Return of strong winds to Los Angeles threatens 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.
KABC logo
Jan 14, 2025, 10:16 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
  • 17% containment
  • 8 deaths
  • 5,316 structures burned

Eaton Fire in San Gabriel Valley

  • 14,117 acres
  • 35% 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

  • 56 acres
  • 25% contained

Kenneth Fire in West Hills

  • 1,052 acres
  • 100% contained

KABC logo
1:12 AM GMT

LA sports organizations team up with $8M+ donation, distribution drives

A dozen L.A. pro sports organizations will pledge more than $8 million to support victims and those fighting the fires, the groups announced Monday in a joint statement.

The teams include Angel City FC, the Angels, Chargers, Clippers, Dodgers, Ducks, Galaxy, Kings, LAFC, Lakers, Rams and Sparks.

They said that the contributions would go towards the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund, Team Rubicon and various local animal rescue organizations.

In addition to money raised for the recovery effort, the organizations announced a partnership with merchandize site Fanatics to distribute $3 million worth of merchandise to those who have been evacuated from their homes.

They say thousands more items including personal hygiene kits, school supplies, sneakers and more will be given out at makeshift distribution centers on Friday, January 17 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at three locations - Dodger Stadium, SoFi Stadium and BMO Stadium.

LA sports organizations team up with $8M+ donation, distribution drives for wildfire relief
ByMary Kekatos ABCNews logo
Jan 13, 2025, 8:41 PM GMT

Some health care facilities remain closed amid wildfires

Health care centers and medical facilities remain closed as the devastating California wildfires spread.

Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest health care systems in California, said most of its facilities remain open and operational but seven remain closed, including facilities in the cities and neighborhoods of Pasadena, Rosemead, Santa Monica, Canyon County and Sylmar.

Keck Medicine of USC shared an update to its website stating that all affiliated hospitals remain open but at least nine clinics remain closed, including those in Arcadia, Glendale, La CaƱada Flintridge and Los Angeles.

Providence health care system, which serves five Western states including California, also announced that some of its outpatient services, such as doctors' offices, were closed but that its hospitals remain open.

Adventist Health Glendale said in a statement on its website that its hospital and emergency department is operating as usual and patients are not being evacuated. However, some patients with elective procedures are being rescheduled to a later date and all non-essential visitation has been postponed.

"Some patients with elective procedures may be rescheduled for a later date - These patients will be contacted directly by their provider," the statement said.

As of Sunday afternoon, UCLA Health said clinic operations were "impacted" in the neighborhoods of Calabasas, Malibu, Pacific Palisades and Pasadena. However, it's unclear from the UCLA statement how many clinics are closed.

"Affected patients will be contacted with additional information. Patients with questions or seeking to reschedule appointments are encouraged to contact their physician's office or clinic," UCLA Health stated on its website. "UCLA Health asks that visits to our medical center emergency departments be reserved for urgent and life-threatening medical conditions."

Some health care centers are working to reopen after being temporarily closed. Cedars-Sinai shared in an update on its website Monday that it was planning to resume non-urgent and non-emergency procedures, some of which it had postponed because of the fires.

"Our Medical Network has reopened most outpatient offices and surgery centers that had been temporarily closed, including locations in Brentwood/West Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Pasadena and Santa Monica. We continue to do everything possible to minimize any disruptions to care," Cedars-Sinai's update stated.

Additionally, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, which has locations in four states including California, said its main campus in Duarte and all of its outpatient clinics are open as staff work to accommodate patients "whose care was impacted over the last few days."

KABC logo
Jan 13, 2025, 7:59 PM GMT

3 lawsuits filed against SoCal Edison over Eaton Fire

Three lawsuits were filed Monday against Southern California Edison, claiming the utility's equipment sparked the deadly Eaton Fire.

One lawsuit claims there is "clear evidence from video footage, photographs, and witness accounts that the fire was caused by electrical equipment operated by SCE."

Another alleges that SCE failed to comply with essential electrical and fire safety standards, including failing to maintain power lines properly and overgrown vegetation.

READ MORE | First lawsuits filed against Southern California Edison over Eaton Fire

Two lawsuits were filed Monday morning against Southern California Edison in connection with the Eaton Fire.
KABC logo
Jan 13, 2025, 7:37 PM GMT

New maps show damage assessment from Palisades and Eaton fires

As officials work to fully assess the destruction left behind by the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County, newly released maps are providing a look at what was destroyed and damaged, and even what was left untouched.

The preliminary damage assessments posted on the county's wildfire recovery website feature color-coded icons that show the structures in the fire's footprints, and whether they were destroyed or what type of damage they sustained otherwise.

Newly released maps are providing a look at what was destroyed and damaged by the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire in Altadena - and even what was left untouched.