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Death toll continues to climb as more than 7,500 firefighting personnel are deployed across California, with two of the most ferocious fires at zero percent containment
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At least seven people have been killed and countless others injured as fast-moving wildfires continued to tear across the outskirts of Los Angeles, leaving thousands of firefighters battling desperately to extinguish the blaze.
Officials said Thursday that while progress had been made on the Sunset, Woodley, Hurst and Sunswept Fires, more “extreme fire behavior” and wind gusts up to 60 mph are continuing to challenge firefighting efforts.
Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna said fire-ravaged neighborhoods in west L.A. “look like a bomb was dropped in them.”
Police announced that an arson suspect was arrested early evening Thursday allegedly attempting to light a fire in Woodland Hills near the area’s newest blaze, the Kenneth Fire. Neighborhood residents reportedly held the man down until police arrived.
The Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive natural disasters the city has seen, is at a mere 6 percent containment. The fire has burned at least 19,978 acres, while the Altadena and Pasadena-based Eaton fire has scorched some 13,690 acres.
The new Kenneth Fire broke out north of the Palisades fire on Thursday afternoon, threatening homes near Calabasas and Hidden Hills. The blaze is believed to have been started intentionally, and a suspect is in custody, per the LAPD.
The causes of all of the wildfires are under active investigation, but thousands of buildings and businesses have been destroyed.
Numerous California customers remained without power on Thursday, with roughly 115,895 outages in Los Angeles County and another 32,725 or so in neighboring San Bernadino County, according to tracker PowerOutage.us.
Jamie Lee Curtis has announced a $1 million donation to support a fire relief fund as wave of devastating wildfires continues to burn across Los Angeles.
The Halloween star, 66, was visibly emotional when she appeared on The Tonight Show on Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday night to call for support for those affected.
Now, writing on Instagram, Curtis has announced that she and her husband Christopher Guest are making a substantial donation to help fund recovery efforts.
“As the fire still rages on and @calfire @losangelesfiredepartment and all the available first responders and agencies involved in fighting fire and saving lives are still hard at work and neighbors and friends are banding together to save each other, my husband and I and our children have pledged $1 million from our Family Foundation to start a fund of support for our great city and state and the great people who live and love there,” wrote Curtis.
All the details in our full story.
The ‘Halloween’ star says she’s in communication with California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have issued a formal statement regarding the wave of devastating wildfires that continue to burn across Los Angeles.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live in nearby Montecito, California, where they are at risk of having to be evacuated and may face power outages.
A statement posted to their official website on Thursday (January 9) reads: “In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighborhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centers, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life.
“A state of emergency has been issued.”
The statement goes on to list a number of organisations that are seeking to support those affected by the fire, including Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, the LA Fire Department Foundation and the Animal Wellness Foundation.
Kevin E G Perry has the details.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex offered a list of ways to help those affected by the fires
Firefighters are making slow but steady progress containing the Palisades fire.
After spending much of the day at zero percent containment, that figure has moved up to six percent as of Thursday evening, per Cal Fire.
The Kenneth Fire broke out on Thursday outside of Los Angeles near Hidden Hills and Calabasas, joining the multiple blazes already taxing the capabilities of first responders.
An additional 900 firefighters have been sent to battle the fire, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday evening.
Donald Trump named Fox News contributor and attorney Leo Terrell to a senior role in the Justice Department, serving as senior counsel to the assistant attorney general for civil rights.
“Leo is a highly respected civil rights attorney and political analyst,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He received his law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has defended many high profile cases throughout his incredibly successful career. Leo will be a fantastic advocate for the American People, and ensure we will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
The Kenneth Fire, which broke out on the Los Angeles-Ventura County border on Thursday, was allegedly set by an arsonist, according to the LAPD.
A group of citizens then detained the individual, LAPD senior lead officer Charles Dinsel said on Thursday.
President Biden is working with California officials to respond to the Los Angeles fires.
Here’s the latest on his activities, per the White House.
Today President Biden spoke by phone separately with California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Adam Schiff, Congressman Brad Sherman, Congressman Ted Lieu, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and Los Angeles County Supervisors Hilda Solis and Kathryn Barger to discuss the latest updates on the wildfires across Los Angeles.
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