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Death toll continues to climb as more than 7,500 firefighting personnel are deployed across California, with three of the most ferocious fires at zero percent containment
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At least five people have been killed as several fast-moving wildfires sweep across the Los Angeles area, leaving thousands of firefighters attempting to extinguish the blaze.
The death toll climbed to five as of Thursday morning after the Eaton fire raged through Altadena and Pasadena, L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone confirmed to The New York Times.
The Palisades fire, now the one of the most destructive L.A. has seen, is burning more than 17,200 acres, while the Eaton fire has scorched some 10,600 acres. The Sunset fire in Hollywood has engulfed 60 acres. All three fires are at zero percent containment.
An estimated 2,000 buildings have been scorched and 130,000 residents ordered to evacuate, including more than 60,000 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. More than 330,000 people are without power throughout the region, according to PowerOutage.us.
On Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed that more than 7,500 firefighting personnel and almost 1,200 fire trucks have been deployed across Southern California. He also thanked President Joe Biden, who announced the approval of a major disaster declaration and ordered federal assistance to bolster response efforts.
A smoke advisory has been issued for the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst Fires that are burning.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District also extended a windblown dust advisory through Thursday evening due to continuing high winds.
The district said that it had also issued an executive order for use of emergency engines.
More Santa Anas are expected next week, although they won’t be as strong.
Rideshare giants Uber and Lyft are offering wildfire evacuees free rides to shelter locations, according to KTLA.
Evacuatees can redeem a free Uber ride up to $40 by applying the promo code “WILDFIRE25” in the Wallet section of their Uber app before requesting a ride to a designated shelter location.
And, Lyft riders can use the code “CAFIRERELIEF25” for a free Lyft ride worth up to $25. Each user can use the code for two rides maximum.
Television production across Los Angeles was brought to a halt on Wednesday (January 8) as wildfires continue to affect neighborhoods including Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Sylmar.
Read more:
Filming permits have been pulled amid the ongoing wildfires
While Monday’s Los Angeles Rams-Minnesota Vikings game is still scheduled to take place at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium, the NFL said there is a contingency plan in place if necessary due to the threat of wildfires.
If a location change is necessary, it would be played at the Arizona Cardinals’ home field, State Farm Stadium.
“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFLPA,” the league said.
Calmer winds could help aid California firefighters’ efforts to “start to build some containment,” Brent Pascua, battalion chief with Cal Fire, told NBC’s TODAY show on Thursday.
“I believe if it stays like this we can actually turn a corner on these fires and make some progress today, some good progress. In case they pick up again later tonight we’ll have something to anchor into,” he said.
Tens of thousands of homes and business have had their power restored, as wildfires continue to rage across the Los Angeles area.
Approximately two hours ago, 330,000 energy customers across SoCal were left in darkness, according to data from Poweroutages.us.
Now, about 72,000 properties have had their power restored, with 258,000 homes and business left powerless.
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