CA - Pacific Palisades - 30,000 People Ordered to Evacuate From L.A. Wildfires

[imstilla.grandma]

 

[Herat]

Last night, helicopters were dropping water and retardant on spot fires in Malibu, almost in Malibu State Park and directly north of Peperdine University. This is the problem with the winds - these spot fires that are canyons over from the larger contiguous fires.

It looks like there is a Type 3 copter there now, probably picking up more hot spots. It dips the 180 gallon bucket in the ocean for water.

Type 3 Helicopter
"Although Type 3 helicopters are smaller, they have a higher cruise speed than a typical Type 2 helicopter and can arrive on the scene of an initial attack wildfire faster. They are capable of carrying four to five firefighters at a time, and use a 180 gallon water bucket."

 

[Herat]

The Eaton fire seems to be holding, with firefighters trying to remove hot spots in the residential areas of Altadena and working on flanking fires on each side of the wooded mountainsides. If the winds die down, they may be able to get more containment today. It seems that the Mt. Wilson site is safe, partly because of large backfire buring along the access roads that stopped any further progress of the ascending flames.

Interesting, there are 4 World Central Kitchen sites proving free food to the displaced residents in the Altadena area. This is a wonderful charity started in 2011 by Chef Jose Anders in response to a disastrous earthquake in Haiti, but have also a long track record of providing assistance after a variety of natural and man-made disasters. The fact that there are four different sites tells you a lot about the number of displaced, now homeles people from this fire in this region.

 

[katydid23]

Kenneth Fire Expands Rapidly as Los Angeles Battles Windswept Storms

A mandatory evacuation order was issued for the area near Calabasas Officials expected the blaze to continue growing.

www.nytimes.com

When this fire broke out we got ALARM ALERT on our cell phones, telling us to be ready to evacuate.

It was within 2 miles of our home. But luckily, the water drops by plane were able to knock it down quickly.

 

[Herat]

I just realized that the locked gate at the top of the fire evacuation road in Pacific Palisades is barely 150 feet from the location where LAFD is saying the fire started at 1180/90 Piedra Morada Road. I could see it was in the general area of where the fire started, but I didn't realize it was that close until I looked more closely at the map.

What incredibly bad luck is THAT?

Pacific Palisades road

www.google.com

 

[Herat]

When this fire broke out we got ALARM ALERT on our cell phones, telling us to be ready to evacuate.

It was within 2 miles of our home. But luckily, the water drops by plane were able to knock it down quickly.

So relieved to hear this katydid23. Your region is really on the backside of the Palisades Fire and far too close for comfort from those embers, far less arsonists.

 

[Izzylizzy]

The Eaton fire seems to be holding, with firefighters trying to remove hot spots in the residential areas of Altadena and working on flanking fires on each side of the wooded mountainsides. If the winds die down, they may be able to get more containment today. It seems that the Mt. Wilson site is safe, partly because of large backfire buring along the access roads that stopped any further progress of the ascending flames.

Interesting, there are 4 World Central Kitchen sites proving free food to the displaced residents in the Altadena area. This is a wonderful charity started in 2011 by Chef Jose Anders in response to a disastrous earthquake in Haiti, but have also a long track record of providing assistance after a variety of natural and man-made disasters. The fact that there are four different sites tells you a lot about the number of displaced, now homeles people from this fire in this region.

It's so important that we remember all the really good people in the world, generous in time, money and spirit.
It's easy here to get bogged down in all the evil people are capable of.

Chefs Are Volunteering to Feed Firefighters and Shelters in California—Here’s How You Can Help

As the fires continue to rage, here's how you can access aid or donate to the cause.

www.aol.com

"World Central Kitchen has leapt into action to aid the roughly 30,000 evacuees who require nourishment. As of January 9, World Central Kitchen had set up five meal distribution sites for first responders and the public. They are offering free hot food at sites that run the gamut from gas stations to the Rose Bowl Stadium.

Food trucks have been instrumental in the efforts. In Santa Monica, chef Cristian Barajas’ Gordo Hibachi fed firefighters shrimp with rice and noodles. Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger set up their Socalo Border Grill catering truck at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium to provide meals for 600 people on the first night of service.


Just this morning, Andrés was setting up a drive-thru distribution site in Altadena, where he linked up with Dulan’s on Crenshaw and Hotville Chicken to serve vegan jambalaya and plates of chicken to displaced folks and first responders.'

 

[charminglane]

I work in Altadena.
I chose Jose Andres's book as a book club choice for Altadena Library a few years ago because I admire his work.
Who knew he would show up with the goods for this same community?!?!?

 

[katydid23]

Man arrested by citizens near Kenneth fire not charged with arson, police say

Law enforcement officers responded to reports of a man attempting to light a fire behind a van in Woodland Hills.

www.independent.co.uk

Locals who spotted the suspect and called 911 rallied together to corner the man, before binding his wrists with rope and zip ties and holding him down until police arrived.

“All of a sudden I hear a car come to a screeching halt, and I hear a guy running out saying, ‘Stop, stop, drop what you’re holding, drop what you’re holding,’” Renata Grinshpun, a woman involved in the citizen’s arrest, told the local news station

“The next thing we hear is, ‘Neighbours, neighbors, he’s trying to start a fire. Call 911, call 911.’ My mom ran out in a bathrobe ready to fight that guy and all of the neighbors started coming out, calling 911. We really bound together as a group.”

The arson suspect was allegedly armed with an incendiary device, according to the witness.

“He had a propane tank, or a… it was a big yellow tank, like a flame-thrower basically. The neighbor said he saw the guy behind a van, trying to light something on fire,” she continued.

The suspect claimed that he used a blowtorch “to smoke marujuana” because he “couldn’t afford a lighter,” according to Grinshpun

UPDATE---this guy with the flamethrower was arrested. But today the authorities clarified---said he was NOT charged with arson at this time. He was being held on 'violating probation' charges for now.

But they did say Arson Investigators were currently at the scene of the initial start of the Kenneth Fire, at the Victory Trailhead in West Hills. [which is 2 miles from our house]

And they are looking for any evidence of arson.

At the time the Kenneth fire erupted, there didnt seem to be any reason for it to be natural causes. There was no downed power lines and no high winds and was not near any active fires that could send embers.

So I think he was trying to start a fire when caught and he might have started the Kenneth fire---but not sure they will be able to charge him with it.

Firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department on Jan. 10, 2025.

ANADOLU VIA GETTY IMAGES




One of the women involved in the citizen's arrest, Renata Grinshpun, told local news he had a "propane tank or... like a flame thrower" and that someone saw him "behind a van, trying to light something on fire."


After interviewing the suspect, investigators determined there was not enough probable cause to charge the man with arson or suspicion of arson, and he was instead arrested on a felony probation violation, assistant Los Angeles Police chief Dominic Choi said Friday.

Alleged Arsonist Arrested In Los Angeles Amid Deadly California Wildfires: What We Know

A man has been arrested in Los Angeles after neighbors said they saw him trying to start a fire with a “propane tank or flamethrower."

www.forbes.com

LAPD officer Charles Dinsel reportedly told NewsNation the arrest has prompted officials to launch an arson investigation at Victory Trailhead, where the Kenneth fire began 20 to 30 minutes before the man was detained by neighbors.
When asked if the fire was set intentionally, Dinsel told NewsNation, “At this time, that's what we believe,” but LAPD also tweeted late Thursday that it “CANNOT confirm any connection to any fire by this suspect at this time.”

 

[charminglane]

Here are some updates from my evacuation:

Thank you for thinking of me out here in my new blackened world.
Just this morning my power has been restored.
I have been using a solar radio for information. No images, no print descriptions if what has occurred.
The Eaton Fire area is my whole world.
It's where I grew up, and where I've chosen to work.
The Altadena Library's are one of the only structures still standing up there. We are not working from home either as many have not been able to connect. I am actually scared to drive to work possibly next week to see the devastation of everything leading me on my usual route through Eaton Canyon/Pasadena to Altadena.
So many coworkers lost their homes. So many partnership businesses and schools are gone.
I am safe, I got my parents evacuated out of upper Arcadia, along with their neighbor. They came to my house.
We then evacuated to my brother who is about a mile and a half more east of me.
Parents were taken to a hotel.
Neighbor had her nephew pick her up and she is in Santa Ana. These are 90+ elders. It has not been easy.
Today I will check on power status at the peeps house, bring them their requests to hotel which is about 25 minutes away, and then start tossing food.
Bless you all, I'm so very grateful Bee and I are safe, my family is fine, my work is safe, (but will definitely change in how we are going to need to help our community).
Love, Charm

Update: Parents have been picked up and are back home.
Neighbors are returning to all of our family's neighborhoods.
We are staying packed.
There is still fire burning in the canyon above my parents house, but I have seen enormous bulldozer, fire, and police presence in the wash behind their house. There are helicopters scooping water from the dam and dousing as we speak.
It is still eerily quiet here as the world goes on about their day and ours is stuck in what now mode.
There have been two virtual work check-ins. I have not been able to attend with no connectivity.
Everyone is highly emotional and devastated for each other and the community. We are going to need some mental health advice before we start trying to be mentally strong for the people we serve that need us to be strong for them.
The director has said prepare to work Monday, but I believe she is delusional.
There will be no power. There will be no access routes. We have no official ID or ID that gives us a reason for being in the area. We will need County permission.There will be National Guard.
I just don't see it for a LONG time.

 

[Herat]

UPDATE---this guy with the flamethrower was arrested. But today the authorities clarified---said he was NOT charged with arson at this time. He was being held on 'violating probation' charges for now.

But they did say Arson Investigators were currently at the scene of the initial start of the Kenneth Fire, at the Victory Trailhead in West Hills. [which is 2 miles from our house]

And they are looking for any evidence of arson.

At the tome the Kenneth fire erupted, there didnt seem to be any reason for it to be natural causes. There was no downed power lines and no high winds and was not near any active fires that could send embers.

So I think he was trying to start a fire when caught and he might have started the Kenneth fire---but not sure they will be able to charge him with it.

He is a massive liability if he is allowed to live in this area, IMHO. I hope there is something that can be done to remove him from the population.

We can see how so much is at risk from one spark, one fire in the Red Flag, high-wind situation: Lives and up to $150 Billion in property damage.

 

[Herat]

Here are some updates from my evacuation:

Update: Parents have been picked up and are back home.
Neighbors are returning to all of our family's neighborhoods.
We are staying packed.
There is still fire burning in the canyon above my parents house, but I have seen enormous bulldozer, fire, and police presence in the wash behind their house. There are helicopters scooping water from the dam and dousing as we speak.
It is still eerily quiet here as the world goes on about their day and ours is stuck in what now mode.
There have been two virtual work check-ins. I have not been able to attend with no connectivity.
Everyone is highly emotional and devastated for each other and the community. We are going to need some mental health advice before we start trying to be mentally strong for the people we serve that need us to be strong for them.
The director has said prepare to work Monday, but I believe she is delusional.
There will be no power. There will be no access routes. We have no official ID or ID that gives us a reason for being in the area. We will need County permission.There will be National Guard.
I just don't see it for a LONG time.

Thank you for sharing this with us. I can see why people wanted to live in that area, it is gorgeous and historical. You have my thoughts in trying to get organized in this complex and stunning disaster.

Keep posting to let us know how it is going. You certainly describe the love and strength of family and friends in your posts.

 

[seasideForest]

He is a massive liability if he is allowed to live in this area, IMHO. I hope there is something that can be done to remove him from the population.

We can see how so much is at risk from one spark, one fire in the Red Flag, high-wind situation: Lives and up to $150 Billion in property damage.

Besides lives lost and property damage: the toll on firefighters and other emergency responders. I mean the additional totally unnecessary work, in the sense that w/o idiot arsonists they could just get on with the normal day-to-day emergencies, instead of hour upon hour, day upon day... Help coming from various Canadian provinces and probably from across the US too. Plus what all the firefighting and medical care costs. The money has to come from somewhere, unlikely the arsonist is footing the bill.

And then all the time spent rebuilding - may be good for the building industry, but a whole lot of other people temporarily or permanently lose their livelihood. Like the effects of a small war. And for what? Somebody's 'fun' starting a fire. Plus animal lives lost - neither pets nor wildlife nor farm/ranch animals can jump in a car and escape - they're reliant on us humans.

SMH at anybody finding arson 'amusing'.

 

[charminglane]

Thank you for sharing this with us. I can see why people wanted to live in that area, it is gorgeous and historical. You have my thoughts in trying to get organized in this complex and stunning disaster.

Keep posting to let us know how it is going. You certainly describe the love and strength of family and friends in your posts.

I can say that in 49 years of living here this month from PA, that it was the first time I really ever felt the need to flee.
The winds were coming from the north, so they wrecked everything on their way down.
I laid on the couch every evening keeping watch at the glow to the west. Seriously, I was up for 60 hours straight. In the night, it is hard to judge distance. When I saw flames, I called my parents and yelled to get a bag packed to go. They were out before the door knock and official orders. We were out of my house before that, too.
The ride back from the hotel, as I look up at the mountains that are now brown. You all have been able to see it on tv. I am seeing it all with fresh eyes.
I'm an Information Professional, and to be without facts, intimate descriptions, or photos is indescribable.

 

[SouthAussie]

It depends on where the fire is burning and if firefighters can access it. I watched the El Dorado fire burn for more than two months. Remember the gender reveal that started a massive fire? That was it.

Yes, I agree. We have had bushfires that last for months.

The firefighters work hard to protect properties and stop the fires from killing people - dousing and putting in firebreaks - but the less accessible areas can burn for a long time before they can get the fire fully contained.

They will for sure be trying to protect people as much as possible.

Even after a fire is "out" we see patrol planes flying overhead in the following days making sure no embers have restarted the fire.

So thankful for firefighters. Bless them all.

 

[slowpoke]

Director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management Kevin McGowan and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger say they will get to the bottom of the issue of the alerts to evacuate going out to the wrong residents (like me!)

Some Los Angeles County residents received "erroneous" fire evacuation alerts, officials say

Some residents across Los Angeles County woke up Friday to a wireless emergency evacuation alert, but county officials confirmed it was another "erroneous" message.

www.cbsnews.com

 

[Charlot123]

I'm starting to think that the homeless are starting fires just to keep warm. It's cold in LA at night. 45 degrees. Then the fires get out of control or the wind blows the sparks into the dry brush and it takes off from there.

I think it started with predictable climate events, it is the La Nina year.

How "La Nina" year affects Californian climate

https://www.kget.com/news/state-news/how-la-nina-helped-fuel-devastating-southern-california-wildfires/#:~:text=(NEXSTAR)%20%E2%80%93%20After%20months%20of,always%20bad%20news%20for%20California.

Now, there may be additional factors.

How long will the Santa Ana winds last in Southern California this week?

Southern Californians aren't in the clear yet from powerful winds blowing across the region on Wednesday.

www.desertsun.com

One hopes that the wind will change or rather, calm down.

Wishing everyone safety

 

[slowpoke]

There’s a press briefing, but I don’t know if it’s almost over. In progress.

 

[steeltowngirl]

On Thursday, Jan 9, Hajime White, who lives in Warren, Ark., recalled to The Washington Post the last phone call she shared with her dad, 67-year-old retiree Anthony Mitchell

Mitchell had been waiting for an ambulance to come for them, but it never arrived, according to The Washington Post. White said that authorities told the family Mitchell was found by the side of his son’s bed. The family believes Mitchell was trying to save him.

[...]
White told the Post she had fond memories of her dad, a father of four, grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of 10.

"He had nicknames for everybody: Strawberry Shortcake, Marshmallow, Bug," she recalled. "He just went on and on."

Justin sometimes struggled with his cerebral palsy, White added, but he used a computer to read and communicate with others.

“He was not going to leave his son behind. No matter what," White said of her dad, according to The New York Post.

Father Missing a Limb and Son with Cerebral Palsy Weren't Able to Evacuate L.A. Fires in Time, Family Says
Father Missing a Limb and Son with Cerebral Palsy Weren't Able to Evacuate L.A. Fires in Time, Family Says

 

[Herat]

RED FLAG Wind warnings are up for Orange County, Riverside County, and parts of San Bernadino county up until approximately 6pm today.

Basically Victorville to the Pacific Ocean.

This is an area that has been spared the worst conditions that LA had. There are several Orange County FD helicopters up and one from SoCal Edison, and one air tanker over Riverside.