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A new blaze, named the Auto Fire, broke out late Monday in Ventura County, California, and has already scorched about 56 acres, prompting a swift response from fire crews.
While it remains at 0 percent containment, it has been successfully halted to the river bottom area of Oxnard with no buildings in jeopardy, officials said.
Firefighters are bracing for the return of ferocious Santa Ana winds that are expected to fan the flames of massive wildfires raging across Southern California, as the death toll climbs to at least 25 people.
The combined area burnt by the fires around Los Angeles is reportedly about 60 square miles.
The National Weather Service has warned of a “particularly dangerous situation” in the days ahead as Santa Ana winds return.
Peak winds are expecte to be milder than last week, the agency said Monday, though relatively low humidity and 20 to 40 mph offshore winds will “support rapid fire growth and potential for extreme fire behavior.” Gusts of up to 70 mph are expected in mountainous regions.
More than 83,000 California customers are without power
More than 83,000 California customers have been left without power on Tuesday morning, according to tracker PowerOutage.US.
More than half of them are in Los Angeles County, where winds have picked up markedly.
Julia Musto14 January 2025 14:53
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner is offering discounted fares from San Diego to San Luis Obispo
Tickets must be purchased by Friday and valid travel dates are between Tuesday and January 24, 2025.
Julia Musto14 January 2025 14:48
Comedian Jay Leno serves meals to firefighters, reacts to wildfires: ‘It looks like Hiroshima or just some horrible thing’
Julia Musto14 January 2025 14:44
Trump goes after California Governor Gavin Newsom yet again after receiving invitation to visit those affected by wildfires
“RELEASE THE WATER, NEWSOM. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? DJT”
“The hundreds of thousands of Americans – displaced from their homes and fearful for the future – deserve to see us all working together in their best interests, not politicizing a human tragedy and spreading disinformation from the sidelines,” Newsom wrote.
Newsom has sought to combat misinformation about the fires and the state’s response.
Trump has repeatedly taken shots at the governor since the wildfires began.
Julia Musto14 January 2025 14:36
Firefighters have made some progress on Palisade Fire containment
Firefighters have made some progress tackling the Palisades Fire.
Containment was up to 17 percent on Tuesday morning, according to Cal Fire.
Julia Musto14 January 2025 14:25
Forward progress on the 56-acre Auto Fire has been stopped, Ventura County firefighters say
Julia Musto14 January 2025 14:10
Winds speeds are already above 60 to 70mph in parts of Los Angeles County
Julia Musto14 January 2025 14:04
How you can help the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires
With more than 180,000 residents forced to evacuate and at least 10,000 structures destroyed, many people have lost everything.
The fires have scorched more than 35,000 acres so far, with little containment. The Palisades fire, one of the most destructive the city has seen, is now at 14 percent containment after burning more than 23,000 acres, while the Altadena and Pasadena-based Eaton fire has burned 14,000 acres.
Read the full article here:
Holly Evans14 January 2025 13:57
Strong winds reaching up to 72mph recorded overnight
Strong winds have been recorded in Southern California, reaching up to 72mph in parts of Los Angeles.
According to the National Weather Service, here are the strongest winds recorded overnight:
- Magic Mountain: 72 mph
- Mill Creek: 62 mph
- Sandstone Peak: 60 mph
- N3 Highway: 58mph
- Julians Ridge: 56mph
Holly Evans14 January 2025 13:47
Famous Hollywood school burns down
A secondary school used as a Hollywood filming location has been left severely damaged by the Los Angeles wildfires, and has appealed to the public for help in finding a temporary location.
The principal of Palisades Charter High School said the fires had taken a “heavy toll” on the school, with many of its pupils displaced.
“As our students, teachers, and families navigate this crisis, we are asking for the support and assistance of local businesses, organizations, and individuals to assist in finding a safe, accessible space for our school,” the school posted on Facebook.
The school says it is especially looking for classroom space “available for lease or donation”, and stressed the importance of children’s education in the wake of the traumatic incident.
The school, which was founded in 1961, is known for being a filming location for a number of famous movies, including “Carrie” and “Freaky Friday.”
Holly Evans14 January 2025 13:30