Hopes tide is turning against Los Angeles wildfires
Share and Follow

More than 10,000 structures have been destroyed by fires in the county, and the death toll has risen to seven.

Officials warn the real number of fatalities will remain unclear until they can safely access neighbourhoods.

Satellite image shows true devastation of fires

But conditions have eased in the city, with winds losing intensity, slowing the spread of the fires.

Governor Gavin Newsom said another of the more threatening blazes, the Sunset fire, has been suppressed.

“With more favourable overnight winds, firefighting aircraft were able to safely fly and help put out this blaze,” Newsom said.

Meanwhile, the Palisades fire which close to obliterated the neighbourhoods of Pacific Palisades and Malibu, is now six per cent contained.

As firefighters struggled to contain four major wildfires surrounding the city, a new blaze has broken out, growing rapidly over a few hours. 

A firefighter monitors the advance of the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) (AP)

It has quickly triggered mandatory evacuations in the area, which has many homes.

But an evacuation order intended for specific areas in the fire’s reach was mistakenly sent out to nine million people.

The evacuation order was issued for the entire Los Angeles County, the largest municipality in the US.

But a correction was quickly sent out.

Ahead of strong winds forecast in coming days, US President Joe Biden has announced an influx in federal resources.

“I’m surging every federal resource possible to Southern California, including hundreds of federal firefighters, 30 firefighting helicopters and planes, 8 DoD C-130s, and 500 military ground-clearing personnel,” the president announced.

“We’re working with (the Department of Defence) to identify what more we can surge.”

The city blocks of Altadena are illuminated by the fire consuming the northern neighbourhood of Los Angeles. (Maxar Technologies)

But President-elect Donald Trump has struck a different tone, accusing Newsom of not providing enough water to southern California.

“One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground. It’s ashes, and Gavin Newscum should resign. This is all his fault!!!” Trump wrote on social media.

“Governor Gavin Newscum should immediately go to Northern California and open up the water main, and let the water flow into his dry, starving, burning State, instead of having it go out into the Pacific Ocean.”

Trump will be sworn in as president in ten days.

A home is engulfed in flames during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles County. (AFP)

About 180,000 people are unable to return to their homes across Los Angeles County, with evacuation orders still in place.

And many of those people will have no home to go back to.

As a deterrent to looters, the sheriff’s department is preparing to implement a 6pm to 6am curfew.

If they are unable to implement it tonight, it is hoped to be in place tomorrow.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
US chasing 'dark fleet' oil tanker from Venezuela

U.S. Pursues Mysterious ‘Dark Fleet’ Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela

The US Coast Guard overnight was pursuing another sanctioned oil tanker in…
13 remain in hospital one week after Bondi Beach massacre

Tragedy at Bondi Beach: 13 Still Hospitalized a Week After Devastating Massacre

More than a week has passed since the tragic attack at Bondi…

PM Initiates Comprehensive Review of Federal Agencies Post-Bondi Terror Incident: What You Need to Know

Anthony Albanese has emphasized the critical need for Australia’s security agencies to…
Nigeria says 130 more children released nearly a month after being kidnapped from school

130 Nigerian Schoolchildren Freed: A Month-Long Kidnapping Ordeal Ends

Sunday Dare, a spokesman, announced on X that 130 more students abducted…

Commemorative Gathering at Bondi Beach: Australia Honors Massacre Victims One Week Later

Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, is remembering…

From Margins to Mainstream: The Rise of Australia’s Far Right in 2025

Throughout much of 2025, Australia’s disparate and fragmented far right — from…
The Akrams are seen on CCTV at the Campsie property before the Bondi attack.

Explosive Chaos: Court Documents Unveil Shocking Bomb Attack by Bondi Gunmen

In a chilling attack at Bondi, gunmen reportedly hurled bombs filled with…

United in Mourning: Bondi Community Shares Stories of Collective Grief After Devastating Terror Attack

Crowds continue to flock to a floral tribute at Sydney’s Bondi Beach,…