Southland ablaze

A deadly combination of drier-than-average conditions and extreme Santa Ana wind gusts has caused at least three life-threatening wildfires across the Los Angeles area as of press time on Jan. 8. Firefighters in Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Sylmar are continuing efforts to control the fires that have forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes and have killed at least five people.

The Palisades fire has burned more than 15,000 acres in canyons and neighborhoods within Pacific Palisades, Topanga and Malibu, according to CalFire. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said in a press conference on the morning of Jan. 8 that no fatalities have been reported, however the fire has caused “significant injuries.” The Palisades fire is 0% contained as of press time. The cause remains unknown and is under investigation.

More than 5,000 homes and businesses have been destroyed in the Palisades fire, including iconic restaurants along the Pacific Coast Highway such as the Reel Inn. The Getty on Jan. 8 confirmed that the Getty Villa, a museum located in Pacific Palisades, remained “safe and intact.”

“While vegetation on the property has burned, Getty structures have been unaffected, and thankfully, both staff and collections are safe,” a statement from the Getty read.

The Beverly Hills Fire Department sent personnel and resources to the Palisades fire to assist with fire mitigation efforts, according to the city. Within Beverly Hills, first responders are monitoring for any potential danger from high winds and nearby fires.

“While the city of Beverly Hills is not directly impacted, the BHFD is monitoring the situation closely,” the city wrote in a social media post on Jan. 8. “BHFD has augmented its staffing with additional firefighters and is currently patrolling the areas throughout the day.”

For emergency information in Beverly Hills, visit beverlyhills.org/emergency.

The Eaton fire – located in the Angeles National Forest, Altadena, Pasadena and La Cañada Flintridge areas, has burned at least 10,000 acres, according to CalFire. Marrone said on the morning of Jan. 8 that the fire has caused at least two civilian deaths and many significant injuries. The Eaton fire is 0% contained as of press time. The cause remains unknown and is under investigation. At least 100 structures have been destroyed.

The Hurst fire, which erupted in the Sylmar area, has burned at least 500 acres as of press time, is 0% contained as of press time, according to CalFire. The cause remains unknown and is under investigation.

First responders from Nevada, Oregon and Washington state have also been deployed to assist with firefighting efforts.

On Tuesday, Jan. 7, at approximately 10:51 a.m., firefighters contained a brush fire in West Hollywood near Sunset and La Cienega boulevards.

“The city of West Hollywood is working to ensure that we’re staying vigilant as the news changes regarding the fires,” West Hollywood Mayor John Erickson said on Jan. 8. “We are experiencing some power outages and downed trees, but no reports of major fires or other incidents. Our L.A. County Sheriff’s personnel [are] continuously connected with regional response teams. Additionally, our facilities and field services team has assessed city facilities and is continuing to do a survey of neighborhoods, and all is well at this time. Our economic development team is also working with the Area A regional response team on connecting fire evacuees to any available hotel rooms in West Hollywood and we’re in response with our neighboring cities. We’re extremely grateful to our fire responders and emergency personnel working tirelessly to keep everyone safe and battling these fires.”

Authorities are asking that residents in all areas of Los Angeles avoid all non-essential travel to allow emergency vehicles to access roadways. Residents in areas where smoke is present are advised to use KN95 or other suitable masks to prevent smoke inhalation.

Local leaders urged residents who live near the fires to stay alert and prepare for an evacuation. Residents in all areas can prepare by creating a “go bag” to get ready for a potential evacuation. According to CalFire, an emergency go bag should include a three-day supply of non-perishable food, three gallons of water per person, a map with at least two evacuation routes, necessary medications, a change of clothes, essential belongings such as car keys, credit cards and cash, a first aid kit, flashlight and battery-powered radio with extra batteries, copies of important documents such as passports and pet food and water.

“My heart goes out to everyone impacted by the devastating wildfires raging in the greater Los Angeles area,” U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) said in a statement. “I am eternally grateful for the bravery of our first responders who are doing everything in their power to contain these fires, save lives and protect property. My staff and I are closely monitoring the situation and are in regular touch with federal, state and local officials. This is an ongoing and dangerous situation so I encourage everyone to sign up for emergency notifications through Ready L.A. County at ready.lacounty.gov. For those close to the fires, you should prepare important documents and items in case you’re asked to evacuate quickly. We will continue to provide updates as we have them and encourage residents to continue to follow the instructions of local officials.”

Project Angel Food, a nonprofit which provides medically-tailored meals to thousands of elderly, disabled and sick residents throughout Los Angeles County, said it remained committed to its mission.

“The ongoing fires in Los Angeles have created a dire situation for many of the seriously ill individuals we serve at Project Angel Food,” CEO Richard Ayoub said. “For 86% of our critically ill clients living with chronic diseases, we are their primary food source. Despite the adversity of smoke, road closures and even our own staff facing evacuations, it’s imperative that we continue to deliver essential meals. Our heroic drivers and volunteers are tirelessly working to ensure our vulnerable clients in Palisades, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Altadena, Palmdale and Lancaster receive their meals. Today, we are proactively reaching out to each of the 2,700 individuals currently relying on our services. Illness and age can lead to isolation, but we want them to know that Project Angel Food is steadfast in our commitment to support them, especially during these challenging times.”

He added that Project Angel Food is seeking volunteers to deliver food to those who need it most. To join the efforts, call (323)845-1816. He also asked people to consider donating by visiting angelfood.org/donations/donate.

President Joe Biden – who was in Southern California for a planned national monument designation in the Coachella Valley – received a briefing from CalFire officials at Santa Monica Fire Station No. 5 on Jan. 8.

“It’s going to be a hell of a long way,” Biden said, standing alongside Gov. Gavin Newsom and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). “It’s going to take time. But we’re in it. The federal government is here to stay as long as you need us and everything you need.”

Biden approved a Major Disaster declaration for California on Jan. 8, which allows “survivors to immediately access funds and resources to jumpstart their recovery,” according to the White House.