New round of evacuation orders lifted as LA mayor names chief recovery officer

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LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- At least 27 people are believed to be dead and more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for as multiple wildfires, fueled by severe drought conditions and strong Santa Ana winds, continue burning in Southern California.

The Palisades Fire, burning in the Pacific Palisades, and the Eaton Fire, burning in Altadena, have forced thousands to evacuate and destroyed more than 12,000 structures.

KABC logo
Jan 17, 2025, 5:42 PM

Wildfires burning in SoCal: Numbers at a glance

Here are all the current wildfires burning in Southern California at a glance.

Palisades Fire

  • 23,713 acres
  • 31% containment
  • 10 deaths
  • 5,316 structures burned

Eaton Fire in San Gabriel Valley

  • 14,117 acres
  • 65% contained
  • Approximately 7,081 structures believed to be damaged or destroyed (structures includes vehicles)
  • 17 deaths
  • 5 firefighter injuries

Hurst Fire in Sylmar

  • 799 acres
  • 100% contained

Auto Fire

  • 61 acres
  • 85% contained

Kenneth Fire in West Hills

  • 1,052 acres
  • 100% contained

KABC logo
Jan 16, 2025, 2:14 PM GMT

68 arrested, many for burglary, in fire evacuation zones, police say

At least 68 people have been arrested in fire evacuation zones, according to law enforcement officials, as police work to secure devastated parts of Los Angeles and firefighters continue to battle wildfires.

The Santa Monica Police Department reported 39 arrests in evacuated areas in its jurisdiction on Saturday night, including 10 for burglary and six for possession of burglary tools.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said it recorded 29 arrests -- 25 in the Eaton Fire area north of Pasadena and four in the Palisades Fire area in western Los Angeles.

The Santa Monica Police Department reported 39 arrests in evacuated areas in its jurisdiction on Saturday night, including 10 for burglary and six for possession of burglary tools. None of those arrested lived in the area, the department said.

-ABC News' Marilyn Heck

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Jan 16, 2025, 2:14 PM GMT

Remains of 95-year-old grandmother discovered at her Altadena home after fire

The remains of a 95-year-old grandmother who was unaccounted for were discovered at her destroyed home in Altadena after the devastating Eaton Fire.

Dalyce Curry's family was reeling with the uncertainty of whether she was dead after the Eaton Fire tore through her Altadena home. Unfortunately, the coroner confirmed to Curry's family on Sunday just before 6 p.m. that her remains were discovered.

Mamma D was part of Old Black Hollywood in the 1950s, acting for decades. Her remains were found at her home after the Eaton Fire.

Dalyce Kelley had dropped off her grandmother, Dalyce Curry, at home around midnight Tuesday. Curry, known as "Momma D," was exhausted after spending a full day in the hospital.

Kelley, who is her grandmother's part-time caregiver, had to take care of other family members and left for the evening. Kelley, like thousands of others, didn't think the fire - which had sparked just hours earlier, would turn into the monster it would become.

Dalyce woke up to a text alert that power had gone out at her grandmother's house and she rushed to the smoke-filled Altadena area first thing to check on Momma D.

"I'm sorry your grandmother's property is gone. It totally burned down," an officer said when she reached a barricade. He suggested Kelley check the Pasadena Civic Center where displaced residents were being sent.

Momma D had not been seen since that night.

By Friday, Kelley was escorted by a member of the national guard to her home.

"It was total devastation," Kelley said. "Everything was gone except her blue Cadillac."

Mamma D was part of Old Black Hollywood in the 1950s, acting for decades.

She was an extra in iconic films like "The 10 Commandments", "Blues Brothers" and "Lady Sings the Blues".

Despite being 95 years old, her granddaughters say she still had plenty of life to live.

"She was very active, you would not think she was 95," granddaughter Loree Beamer-Wilkinson said.

Kelley told Eyewitness News on Sunday before she learned of her grandmother's death that she was "still praying for a miracle," but feared the worst.

"Honestly we don't feel very hopeful that she's still here with us," Kelley said.

Previous report below:

A family is reeling with the uncertainty of whether their 95-year-old grandmother is dead after the Eaton Fire tore through her Altadena home.
Leanne Suter Image
Jan 16, 2025, 2:14 PM GMT

Man loses home to the Eaton Fire month after losing his father

Every person that has lost their home in the deadly Eaton fire has their own personal story.

For Derek Russell Jr., the loss of his home came just one month after losing his father, Derek Russell Sr.

"This means everything. This is his legacy right here," said Russell, as he held his father's American flag, the only thing he has left of him.

Russell buried his father on Dec. 6, and on Tuesday suffered another loss. The Altadena home he shared with his father burned to the ground on Tuesday due to the Eaton Fire.

"I didn't even go through his stuff yet because I wasn't ready. I was just trying to learn how to grieve for myself for that," said Russell.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has been set up to help Russell recover.

Read Russel's full story here.

For Derek Russell Jr., the loss of his home came just one month after losing his father, Derek Russell Sr.
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Jan 16, 2025, 2:14 PM GMT

LAUSD to provide additional benefits to displaced employees

LAUSD will provide five days off to any employee who was relocated, evacuated or lost their home, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said during a news conference Sunday,

They will also provide $500 to employees who were displaced, provide free child care and the ability for employees to cash out vacation days.

MORE | Most LAUSD schools reopening on Monday

Most Los Angeles Unified School District schools will reopen on Monday, the district announced Sunday at press conference.