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

[JennieM]

2 min ago

Governor says all fire-damaged buildings will be inspected within 14 days​

From CNN's Zoe Sottile
California Governor Gavin Newsom says 53 teams of inspectors are working to complete inspections on all structures damaged by the wildfires – with the hope of completing inspections within two weeks.

Inspectors will assess and document each property, paving the way for property owners to begin dealing with insurance and rebuilding, Newsom explained in an interview with CNN’s Kyung Lah. The inspectors’ findings will also be available online so property owners can assess the damage remotely.

The inspections will encompass thousands of homes. “Whatever resources they need, we said we’re going to provide it,” the governor said.

Once inspections are complete, the “Herculean effort” of removing debris will begin, Newsom said.

Removing all the debris and toxic material left behind as homes and buildings burned will likely take between six and nine months, according to the governor. The process is complicated by toxic waste, as well as the need to remove debris in a way which will be compatible with the rebuilding effort, he said.

“I’m for efficiency, transparency, moving forward in a cost-efficient manner,” he said.

“And then being accountable to the next step again, which is not just scraping, cleaning things up, but getting the rebuild going.”

https://edition.cnn.com/weather/live-news/los-angeles-wildfires-palisades-eaton-california-01-12-25/index.html?t=1736709824310

 

[JennieM]

37 min ago

Biden will hold briefing with "key officials" on California wildfires, White House says​

From CNN’s Nikki Carvajal
President Joe Biden will convene “key officials” in a virtual briefing on the wildfires in Southern California on Sunday, the White House said.

The president will be briefed on “efforts to suppress the wildfires across Los Angeles and how the federal resources he has directed are supporting the State and local response,” an official said.

Vice President Kamala Harris is also expected to attend, the official added.

The following officials will also attend the briefing, according to the White House: Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton, US Forest Service Chief Randy Moore, Homeland Security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall and deputy Homeland Security adviser for Resilience and Response Caitlin Durkovich.

https://edition.cnn.com/weather/live-news/los-angeles-wildfires-palisades-eaton-california-01-12-25/index.html?t=1736709824310

 

[JennieM]

17m ago
The Los Angeles wildfires could test the Getty Center’s claim of being the safest place to store artwork.

The Guardian’s Richard Luscombe reports:

It houses some of the richest treasures of the art world, such as Vincent van Gogh’s Irises, a popular Rembrandt and a priceless collection of paintings, portraits and other works spanning more than seven centuries.

To protect them, the Getty Center in Los Angeles was built in 1997 as “a marvel of anti-fire engineering”, complete with fire-resistant stone and concrete, protected steel, and set in well-irrigated landscaping.

Now, with an evacuation order in place for the Brentwood area of the city in which the museum is housed, and as flames from the deadly Palisades wildfire rage nearby, the Getty’s claim of being the safest place for art during a fire could soon be put to the test.

Outwardly, at least, there is little concern. “Our galleries are safe and protected,” Katherine Fleming, president and chief executive of the J Paul Getty Trust asserted in a statement on Saturday.

For the full story, click here:
Read more
LA fires could test Getty Center’s claim of being safest place to store artwork

Investigators probe possible ignition sources in Californian blazes - as it happened

This blog has now closed but you can find all our coverage of the wildfires in California here.

www.theguardian.com

 

[JennieM]

Firefighters stop spread of fire towards Nasa facility​

Emma Vardy
Reporting from Los Angeles

Fire crews made quick work of keeping a flare up in the rugged terrain above a Nasa jet propulsion lab in Pasadena under control.

Crews sawed down vegetation and doused the area with water and fire retardant, stopping the fire from spreading towards the facility, which is the heart of the US Space programme and full of top-secret technology.

The lab, Nasa's lead centre for robotic planetary exploration, has been temporarily closed due to the fire, but no damage has yet been reported.

LA braces for renewed high winds as three wildfires continue to burn

LA City mayor Karen Bass says "urgent preparations" are being made, with winds expected to peak on Tuesday.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Curious Me]

Los Angeles fire evacuees face "obscene" price gouging as California AG issues stark warning

MSN

"Price gouging is illegal. We will not stand for it. We will hold you accountable. We will prosecute," he told reporters, adding those found guilty could land themselves a year in jail.

Once a state of emergency is declared – as it has been for the out-of-control fires – vendors cannot increase their prices by more than 10%. That applies to small businesses as well as to mega companies​

from the article:

 

[SouthAussie]

The Governor says there are 53 teams of inspectors out there, inspecting the damage so that people can get their insurance claims filed as quickly as possible. He anticipates that the inspections should all be completed within two weeks.

Once the inspections are done, they can start removing the debris. He thinks that removing all of the debris and toxic waste will take 6-9 months to complete.

The debris will be removed in a way that is compatible with rebuilding efforts.

https://edition.cnn.com/weather/live-news/los-angeles-wildfires-palisades-eaton-california-01-12-25/index.html

 

[Herat]

The Governor says there are 53 teams of inspectors out there, inspecting the damage so that people can get their insurance claims filed as quickly as possible. He anticipates that the inspections should all be completed within two weeks.

Once the inspections are done, they can start removing the debris. He thinks that removing all of the debris and toxic waste will take 6-9 months to complete.

The debris will be removed in a way that is compatible with rebuilding efforts.

https://edition.cnn.com/weather/live-news/los-angeles-wildfires-palisades-eaton-california-01-12-25/index.html

I would think they could use 5x as many teams of inspectors. There are something like 16,000 structures lost, in areas that inspectors can currently get into.

 

[SouthAussie]

I would think they could use 5x as many teams of inspectors. There are something like 16,000 structures lost, in areas that inspectors can currently get into.

I imagine that every situation is a moving situation at the moment. Subject to change as the city finds more ways to accommodate outside help and can draw in more helpers.

I agree with your earlier statement. Every person who is brought in to help must have food, water, and a place to rest their head. It is a balancing act. And one that is a moving situation.

We have the same issues here, during and after our worst bushfires.

The next problem will be finding enough people to help with the rebuilding. To get homes and businesses rebuilt as quickly as possible. It is likely that additional builders and related workers will fly in from all over the place.

imo

 

[JennieM]

8 min ago

Fire agencies investigating whether electrical equipment caused Hurst Fire, utility says​

From CNN's Zoe Sottile
Fire agencies are investigating whether Edison electrical equipment contributed to the Hurst Fire, according to a Sunday news release from Edison International.

The fire was reported at around 10:10 p.m. local time, and a circuit experienced a relay a minute later, says the release. A downed power line connected to the circuit was also found, but Edison says they don’t know “whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire.”

The utility says they have submitted Electric Safety Incident Reports related to both the Hurst and Eaton fires. Edison says the reports are often submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission before the company “can determine whether its electric facilities are associated with an ignition.”

CNN has reached out to the Los Angeles Fire Department for comment.

https://edition.cnn.com/weather/live-news/los-angeles-wildfires-palisades-eaton-california-01-12-25/index.html?t=1736716167304

 

[JennieM]

3m ago

Electrical fault might have caused Hurst fire: power company​

The Hurst fire could have been caused by the failure of electrical equipment belonging to power supplier Southern California Edison (SCE), the company said Sunday in a press release.

SCE said it discovered a downed power line at a tower that “experienced a relay” at almost exactly the same time as the first report of the Hurst fire, which is 89% contained and has consumed 799 acres.

Both the report and the relay issue occurred a few minutes after 10pm on 7 January, according to the statement.

“SCE does not know whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire,” the company said, adding that it had reported the incident to the Los Angeles fire department for investigation.

Investigators probe possible ignition sources in Californian blazes - as it happened

This blog has now closed but you can find all our coverage of the wildfires in California here.

www.theguardian.com

 

[sallye818]

@charminglane , don't know what to say really, but please know you're in my heart and I am praying for you and so many others. Blessings as you help others and support your friends and neighbors.

 

[SouthAussie]

AP is saying that there are now 16 people unaccounted for. The number is rising.


At least 16 people were missing, and authorities said that number was expected to rise.
Twelve people were missing within the Eaton Fire zone and four were missing from the Palisades Fire ...
There are no children among those reported missing, he said.

16 dead, 16 missing as fire crews try to corral Los Angeles blazes before winds return this week

The California Office of Emergency Services says 150,000 people in Los Angeles County are under evacuation orders, with more than 700 people taking refuge in nine shelters.

apnews.com

 

[JennieM]

4m ago
California’s governor Gavin Newsom has announced that he is deploying 1,000 more California national guard members to Los Angeles to fight the fires.

The latest deployment brings the total number service members mobilized in Los Angeles county to 2,500, as of Sunday afternoon.

Investigators probe possible ignition sources in Californian blazes - as it happened

This blog has now closed but you can find all our coverage of the wildfires in California here.

www.theguardian.com

 

[JennieM]

1m ago

California attorney general warns against scams and "bad actors" amid wildfires​

Rob Bonta, the attorney general of California, has warned against scammers attempting to prey on victims amid the wildfires.

Speaking at a press conference, Bonta said:

“[In] emergencies like this, in addition to bringing out the best in so many, [it] also brings out bad actors who seek to use the trauma, the chaos of moments like this for their own gain. They see an opportunity, an opportunity to pray and take advantage. They take advantage of vulnerable and hurting families to make a quick buck. Unfortunately, we’ve seen that before, so it’s important for us to be prepared now.

We’ve seen businesses and landlords that use increased demand during emergencies to jack up the price of essential supplies and services of gas and water, batteries, first aid, supplies, construction materials and housing, including hotels and including short term rentals. It’s called price gouging. And during the state a state of emergency like there is currently in effect in Ventura county and Los Angeles county, it is illegal.”

The scams have spread across social media, including on BlueSky, according to Chad Loder, a community-based activist and anti-fascist researcher in LA. According to Loder, scammers have been attempting to impersonate various BlueSky users, including those not from the US, in attempts to get donations.

Investigators probe possible ignition sources in Californian blazes - as it happened

This blog has now closed but you can find all our coverage of the wildfires in California here.

www.theguardian.com

 

[JennieM]

11 min ago

Ukraine may join Canada and Mexico in helping fight the California wildfires​

By Susannah Cullinane

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky — pictured in Brussels, Belgium, in December — said on X Sunday that 150 firefighters were ready for deployment to California.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says firefighters from his country are on standby to help fight the California wildfires.

“Today, I instructed Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs and our diplomats to prepare for the possible participation of our rescuers in combating the wildfires in California,” Zelensky said Sunday in a post on X.“The situation there is extremely difficult, and Ukrainians can help Americans save lives,” he said. “… we have offered our assistance to the American side through the relevant channels. 150 of our firefighters are already prepared.”

https://edition.cnn.com/weather/live-news/los-angeles-wildfires-palisades-eaton-california-01-12-25/index.html?t=1736719545546

 

[Herat]

Luxury property realtor makes an estimate that it will take 8-12 years to rebuild in Pacific Palisades and especially Malibu, as high-worth, now homeless, individuals head to Orange County. Good article

Devastating Fires Send L.A. Residents Scrambling for Luxury Homes in a Tight Market: ‘Get Me to Newport’

With two major fires raging in Los Angeles County, thousands of displaced residents are now hunting for new homes in a very tight real estate market.

variety.com

 

[JennieM]

4m ago
Local authorities are currently delivering an update on the Palisades fire.

604 structures have been destroyed and an additional 83 structures have been damaged. The fire, which is 11% contained, has burned for 23,713 acres.

“We have airplanes, we have helicopters, even drones. We’re dropping retardants. We drop out everywhere we can again to secure that edge all around the fire,” local authorities said.

Investigators probe possible ignition sources in Californian blazes - as it happened

This blog has now closed but you can find all our coverage of the wildfires in California here.

www.theguardian.com

 

[JennieM]

Authorities giving LA wildfires update​

The press conference begins with an update on the Palisades Fire, the biggest of the LA fires.

A fire official says the blaze is 23,713 acres in size, and remains at 11% contained. There are more than 4,000 personnel assigned to the incident.

LA braces for renewed high winds as three wildfires continue to burn

LA City mayor Karen Bass says "urgent preparations" are being made, with winds expected to peak on Tuesday.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Sundog]

Luxury property realtor makes an estimate that it will take 8-12 years to rebuild in Pacific Palisades and especially Malibu, as high-worth, now homeless, individuals head to Orange County. Good article

Devastating Fires Send L.A. Residents Scrambling for Luxury Homes in a Tight Market: ‘Get Me to Newport’

With two major fires raging in Los Angeles County, thousands of displaced residents are now hunting for new homes in a very tight real estate market.

variety.com

From the article -

On Friday, Ricardo Lara, California’s insurance commissioner, vowed that the state would impose a one-year moratorium to prevent homeowners insurance cancellations and non-renewals in the fire-scarred areas.

Can the state regulators actually impose non-renewal conditions on the private sector after-the-fact? I would think that non-renewal would always be an option for the private sector, unless agreed upon prior to providing a policy.


EBM for clarification of issue at question

 

[JennieM]

2m ago
Kristin Crowley, the fire chief of the Los Angeles fire department said that “with the impending winds, we got to pay really, really close attention to this.”

She added:

“This wind event is approaching us, and it’s approaching us very, very quickly. I want to reassure you that your LAFD, all of our regional partners, every single agency that has come from up and down this state and outside the state, we are ready…

Now, what do we need from the community? … We need you to stay informed. Please stay informed. With trusted news and official updates, be prepared to evacuate. We keep going back to that, but with this next wind event, [we] got to stay informed follow all evacuation warnings and orders.”

Investigators probe possible ignition sources in Californian blazes - as it happened

This blog has now closed but you can find all our coverage of the wildfires in California here.

www.theguardian.com