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, 2:15 PM GMT

City of Pasadena issues unsafe water alert

The city of Pasadena has issued an unsafe water alert, warning people not to drink tap water.

The city's water system in the Eaton Fire evacuation areas could possibly have debris and elevated turbidity, the city said.

Residents are being asked not to drink tap water and to drink bottled water only.

"Bottled water should be used for all drinking (including baby formula and juice), brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice, and food preparation until further notice," the city's alert said. "This also applies to pets and domestic animals."

The city is also urging people not to try to treat the water themselves.

Officials said boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting water stand will not make the water safe.

Pasadena Water and Power will inform residents the water is safe to use again, but that will depend on the fire, wind, and other conditions.

For more information, you can call Pasadena Water and Power's 24-hour emergency line at 626-744-4138.

KABC logo
Jan 16, 2025, 2:15 PM GMT

SpaceX to provide free Starlink terminals to wildfire areas

Elon Musk posted to his X account saying that SpaceX will provide free Starlink terminals to affected areas in the Los Angeles area as soon as Thursday morning.

KABC logo
Jan 16, 2025, 2:15 PM GMT

Santa Monica evacuation orders expanded

All areas of Santa Monica north of Montana Avenue from the beach to 11th Street are under a mandatory evacuation order, the city announced Wednesday. An evacuation order for areas north of San Vicente Boulevard were previously issued due to the Palisades Fire.

KABC logo
Jan 16, 2025, 2:15 PM GMT

Fire breaks out at home in Studio City as new wildfire erupts

Several homes went up in flames Wednesday as a new wildfire erupted in Studio City.

Several homes went up in flames Wednesday as a new wildfire erupted in Studio City.

AIR7 was above the scene and spotted at least two structures burning near Vanetta Place and Sunswept Drive. The Los Angeles Fire Department said more than 50 firefighters were able to extinguish the fire.

Officials said the fire extended into the surrounding vegetation and created small spot fires and caused some damage to buildings. The extent of that damage is unclear.

This was confirmed to be a new wildfire that's being called the Sunswept Fire. It's the sixth active fire in Los Angeles area as of Wednesday evening.

No injuries have been reported.