Malibu, CA – January 15: The remains of a home along Rambla Pacifico St that burned above Pacific Coast Highway during the Palisades Fire in Malibu, CA, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
What to Know
- The Hughes Fire sparked in the Castaic area Wednesday morning and grew to about 10,000 acres in northern LA County.
- A red flag warning was in effect Thursday and into Friday for parts of Los Angeles County, indicating high fire danger.
- Castaic Union School District announced it would reopen its schools Friday
- About 31,000 people were under evacuation orders with another 21,000 under evacuation warnings in the Hughes Fire.
- The Palisades Fire on the LA County coast was 75% contained at 23,400 acres. The Eaton Fire in the Altadena area was 95% contained at 14,000 acres.
- Twenty-eight deaths were reported in the Eaton and Palisades fires.
- Lawmakers approved a $2.5 billion fire relief package with bipartisan support.
- This blog is no longer being updated, click here for wildfire updates.
Cleanup underway near burn areas ahead of rain
By Lolita Lopez
With rains forecasted for this weekend, there is a new concern about potential mudslides and floods near the burn areas from recent fires.
Prep work occurred Thursday as communities braced themselves for what could come next.
Man who fled Palisades Fire on bike is reunited with his paintings
By Robert Kovacik and Sahana Patel
NBC4’s Robert Kovacik, who offered to keep a Palisades Fire evacuee’s artwork safe as he fled from the flames, was able reunite the man with his paintings Thursday. Robert Kovacik reports for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on Jan. 23, 2025.
A man who was seen riding through smoke and flying embers in the Pacific Palisades attempting to flee with as many of his belongings as possible was reunited with two of his beloved paintings Thursday.
NBC4’s Robert Kovacik offered to keep the Pacific Palisades homeowner’s artwork safe as he evacuated the deadly flames on a bicycle on Jan. 7.
Francois Auroux fled his home on Sunset Boulevard as the destructive Palisades Fire began to spread rapidly.
“That's when I decided to get out and luckily I saw you, and I’m just really appreciative of that," said Auroux. “That night was insane. And bumping into you and offering to take them off my hands is something I can’t imagine."
Public Health: power blowers may be used in all areas except the Palisades and Eaton wildfire perimeters
By Elizabeth Chavolla
Ember-resistant vents among fire safeguards used by Anaheim Hills homeowner
By Benjamin Gamson and Hetty Chang
An Anaheim Hills man is leading the effort to fire proof his townhome community which now has a remote controlled sprinkler system, a fire hose that can stretch around each of his neighbor’s homes and ember resistant vents. Hetty Chang reports for the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Jan. 23, 2025.
In Anaheim Hills, Jim McLain watched the brush-filled hillside nearby with concern as he watched wildfires erupt in Los Angeles County destroying thousands of homes.
Now, McLain is taking steps to fireproof his home and his community in case of a nearby wildfire.
McLain has lived just south of Nohl Ranch Road for 28 years and urges others to follow his lead.
“What would happen if they went up and the extent of which the wind would carry embers across our entire neighborhood and what they would ignite,” said McLain.
Altadena mother pushes for preschool relocation following the Eaton Fire
By Amber Frias and Sahana Patel
Village Play Garden Preschool was just one of the schools lost in the Eaton Fire, community members rallied together to bring the safe haven back for their students. Amber Frias reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on January 23, 2025.
An Altadena mother is spearheading an effort to rebuild Village Play Garden Preschool, her son’s school destroyed in the Eaton Fire.
The loss of the school was more than a physical destruction, the community lost a safe haven for their children, according to Danielle Neal, mother of a Village Play Garden preschooler.
“There’s a labyrinth over there, that is still there, that the children would run and walk in a little spiral and would stop to pick up the strawberries from the bushes,” Neal said. “Seeing the remains of everything is heartbreaking.”
The nature-focused school, which incorporated farm animals, gardens, and outdoor classrooms, was also a home for the Ramsey-Ray family.
Cal Fire issues containment updates on Los Angeles-area wildfires as progress made on battling blazes
By Peter Marzano
The burned interior of Altadena Hardware following the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, US, on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
As destructive wildfires continue to burn in the Los Angeles area, Cal Fire issued updates on the containment of blazes in the area as firefighters made progress Thursday largely thanks to aerial suppression efforts.
🔥Incident Updates – (1/23/2025 PM)#HughesFirehttps://t.co/RAT4A0J3L2
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 24, 2025
* Castaic area (LA County)
* 10,396 acres, 36% contained#PalisadesFire
https://t.co/VCgZCBmQfH
* Pacific Palisades (LA County)
* 23,448 acres, 77% contained#EatonFire
https://t.co/vgrTCmPA43
* North… pic.twitter.com/nLJlFLlrVz
The containment for acreage and containment of current wildfires can be found below:
- Hughes Fire: 10,396 acres, 36% contained
- Palisades Fire: 23,448 acres, 77% contained
- Eaton Fire: 14,021 acres, 95% contained
- Clay Fire: 39 acres, 85% contained, forward progress stopped
- Gilman Fire: 3 acres, forward progress stopped (San Diego County)
- Gibbel Fire: 15 acres (Riverside County)
- Sepulveda Fire: 45 acres, 60% contained
- Laguna Fire: 50 acres, 70% contained, forward progress stopped (Ventura County)
- Border 2 Fire: 566 acres (San Diego County)
Firefighters who left note at Pacific Palisades home say resident's gesture ‘touched our hearts'
By Alex Rozier and Jonathan Lloyd
LA County firefighters and a woman whose home they protected from the Palisades Fire show just how far a kind gesture can go amidst all the destruction. Alex Rozier reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Jan. 23, 2025.
Los Angeles firefighters and a woman whose home they protected from the Palisades Fire proved that kindness and courage can be a powerful combination in a time of tragedy and devastation.
Mahsa Naghash and her husband were forced to evacuate from their Pacific Palisades home Jan. 7 as flames and hot embers fanned by a Santa Ana windstorm threatened their neighborhood. Video from the first hours of the fire, which destroyed thousands of structures, showed a neighbor's house catching fire in an unsettling scene.
But before Naghash evacuated, she wanted firefighters to know how much their heroic efforts in the face of brutal conditions were appreciated. Naghash gave them a hand-crafted tile she bought at a historic mosque in her home country of Iran.
"I told them there’s something, just to say thank you. That’s it," Naghash said.
LADOT offering sandbags pickups at select locations ahead of rainfall
By Peter Marzano
Firefighters try to contain the wildfire on a hill in Malibu, California, the United States, Dec. 10, 2024. A large wildfire in Malibu in Southern California has grown to over 2,700 acres 10.9 square kilometers as of Tuesday afternoon, prompting evacuations due to dangerous fire conditions. The fire, codenamed Franklin Fire, was reported Monday night. It started near Malibu Creek State Park in Los Angeles County. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua via Getty Images)
Ahead of expected rainfall this weekend in the Los Angeles area, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation is offering sandbag pickups at several locations for residents to prepare.
County officials worked Thursday on lands affected by the January wildfires across the region in efforts to prevent the flow of mud and debris when rain finally hits a region affected by severe-to-extreme drought.
Rain is coming to #LA this weekend! 🌧️ Burn areas are at risk for flooding and landslides. Burned vegetation and soil can’t soak up rain, making flooding more likely for homes below. Need sandbags? Find pickup locations and tutorials: https://t.co/TkIIizSUbP pic.twitter.com/3PvAmDjpuX
— LADOT (@LADOTofficial) January 24, 2025
A full list of the sandbag pickup locations can be found below:
Hughes Fire up to 36% containment, nearly 10,400 acres
By Peter Marzano
CASTAIC, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 22: The Hughes Fire burns north of Los Angeles on January 22, 2025 in Castaic, California. The wildfire is prompting mandatory evacuations just over two weeks after the Eaton and Palisades Fires caused widespread destruction across Los Angeles County. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Firefighters continued to make progress on the Hughes Fire burning north of Los Angeles, with containment increasing to 36% by late Thursday afternoon, according to Angeles National Forest.
#HughesFire
— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) January 24, 2025
Evening Quick Facts January 23, 2025:
Acres: 10,396 acres
Contained: 36%
Incident Info Line 8AM-10PM:
-Public Line: (626) 662-0120
-Media Line: (323) 881-2450
🔗For more information, please visit Hughes Fire Inciweb page:https://t.co/Q8HpyVFfxM
📸 USDA Forest… pic.twitter.com/OflSnly8Im
The update, posted at 5:38 p.m., marks an increase of 12% from the containment reported at 12:38 p.m., which was 24%.
The progress comes as Los Angeles County officials prepare for potential flow of mud and debris with rainfall expected this weekend.
Over 3.1 million gallons of water delivered in fight against Los Angeles-area wildfires
By Peter Marzano
Red glowing smoke from the flames of the Hughes Fire is seen in Castaic, northwest Los Angeles County, California, on January 22, 2025. A new wildfire erupted north of Los Angeles on January 22, exploding in size and sparking thousands of evacuation orders in a region already staggering from the effects of huge blazes.
Ferocious flames were devouring hillsides near Castaic Lake, spreading rapidly to cover 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) in just over two hours.
The fire was being fanned by strong, dry Santa Ana winds that were racing through the area, pushing a vast pall of smoke and embers ahead of the flames.
Evacuations were ordered for 19,000 people all around the lake, which sits around 35 miles north of Los Angeles, and close to the city of Santa Clarita. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
As firefighters continue to battle several destructive wildfires in the Los Angeles area, Cal Fire released an update revealing staggering details of the fight against the blazes.
Through Jan. 22, a total of 3,104,942 gallons of water have been delivered in the fight against the fires, in addition to 595,568 gallons of fire retardant.
Recent wildfires in Los Angeles County, including the wind-driven #HughesFire, have received a massive aerial fire suppression response.
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 23, 2025
Over 60 aircraft, strategically assigned or pre-positioned across Southern California, have been working tirelessly to protect lives,… pic.twitter.com/HXcK83jwgX
In addition to resources on the ground, over 60 aircraft have been working in the fight against the six major wildfires impacting the region.
All Castaic Union School District campuses will reopen Friday
By Missael Soto
Progress made on Hughes Fire while new fires erupt in Southern California
By The Associated Press
CALIFORNIA, USA – JANUARY 22: Firefighters battle with flames during wildfire as called ‘Hughes Fire’ in Castaic of Los Angeles County, California, United States on January 22, 2025.
Evacuation orders were lifted Thursday for tens of thousands as firefighters with air support slowed the spread of a huge wildfire churning through rugged mountains north of Los Angeles, but new blazes erupted in San Diego County, briefly triggering more evacuations.
Southern California is under a red flag warning for critical fire risk through Friday. The area has been facing constant challenges in controlling the fires, as dangerous winds gained strength again Thursday.
The Hughes Fire broke out late Wednesday morning and in less than a day had charred nearly 16 square miles (41 square kilometers) of trees and brush near Castaic Lake, a popular recreation area about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires that are burning for a third week.
Crews made significant progress by late afternoon on the Hughes Fire with about a quarter of it contained.
Los Angeles County officials prepare for weekend rain
By Peter Marzano
The Palisades fire burns as seen from Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Los Angeles on January 8, 2025. A ferocious wildfire in a Los Angeles suburb devoured buildings and sparked panicked evacuations January 7, as hurricane-force winds tore through the region. More than 200 acres (80 hectares) was burning in Pacific Palisades, a upscale spot with multi-million dollar homes in the Santa Monica Mountains. Across town, on the northern edge of Los Angeles, another fire broke out in Eaton Canyon, near Pasadena, quickly consuming 200 acres (81 hectares) later in the night, according to Angeles National Forest officials. (Photo by Agustin PAULLIER / AFP) (Photo by AGUSTIN PAULLIER/AFP via Getty Images)
With long-awaited precipitation on its way to a parched Southern California this weekend, Los Angeles County officials are preparing for potential mud and debris flows from rainfall.
Agencies are preparing areas recently impacted by burns with sandbags, with motorists advised to avoid burn areas and mountain roads during rain storms.
LA County agencies are preparing recent burn areas in the Eaton and Palisades area for potential mud and debris flows ahead of a rain storm. Sign up for alerts at https://t.co/14nXko6ZE8 and find preparedness tips at https://t.co/en05CQ9u0N. pic.twitter.com/GlnGS3ZEiw
— Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) January 23, 2025
County officials advise to residents to know their property's risk of mudflow and to follow instruction from law enforcement in the event of an evacuation order.
Red Flag no parking restrictions to be lifted in brush areas of Los Angeles Friday morning
By Peter Marzano
Red Flag no parking restrictions will be lifted in brush areas of Los Angeles beginning at 8 a.m. Friday morning, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The program removes vehicles that are parked illegally within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to help ease emergency access to areas affected by wildfires.
More information can be found here.
Gov. Newsom to speak at fire relief package signing
By Jonathan Lloyd
PPE being offered at select staging areas for returning residents impacted by Palisades Fire
CASTAIC, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 22: Firefighters station at the base of Lake Hughes road as the Hughes Fire burns in the distance on January 22, 2025 in Castaic, California. The wildfire is prompting mandatory evacuations just over two weeks after the Eaton and Palisades Fires caused widespread destruction across Los Angeles County. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
As residents affected by the Palisades Fire begin returning to their neighborhoods, officials are offering personal protective equipment at select staging areas to help residents safely return.
The offered PPE includes coveralls, N95 masks, gloves, flashlights, basic cleaning supplies and trash bags.
#PalisadesFire As residents start returning home, Personal Protective Equipment kits are available at designated staging locations. pic.twitter.com/rOt2LZpCjY
— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) January 23, 2025
Though the PPE is provided, authorities warn residents not to sift through debris to help avoid any possible contact with toxic contaminants, such as asbestos, lead, mercury and other heavy metals.
Snow expected in Southern California mountains this weekend
By Peter Marzano
Tourists take photographs as snow covered mountain tops rise behind downtown Los Angeles from Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017. After years of drought and barren slopes, skiers and boarders have a bonanza of snow at resorts from the Sierra Nevada to the mountain ranges of Southern California following a barrage of storms. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
While much of Southern California has been in severe or extreme drought during an exceptionally dry winter, some much-needed precipitation is on the way to the region this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, one-to-four inches of snow are possible in elevations of 3,500 to 4,500 feet, with five-to-10 inches possible in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Big changes coming this Sat-Mon with rain and mountains snow. Here are the snow highlights. Plan for slow mountain travel with road delays and isolated closures. Focused Saturday Night - Sunday night. #cawx pic.twitter.com/DRXpJVz5Wi
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 23, 2025
A winter weather advisory will be in effect for much of the mountainous region from 4 p.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Monday, with most precipitation expected to fall between Saturday night and Sunday night.
Small brush fire slows drive on freeway in Seal Beach
By Jonathan Lloyd
A small brush fire in Seal Beach forced lane closures Thursday jAN. 23, 2025 on a nearby freeway transition road.
A small brush fire in Seal Beach forced lane closures Thursday afternoon on a nearby freeway transition road. The southbound 605 Freeway transition to the northbound 405 Freeway was shut down. Forward progress of the fire was stopped.
Sepulveda Fire at 60-percent containment near 405 Freeway in Brentwood
By Jonathan Lloyd
The Sepulveda Fire near the 405 Freeway in Brentwood was 60-percent contained Thursday afternoon at 45 acres.
The fire started at about 11 p.m. Wednesday near the northbound side of the freeway in the Sepulveda Pass. An evacuation warning was issued, but expired early Thursday morning.
Aerial attack helps firefighters maintain the upper hand on Hughes Fire
By The Associated Press
CALIFORNIA, USA – JANUARY 22: Firefighters battle with flames during wildfire as called ‘Hughes Fire’ in Castaic of Los Angeles County, California, United States on January 22, 2025.
Overnight water drops helped stop the spread of a huge wildfire churning through rugged mountains north of Los Angeles and firefighters battled to increase containment as dangerous winds whipped up again Thursday.
The Hughes Fire broke out late Wednesday morning and in less than a day had charred nearly 16 square miles (41 square kilometers) of trees and brush near Castaic Lake, a popular recreation area about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires that are burning for a third week.
There was no growth overnight and crews were jumping on flareups to keep the flames within containment lines, fire spokesperson Jeremy Ruiz said Thursday morning.
“We had helicopters dropping water until around 3 a.m. That kept it in check,” he said.
Hughes Fire at nearly 10,300 acres, 24% containment as of Thursday afternoon
By Peter Marzano
CALIFORNIA, USA – JANUARY 22: Firefighters battle with flames during wildfire as called ‘Hughes Fire’ in Castaic of Los Angeles County, California, United States on January 22, 2025.
The Hughes Fire, which broke out Wednesday morning before rapidly consuming thousands of acres, has now burned 10,278 acres and is 24% contained as of Thursday afternoon, according to the Angeles National Forest.
#HughesFire
— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) January 23, 2025
The Hughes Fire is currently 10,278 acres with 24% containment.
🔗For more information, please visit Hughes Fire Inciweb page: https://t.co/Q8HpyVFfxM
📸 USDA Forest Service snapshot from the field during initial attack@LASDHQ pic.twitter.com/iJ8s9mZSF8
Approximately 21,000 people remain under evacuation orders connected to the Hughes Fire.
Metro to offer free rides to residents impacted by LA County fires
By City News Service
Bus moving across the 6th street bridge in LA.
The Metro Board of Directors approved a proposal on Thursday to expand its reduced-fare initiative and to pursue other measures in support of fire survivors throughout the L.A. region.
In a unanimous vote, the board instructed Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to modify the eligibility of the LIFE reduced fare program for at least six months.
County residents displaced by the fires who enroll will receive 20 free rides every month or a discounted pass on another participating transit agency.
L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn introduced a motion last week calling for measures to support fire victims. It was co-authored by Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, Supervisor Hilda Solis and Whittier Councilman Fernando Dutra, who are all members of Metro's Board of Directors.
5 zones impacted by Palisades Fire reopened to residents only
By Peter Marzano
Malibu, CA – January 15: Burn scares in the hills above Pacific Coast Highway during the Palisades Fire in Malibu, CA, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
Five zones that are impacted by the Palisades Fire have been reopened to residents only in the latest repopulation update from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
As of 12 p.m. Thursday, the following zones have been reopened to residents only:
- Zone TOP-U008-B
- Zone TOP-U009-A
- Zone SSM-U010-A
- Zone SSM-U010-B
- Zone MAL-C111-B
Officials said Topanga Canyon Boulevard will remain closed between Grand View Drive and Pacific Coast Highway until further notice.
California Legislature approves $2.5B for response to Los Angeles-area fires
By The Associated Press
California bolstered funding to help the Los Angeles area recover from its recent deadly wildfires under a more than $2.5 billion fire relief package approved Thursday by the California Legislature.
Lawmakers overwhelmingly approved the bills, which had bipartisan support, and now head to Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk. The proposals include $2.5 billion for the state's emergency disaster response efforts such as evacuations, sheltering survivors and removing household hazardous waste. They also approved $4 million for local governments to streamline approvals for rebuilding homes, and $1 million to support school districts and help them rebuild facilities.
“We need to be able to move with urgency, put aside our differences and be laser-focused on delivering the financial resources, delivering the boots on the ground that are needed and the policy relief that is needed to get neighborhoods cleaned up and communities rebuilt,” said Mike McGuire, a Democrat and president pro tempore of the state Senate.
Newsom unveiled the proposed funding last week. The move expanded the focus of a special session he originally called in November to prepare for legal battles against Republican President Donald Trump ’s administration.
Hughes Fire smoke advisory in effect through Thursday night
By Jonathan Lloyd
A smoke advisory was issued in Southern California due to strong Santa Ana winds expected through 6 p.m. The winds may disperse smoke from recent wildfire zones, including the Hughes Fire, which could affect air quality in LA County. The advisory is in effect until 10 p.m.
LA County public health officials has the following recommendations.
- Say Inside: Keep windows and doors closed. Use an air purifier or run your air conditioning system on recirculate to keep indoor air clean.
- Wear a Mask: If you must go outside, wear an N95 or P100 mask to protect your lungs, especially if you have underlying health conditions or experience health effects due to air pollution, see or smell smoke, see ash in the air, or the air quality index (AQI) is elevated.
- Secure Loose Items: Tie down or bring in items like chairs, trash cans, and other outdoor belongings to prevent them from becoming hazards.
- Protect Your Eyes: If outside, wear goggles to shield your eyes from airborne ash and debris.
- Stay Informed: Monitor updates from local news sources for the latest on weather conditions, air quality, and potential evacuation notices.
- Be Prepared: Have a plan in place in case conditions worsen, including essential supplies and emergency contacts.
Watch NBC Los Angeles News live on your big screen
Some evacuation orders and warnings downgraded in Hughes Fire
By Jonathan Lloyd
CASTAIC, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 22: The Hughes Fire burns north of Los Angeles on January 22, 2025 in Castaic, California. The wildfire is prompting mandatory evacuations just over two weeks after the Eaton and Palisades Fires caused widespread destruction across Los Angeles County. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Changes were evacuation orders and warnings were announced at midday Thursday by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
*Update for Hughes Fire - Thursday, January 23, 2025*
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) January 23, 2025
Repopulation and Safety Guidelines https://t.co/fADjsvMwlQ pic.twitter.com/H3j0Ov6y8Z
About 30,000 spent night under evacuation orders and warnings in Hughes Fire
By Jonathan Lloyd
Evacuations remain in effect for the Hughes Fire in Castaic. Lauren Coronado reports for the NBC4 News at 11 a.m. on Thursday Jan. 23, 2025.
Firefighters increased containment, but about 30,000 people remained under evacuation orders and warnings Thursday morning in the Castaic area due to the Hughes Fire.
The fire was at 10,100 acres with containment at 14 percent late Thursday morning.
Firefighters stop forward progress of Hughes Fire
By Jonathan Lloyd
The Hughes Fire was at 10,100 acres with containment at 14 percent late Thursday morning.
Here's LA County's damage update in the Eaton and Palisades fires
By Jonathan Lloyd
ALTADENA CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 12: A general view of destroyed houses in a neighborhood that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire which remains without electricity or water on January 12, 2025 in Altadena, California. People who stayed throughout the fire would now not be allowed back in if they leave their remaining few houses that survived.The death toll from the Eaton Fire rose to 16 today as search and rescue teams go through the ruins of thousands of homes. More than 7,000 structures, mostly homes, were damaged or destroyed as a powerful Santa Ana wind event pushed flames farther into the city than even many fire experts expected. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Here are the latest updates from LA County's Coordinated Joint Information Center. The numbers are current as of 10 a.m. on Jan. 23, 2025.
Eaton Fire
- Fire Size: 14,021 acres, 95% contained
- Structures Threatened: 6,775
- Structures Damaged: 1,073
- Structures Destroyed: 9,418
Palisades Fire
Clean and sanitize assistance offered to LA County residents affected by wildfires
By Jonathan Lloyd
Malibu, CA – January 15: Burn scares in the hills above Pacific Coast Highway during the Palisades Fire in Malibu, CA, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
Los Angeles County residents affected by the region's wildfires may be eligible for a $300 in one-time financial assistance to help with cleanup. The assistance if for eligible homeowner and renters meeting the following qualifications.
- Your pre-disaster primary home must be in Los Angeles County.
- Based on a FEMA inspection, your home has disaster damage; or if you are a renter, the inspection noted clean-up actions are needed or have already been done.
- The damage is not covered by your insurance.
- FEMA determines your disaster-damaged primary residence is safe to occupy.
- If you have already cleaned up, save your receipts from any supplies, materials, or paid help.
Applicants must first register with FEMA. To apply, visit here, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or apply in person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find a DRC near you, go to here.
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is March 10, 2025.
Laguna Fire grows to 15 acres in Camarillo area
By Jonathan Lloyd
How many wildfires have burned this year in California?
By Jonathan Lloyd
Newsom navigates his relationship with Trump as wildfires ravage his state
By Steve Peoples | Associated Press
Just two days before Air Force One touches down in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom doesn't know if he's welcome to join President Donald Trump's wildfire tour.
The Democratic governor is willing and able to meet with the Republican president in Southern California on Friday, according to Newsom's office. But the White House has not issued any guidance to the Democratic governor about his plans. In fact, Newsom's team says it's only aware of the president's visit “from sources.”
The uncertainty just hours before Trump's arrival underscores the complicated relationship between two of the nation's most formidable political rivals. Newsom, in particular, is navigating a crisis that could undercut his state's recovery and his presidential ambitions.
Newsom described Trump as a uniquely dangerous threat to American democracy for much of last year's presidential campaign. And Trump regularly calls the governor “scum” — or, to be exact, “Newscum."
CSU Channel Islands campus evacuated due to Ventura County brush fire
By Jonathan Lloyd
Evacuations were ordered on the Cal State Channel Islands campus Thursday Jan. 23, 2025 when a brush fire broke out in Ventura County.
Evacuations were ordered on the Cal State Channel Islands campus Thursday morning when a brush fire broke out in the Camarillo area in Ventura County.
Firefighters and water-dropping aircraft responded to the Laguna Fire at about 9 a.m. off Laguna Road in the Oxnard plains. The fire was estimated at 15 acres with a rapid rate of spread in medium brush.
Water-dropping aircraft responded to the hillside covered in dry brush, located just west of the CSU Channel Islands campus and about 60 miles west of downtown Los Angeles
Winds were gusting at 20 mph to 30 mph in the area.
Water-dropping aircraft respond to Laguna Fire in Ventura County
By Jonathan Lloyd
Cal State Channel Islands campus ordered to evacuate due to Laguna Fire
By Jonathan Lloyd
Map: Extreme drought expands in LA County after ‘abysmal' start to water year
By Jonathan Lloyd
Around the country, people rely on these piles of snow for their water supply. What is a snowpack, and how else does it impact you?
Extreme drought expanded into parts of Los Angeles County as a dry start to the wet season continues in fire-prone Southern California, according to this week's U.S. Drought Monitor report.
Extreme drought, the second-most severe category in the weekly report, was limited to extreme southeast California last week, but parts of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties are under the category in the report released Thursday.
About 11 percent of California is in extreme drought. Thirty-three percent of the state, including northern Los Angeles County, is in severe drought.
At this time last year, no part of California was in extreme, severe or even moderate drought. About 39 percent of the state is in moderate drought with 67 percent considered abnormally dry. A large swath of Northern California, where storms have delivered rain and snow, does not fall under a drought category this week.
Animal evacuation locations for residents near the Hughes Fire
LA has seen 15 days of red flag warnings in January. What's in the weekend forecast?
By Jonathan Lloyd and Belen De Leon
A red flag warning has been extended through 10 a.m. on Friday as strong winds blow ash and dust into the air. This video was broadcast on the NBC4 News at 4 a.m. on Jan. 23, 2025.
Firefighters are gaining ground on three major fires in Los Angeles County, where a red flag warning that went into effect earlier this week for parts of the region was extended into Friday.
So far in January, the high fire danger forecast is a recurring theme. There have been 15 days of red flag warnings in Los Angeles County through 23 days this month.
That includes consecutives days of red flag warnings from Jan. 6 to Jan. 16 that offered little relief for firefighters who have battled the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires, the fast-moving Hughes Fire in Castaic and many other smaller fires that crews prevented from reaching structures and neighborhoods. The Palisades Fire started on the morning of Jan. 7 in Pacific Palisades followed hours later by the Eaton Fire in the Altadena area in a Santa Ana windstorm that firefighters described as among the worst they've seen.
"Today is another one," said NBC4 meteorologist Belen De Leon. "We have fire danger very present with the winds increasing as we go through the middle of the day."
Air quality update: What to know about Hughes Fire ash and smoke
Morning drive on 405 Freeway slows near Sepulveda Fire
By Jonathan Lloyd
First Alert Forecast: Red flag warning extended until Friday
Free sandbags available ahead of possible rain
Containment grows for Eaton and Palisades fires
By Missael Soto
Aerial and ground crews make progress on Sepulveda Pass brush fire
By Missael Soto
Hughes Fire containment grows to 14%
By Missael Soto
Crews have begun to grow containment lines of the Hughes Fire burning near Castaic Lake.
As of Wednesday night, containment of the blaze grew to 14%, according to Cal Fire.
Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.
The Hughes Fire grew to more than 10,000 acres, but fire officials said they are "getting the upper hand."
