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Fresh evacuation orders have been given to new areas of Los Angeles after the largest wildfire blaze shifted in another direction.
On Friday night, reports that the Palisades Fire on the city’s western edge was heading in a new direction prompted fresh evacuation orders for much of the Brentwood neighborhood and the foothills of the San Fernando Valley.
“The Palisades fire has got a new significant flare-up on the eastern portion and continues to move northeast,” LA Fire Department Captain Erik Scott told local station KTLA, according to a report on the LA Times website.
The latest evacuations come after California Governor Gavin Newsom called for an investigation into the county’s fire hydrants and other water failures.
Some hydrants in the Palisades were unusable earlier this week and reservoir water was reportedly not available, impairing the effort to protect homes. Newsom has called on county officials to investigate the matter and compile a report.
There are six active large wildfires throughout Los Angeles County. The Palisades and Eaton fires are the most destructive in the state’s history. Both are less than 10 percent contained.
At least 11 have been killed as officials continue to battle the stubborn blazes.
Curfew ordered in LA evacuation areas until 6am
Los Angeles city mayor Karen Bass said a curfew is in effect for all evacuation areas until 6am local time.
“Those who violate the order will be held accountable,” Ms Bass said.
“Help us support first responders as they continue to work on urgent response efforts,” she said.
Vishwam Sankaran11 January 2025 12:30
Moment LA live weather broadcast interrupted by wildfire evacuation warning
The Fox LA weather presenter was in the middle of his broadcast on Friday (10 January), when alerts started sounding from mobile phones in the studio.
The presenter then reads out the message, which states: “This is an emergency message from LA County Fire department, an evacuation warning has been issued in your area.
“Remain vigilant of any threats and be ready to evacuate, gather loved ones, pets and supplies.”
Moment LA live weather broadcast interrupted by wildfire evacuation warning
This is the moment an LA live weather broadcast is interrupted by evacuation warning over the devastating wildfires. The Fox LA weather presenter was in the middle of his broadcast on Friday (10 January), when alerts started sounding from mobile phones in the studio. The presenter then reads out the message, which states: “This is an emergency message from LA County Fire department, an evacuation warning has been issued in your area. “Remain vigilant of any threats and be ready to evacuate, gather loved ones, pets and supplies.”
Athena Stavrou11 January 2025 12:05
Winds to ‘remain a threat’ until next week, Biden says
US president Joe Biden said the threat of powerful winds driving the spread of fires in California could remain until next week, though they are dying down from the levels seen earlier in the week.
Hurricane-strength Santa Ana winds caused the raging wildfires to spread rapidly through Los Angeles.
“While the winds have died down, we expect they will remain a threat until early next week,” the US president posted on X.
“We’ll keep working 24/7 to support state and local officials to fully stop these fires,” he said.
Vishwam Sankaran11 January 2025 12:00
Newsom calls for investigation into the loss of hydrant water pressure and reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir
Vishwam Sankaran11 January 2025 11:30
Lidia fire 98% contained, Newsom says
California governor Gavin Newsom said the Lidia fire in the community of Acton is 98 per cent contained across its 395 acres.
Cal Fire said the fire’s forward progress had been stopped.
This is an emergency. This isn’t about politics — it’s about making sure people are alive.
I want the President-elect to visit LA County to understand the magnitude of the devastation we’re experiencing right now and how we can be partners in recovery. pic.twitter.com/i1l3jGj322
— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 11, 2025
“I want the president-elect to visit LA County to understand the magnitude of the devastation we’re experiencing right now and how we can be partners in recovery,” Mr Newsom said.
Vishwam Sankaran11 January 2025 11:10
Firefighters continue to battle five large blazes. Here are the stats
Michelle Del Rey11 January 2025 11:00
LA suburb residents concerned aid will be channeled towards high-profile areas
Residents of Altadena, a racially and economically diverse suburb near Los Angeles, expressed concerns that government resources would be channelled towards high-profile areas like Malibu popular with Hollywood A-Listers.
The suburb’s residents, including Black and Latino families who have lived there for generations, also raised concerns that insurance companies might short-change less affluent households which may not have the means to contest fire claims.
“They’re not going to give you the value of your house … if they do, you really have to fight for it,” Kay Young, a 63-year-old resident of the suburb, told Reuters.
“You’re going to have some folks who are not going to get as much as they deserve, and some folks who may get more than actually they need,” Inez Moore, a lecturer at California State University whose family home was destroyed in the fires, said.
Vishwam Sankaran11 January 2025 10:23
Officials warn residents to beware of scams
Michelle Del Rey11 January 2025 10:00
‘Like a ton of bricks just fell on me’: What we know about victims of ‘most destructive’ fire in LA history
Michelle Del Rey11 January 2025 09:00
Michelle Del Rey11 January 2025 08:00
