Return of strong winds to Los Angeles threaten area's fight against fires

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LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- At least 24 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 to rage across Southern California, leaving fire crews scrambling to contain the historic destruction.

Key Headlines in the last 24 hours

Here's how the news is developing.
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Jan 14, 2025, 8:43 AM

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
- 14% containment
- 8 deaths
- 5,316 structures burned

Eaton Fire in San Gabriel Valley

- 14,117 acres
- 33% contained
- Approximately 7,081 structures believed to be damaged or destroyed (structures includes vehicles)
- 16 deaths
- 5 firefighter injuries

Hurst Fire in Sylmar

- 799 acres

- 97% contained

Auto Fire

- 55 acres

- 0% contained

Kenneth Fire in West Hills

- 1,052 acres

- 100% contained

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Jan 13, 2025, 5:15 PM GMT

Lakers hosting donation drive at upcoming home games

The Lakers are set to play their first home game in nearly a week, and the organization is hosting a donation drive to help those impacted by the fires.

The drive will be held during the team's next three home games, which are slated for Wednesday and Friday.

They're accepting food and non-food items, including water, trail mixes, dry shampoo, phone chargers and blankets.

They're not accepting clothing items.

The Lakers are set to play their first home game in nearly a week, and the organization is hosting a donation drive to help those impacted by the fires.
Jan 13, 2025, 4:33 PM GMT

Damaged super scooper will reportedly fly again Tuesday

The damaged water-dropping super scooper firefighting aircraft that collided with a drone over the Palisades Fire last week will reportedly be back in the sky Tuesday morning, officials announced.

During a Monday morning news conference, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the aircraft has been repaired. They're now waiting on approval from the Federal Aviation Administration before it can officially fly again and continue aerial efforts to contain the flames.

According to officials, the plane last week collided with a privately-owned drone, causing significant damage to it. The drone put a 3x6 hole in the aircraft, causing a 20- to 30-minute delay in the aerial firefight.

The low-flying, surface-skimming planes dip into the water before dumping its contents over blazing wildfires. As the wind-driven fires continue across Southern California, officials are pleading with people to not fly drones over wildfire-ravaged areas.

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Jan 13, 2025, 3:46 PM GMT

California AG to wildfire victims: Beware of price gouging, scams

As thousands of displaced families look for a place to stay due to the wildfires, the state has issued a series of protections, including one against price gouging.

On Sunday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order that will streamline the rebuilding of destroyed homes and businesses.

The order also extends protections against price gouging in Los Angeles County on building materials, storage services, construction, and other essential goods and services to January 7, 2026.

During a press conference Saturday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office has received reports of hotels, rental properties, and other businesses charging too much for goods and services.

"We should not be engaged in price gouging, whether it's groceries or rent," he said. "We are very serious about this, and the governor's office, on ensuring that there is no price gouging and that anyone engaged in it is held accountable."

READ MORE | California officials warn of price gouging, scams as wildfire victims seek help

As thousands of displaced families look for a place to stay, the state has issued a series of protections, including one against price gouging.
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Jan 13, 2025, 2:20 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