California fires live: Los Angeles mayor says winds and drought created ‘perfect storm’; 20 people arrested for looting | Los Angeles
Karen Bass says historic winds and drought created ‘perfect storm’
LA mayor Karen Bass said air operations are continuing rapidly in the Palisades, in Sylmar and across the region.
She noted that historic winds and extensive drought have created a “perfect storm” that has driven people from their homes and taken people’s homes.
“I’ve been in the fire zones, and you can see how fast and devastating these wind-driven fires are,” Bass said.
Key events
LA County sheriff Robert Luna noted that this is a “fluid and evolving crisis” and that numbers released will fluctuate.
“We’re getting information from our boots on the ground. It’s very chaotic out here, because it’s so fluid,” he said.
He said that 20 arrests have been made so far but that he expects that number to go up.
“Our first choice isn’t to do enforcement. It’s not to make arrests. It’s to help people, but if people choose to commit crimes, they’re going to be held accountable,” he said.
LA County sheriff Robert Luna urged residents to evacuate if they are asked to do so
“Please, if you’re asked to evacuate, evacuate, because it’s not only your life you’re putting in danger,” he said.
He noted that 20 individuals “chose to go into our areas and deprive these poor people who have been through so much of their property.”
He said rolling patrols are being deployed to prevent people from engaging in looting.
“When we have an evacuation order by law, if you remain in that area, you are guilty of a misdemeanor,” he added. “If you commit certain crimes, it could jump up to a felony.”
LA City fire chief Kristin Crowley said crews were faced with a “massive challenge” when a structure fire involving two large hillside homes with exposed brush broke out in the Studio City area of Los Angeles.
She said firefighters continue to move into the Southern California region from across the western region of the US. “We are very, very grateful for any assistance that we are receiving,” she said.
She said weather conditions are beginning to turn “favorably” which will allow fire personnel to increase containment lines.
The Sunset fire, which started last night in the Runyon Canyon, is at 42.8 acres, and all evacuation orders have been lifted, LA City fire chief Kristin Crowley said.
The fire was “rapidly and aggressively attacked” using coordinated air and ground fire suppression efforts, she said.
The Woodley fire, which started on Wednesday, is at 30 acres and is fully contained, LA City fire chief Kristin Crowley said.
There are no current threats to the fire, she said.
On the Hurst fire, LA City fire chief Kristin Crowley said the fire is at 855 acres and 0% containment.
Crews were able to get a handle on several flare ups over the night and have established a perimeter, she said.
Palisades fire ‘one of the most destructive natural disasters’ in LA history
Damage assessments are ongoing at the Palisades fire but preliminary reports estimate the damage and destruction of structures to be in the thousands, LA City fire chief Kristin Crowley said.
“It is safe to say that the Palisades fire is one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles,” she said.
Palisades fire grows to 17,234 acres and is 0% contained
LA City fire chief Kristin Crowley said the Palisades fire, which start on Tuesday morning, has grown to 17,234 acres and is at 0% containment.
“Extreme fire behavior continues to challenge firefighting efforts for the Pacific Palisades area,” she said.
Wind gusts are up to 60 miles per hour and are expected to resume throughout the entire day, she said.
LA City fire chief Kristin Crowley said firefighters continue to battle brush fires in the city and across the region.
She said winds are expected to subside somewhat, which will allow fire crews to increase containment lines.
But she stresses that the red flag warning with extreme fire behaviour possibilities is still in effect.
Red flag warning to stay in effect throughout Friday
The current red flag warning is expected to remain effect for Los Angeles County and the majority of Ventura County through Friday, LA County fire chief Anthony Marrone said.
Lidia fire 40% contained, says LA county fire chief
LA county fire chief Anthony Marrone said the Lidia fire, which started yesterday in Acton, has been 40% contained and forward progress has been stopped.
The fire is limited to 348 acres and the number of resources assigned has increased significantly. “We have a much better posture than we did on Tuesday and Wednesday,” he said.
