The Situation So Far
The Palisades Fire, which began in the early morning of December 7 has consumed over 15,800 acres and remains at zero percent containement. This fire has led to the evacuation of more than 44,800 residents, including high-profile celebrities and Hollywood executives. At least six homes and over 1,000 structures have already been destroyed, with 10,300 additional properties are at risk, and there have been two reported deaths.
The Eaton Fire, burning in the Eaton Canyon area located to the east of downtown Los Angeles, has now escalated to over 10,600 acres. The fire has forced evacuations of over 107,000 people, destroyed homes, and endangered lives. Firefighters are still working to slow the spread of the Eaton Fire and protect critical infrastructure under extreme conditions. However, the fire remains at 0% containment as of the latest reports. Authorities have also issued mandatory evacuation orders for zones in the affected areas, including parts of Altadena and Pasadena.
Meanwhile, the Hurst and Woodley fires both located just north of Los Angeles are also burning with zero containment reported. The fires are being fueled by extreme Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching up to 99 mph in some areas. These extreme conditions, added to an already drought-ridden landscape, have created a dangerous and unpredictable environment, complicating evacuation efforts and firefighting strategies across the board. Residents are urged to stay vigilant by tracking the ongoing incidents here and following all evacuation orders to ensure their safety.
Critical Resources for Residents
Residents can track fire activity, evacuation zones, and updates through CAL FIRE’s Incident Information Page and Alert LA County. CAL FIRE provides real-time updates, and you can register on Alert LA County to receive emergency notifications. The language on the Alert LA County website can be switched to Spanish by clicking the orange “Language” button and selecting Spanish from the dropdown menu.
Shelter and Housing Resources
Emergency shelters are also available for residents displaced by the fires. Locations include:
- Westwood Recreation Center (1350 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles, 90025), where domestic family pets are welcome if kept in carriers or crates.
- El Camino Real Charter High School (5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367).
- Ritchie Valens Recreation Center (10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331) for residents impacted by the Hurst Fire.
- Pasadena Convention Center (300 E. Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101) for those affected by the Eaton Fire.
For residents with animals, the following shelters are available:
- Los Angeles Equestrian Center (480 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506)
- Pierce College Equestrian Center (7100 El Rancho Drive, Woodland Hills)
- Agoura Animal Care Center (29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301)
The Mutual Aid LA Network is also currently compiling a list of shelters, animal boarding, distribution hubs, and more in this document, which is constantly being updated with more resources.
In partnership with 211 LA, Airbnb is providing free, temporary housing to displaced people, who can request assistance and access by contacting 211 LA.
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara shared this information via social media:
Residents under mandatory evacuation because of wildfire could be eligible for evacuation-related expense reimbursements under their current insurance policy.
Additional Living Expenses coverage typically includes food and housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage, and extra transportation expenses, among other costs.
Tips for evacuees:
📄Obtain a complete copy of your insurance policy
💵Take note of your additional living expense limit
📥Track all your additional expenses
📝Document all conversations with your insurer/adjuster AND
🚫Don’t rush into any decisions, if you have any doubts CALL US! ☎️ 1 (800) 927-4357
More info at insurance.ca.gov.
Emergency Preparation
Residents in fire-prone areas are urged to assemble a go-bag with essential items in case of sudden evacuation, including:
- Personal Items: Identification, insurance documents, and cash.
- Clothing: Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and weather-appropriate layers.
- Health Supplies: Prescription medications, first-aid kit, and hygiene products.
- Food and Water: Non-perishable snacks and enough water for at least three days.
- Electronics: Phone chargers, a flashlight, and spare batteries.
- Pet Needs: Food, water, and carriers for animals.
Here’s a complete go-bag checklist in English and Spanish.
The Listos California organization offers helpful resources in English and Spanish for wildfire preparation. Including tips like:
- Have backup plans for electrical medical devices and refrigerated medicines.
- Get a map and plan three different exit routes from home and work.
- Discuss and create an evacuation plan with family members, including choosing a safe meeting place.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is feeding people who have been displaced by the fires. You can find a pantry near you by entering your zip code
here. The page is also available in Spanish, simply click the "Ver en Español" button at the bottom.
Authorities urge all residents in evacuation zones to leave immediately and follow these safety measures:
- Call 911 if you or someone you know requires urgent assistance.
- Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with mobility challenges, but only if it is safe to do so.
- Monitor local news outlets and official social media channels for updates.
- For additional updates, follow LA County Emergency Services.
- Subscribe to outage alerts and report downed power lines: LA Dept of Water and Power or with Southern California Edison.
There are currently over 400,000 power outages in California, most of them in the Ventura and Los Angeles counties. In many cases, electricity has been cut on purpose as a safety measure to prevent the electric system from becoming an ignition source,
as reported by CNN.
It's also important to stay aware of the air quality around you, whether you're in an evacuation zone or not, and take precautions to avoid coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems, as well as cardiovascular problems, eye and throat irritation, headaches, and fatigue. Some precautions include staying indoors (if there are no evacuation orders in your area) with windows closed, using air purifiers, and avoiding going outdoors.
For those outside the evacuation zones, consider donating to relief efforts or volunteering. Supporting organizations that provide food, like the LA Food Bank, shelter, and resources for evacuees can make a significant difference.
This is a developing story. Updates will be added as the situation evolves.
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