisades and is 21 percent contained. Fire crews are working to prevent the fire from spreading toward Brentwood, which is home to the Getty Center museum.
• Eaton’s fire: East of Los Angeles, this wildfire is the deadliest, killing 16 people. More than 5,712 hectares (14,117 acres) have burned, with 45 percent localized.

• Early fire: Near San Fernando to the north, this fire has burned 323 hectares (799 acres). Firefighters are close to fully containing it, at 98 percent containment.
• Automatic ignition: A brush fire that ignited on a river bottom in Ventura County quickly grew to 24 hectares (61 acres). Firefighters halted its progress, and as of Tuesday night, the fire was 85 percent contained, according to Cal Fire.
• A small mountain fire: According to local media reports, the San Bernardino County Fire Department, located east of LA County, reported responding to a brush fire Wednesday afternoon. The fire quickly burned 12 hectares (30 acres) in the mountainous area and posed a potential threat to structures. The fire is not contained.

Santa Ana winds

• The intense Santa Ana winds in Southern California are expected to ease, bringing temporary relief to the region.
• By Friday, a change in wind direction will bring in more moist air, which combined with weaker winds should reduce fire danger over the weekend.
• However, the National Weather Service in Los Angeles warned that another round of Santa Ana winds could develop as early as Tuesday or Wednesday next week. Their strength remains uncertain.

Good news: We’re looking forward to a much-needed break from weather worries with the wildfires ending this week. Bad news: Next week is a worry. While we are confident there will NOT be a repeat of last week, dangerous fire weather conditions are expected. #cawx #PalisadesFire #EatonFire pic.twitter.com/zhXmHUWtgp

— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 15, 2025

Damages and evacuations:

• Due to the fire, up to 200,000 people were displaced.
• As of Wednesday, County Sheriff Robert Luna reported that about 82,400 people were under evacuation orders, with an additional 90,400 under evacuation warnings.

What is expected on Thursday?

Conditions are expected to begin to improve and wind speeds will continue to decrease.

“The really good news is that today will be the last really windy day,” the National Weather Service wrote. “Expect winds to decrease significantly this afternoon.”

However, gale-force winds and relative humidity below 15 percent will allow new fires to spread quickly.

On Thursday, the winds from the coast will weaken, which will result in lower temperatures. By Friday, winds will move inland, cooling Southern California even more.

Firefighters and police continue to face new challenges, according to an Associated Press report. Since the fires began last week, authorities have arrested about six people accused of setting smaller fires, all of which were quickly extinguished.

One suspect admitted to setting the tree on fire because he “liked the smell of burning leaves,” according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Another admitted she “enjoyed causing chaos and destruction,” the chief reported Wednesday.

Keep your jacket handy. During the rest of the week, temperatures will be 5-10 degrees lower than usual, and the coldest on Friday. #cawx pic.twitter.com/720euSBSJS

— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 15, 2025

As things get a little better, how can you help the victims of the LA fires?

Many humanitarian organizations provide assistance in this area.

Charity Navigator has compiled a list of organizations providing immediate and long-term relief to those affected by wildfires.

Separately, GoFundMe.org also launched in 2025 Fire Relief Fund, which will “go directly to affected individuals seeking help through the GoFundMe fundraiser and to nonprofits on the ground providing relief.”

Some other organizations include:

The American Red Cross provides shelter, food, aid and medical care.

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles announced initiatives and places to collect essential items for families affected by the fires.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank accepts financial donations and essential items to help those affected.

Authorities are warning the public to be on the lookout for scammers and be cautious. Federal Trade Commission offered guidance on spotting fake charities and fundraisers, including advice on asking thorough questions and avoiding pressure to donate on the spot.