Los Angeles Wildfires Day 10: What's the Latest and How Can You Help? | Environmental news

EXPLAINER

Wind conditions will ease on Thursday, but officials are warning that another round of Santa Ana winds could develop early next week.

Firefighters battling wildfires in Los Angeles made significant progress Wednesday as conditions for dangerous wind-driven fires eased, but officials warned the threat was far from over.

A Cal Fire spokesman described the ongoing battle as fraught with “extreme dangers and potential for fire growth.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged caution, saying, “We're not out of the woods yet.”

Calmer conditions brought relief to Los Angeles, the second-largest metropolitan area in the United States, which was on edge as flames threatened surrounding communities.

Here's what we know:

What's the latest on earth?

The number of dead and missing people

• The fires have killed at least 25 people – nine in the Palisades fire and 16 in the Eaton fire.

Active fires:

• Palisade Fire: The largest of the three major wildfires has burned 9,596 hectares (23,713 acres) in and around the Pacific Palisades and is 21 percent contained. Fire crews are working to prevent the fire from entering Brentwood, where the Getty Center Museum is located.
• Ethan's Fire: East of Los Angeles, this wildfire was the most destructive in terms of fatalities, killing 16 people. It has burned more than 5,712 hectares (14,117 acres) and is 45 percent contained.

• Hearst Fire: Near San Fernando to the north, this fire has burned 323 hectares (799 acres). Firefighters are close to fully containing it, at 98 percent containment.
• Automatic fire: A brush fire that ignited in a riverbed in Ventura County quickly grew to 24 hectares (61 acres). Firefighters halted its progress, and as of Tuesday evening, Cal Fire said the blaze was 85 percent contained.
• A small mountain fire: The San Bernardino County Fire Department, located just east of Los Angeles County, reported responding to a brush fire Wednesday afternoon, according to local media reports. The fire quickly burned 12 hectares (30 acres) in a mountainous area and posed a potential threat to buildings. The fire is not contained.

Santa Ana winds

• Strong winds from Santa Ana in Southern California are expected to subside, bringing temporary relief to the region.
• By Friday, a change in wind direction will bring in more moist air, which combined with lighter winds should reduce the risk of fires over the weekend.
• However, the National Weather Service in Los Angeles warned that another round of Santa Ana winds could develop as early as Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. Their strength remains uncertain.

Good news: We expect a much-needed break from fire weather concerns to end this week. Bad news: Next week is a problem. While we are confident we will NOT see a repeat of last week, dangerous fire weather conditions are expected. #cawx #PalisadesFire #EatonFire pic.twitter.com/zhXmHUWtgp

— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 15, 2025

Damage and evacuations:

• The fires displaced up to 200,000 people.
• As of Wednesday, County Sheriff Robert Luna said approximately 82,400 people were under evacuation orders, with an additional 90,400 under evacuation warnings.

What is expected on Thursday?

Conditions are expected to begin improving and wind speeds will continue to decrease.

“The really good news is that today will be the last really windy day,” the National Weather Service wrote. “Expect winds to drop significantly this afternoon.”

Still, gusty winds and relative humidity below 15 percent will allow any new fires that ignite to spread quickly.

For Thursday, sea winds will weaken, bringing cooler temperatures. By Friday, winds will move onshore, cooling Southern California even more.

Firefighters and police continue to face new challenges, according to an Associated Press report. Since the fires broke out last week, authorities have arrested about six people accused of starting small fires, all of which were quickly extinguished.

One suspect admitted to setting fire to a tree because he “liked the smell of burning leaves,” according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Another admitted that “she enjoyed causing chaos and destruction,” the chief reported Wednesday.

Keep a jacket handy. During the rest of the week, temperatures will be 5-10 degrees below normal, with Friday being the coldest. #cawx pic.twitter.com/720euSBSJS

— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 15, 2025

When things get a little better, how can you help the Los Angeles wildfire victims?

Many humanitarian organizations are providing aid in the area.

Charity Navigator has compiled a list of organizations providing immediate and long-term relief to those affected by the wildfires.

Separately, GoFundMe.org also launched 2025 Forest Fire Relief Fund, which will “go directly to affected people seeking help through GoFundMe fundraising and to nonprofits on the ground providing relief.”

Some other organizations include:

The American Red Cross provides shelter, food, humanitarian supplies and medical care.

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles announced initiatives and places to collect essential goods for the families affected by the fires.

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank accepts financial donations and essential items to help those affected.

Authorities are warning the public to watch out for scammers and be vigilant. Federal Trade Commission has suggested guidelines to identify fake charities and fundraisers, including advice on asking detailed questions and avoiding pressure to donate on the spot.