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

A Pasadena firefighter who worked tirelessly on the front lines to contain the devastating Eaton Fire and save his community suffered a personal loss during that same fire.

Chien Yu, who works as a fire engineer, began battling the Eaton Fire right after he evacuated his home along with his wife and two children.

Yu worked tirelessly to save his community and unfortunately lost his own home in the fire.

A Pasadena firefighter who worked tirelessly on the front lines to contain the devastating Eaton Fire and save his community suffered a personal loss during that same fire.

"We worked all night, worked really hard. We tried," said Yu as he held back tears, describing how hard he and his crew tried to save homes in Altadena from the wind fueled fire.

"We'd go to a street and try to put out a fire and then walk to the backyard and there would be three to four more homes on fire on the other side of the street."

Among the houses that burned to the ground was his own.

"When we saw the fire, I just said 'Guys it's coming' and I grabbed an empty box and started grabbing stuff," said Yu's wife, Kim.

She headed to safety along with their two sons while Chien went straight to work, only grabbing some socks and underwear.

"When you're trying to go help fight fires and it's actually your home. It's unbelievable," said Yu. "There's no words, no words. It's just crazy what everybody in the neighborhood, the family's gone through."

The Yu's not only lost their home, but they also lost their son's school. But they said they are counting their blessings and preparing for a brighter future.

"We have a fighting spirit in us and we have hope and faith that it will be okay and we will rebuild Altadena," said Kim.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe was set up to help the Yu family recover.

A Pasadena firefighter who worked tirelessly on the front lines to contain the devastating Eaton Fire and save his community suffered a personal loss during that same fire.

A new fire erupted in Ventura County Monday night and was burning through the Santa Clara riverbed as strong winds threatened the region.

The Auto Fire was first reported around 7 p.m. between Victoria Avenue and Ventura Boulevard.

Forward progress was stopped at around 11:45 p.m. and was mapped at 55 acres with 0% containment.

Crews were forced to battle the fire as strong winds fueled its rapid growth.

At least 100 Ventura City Fire, Oxnard Fire and Federal Fire Ventura County firefighters were actively working to mop up hotspots and increase containment.

The fire was contained to the river bottom.

Northbound traffic of the 101 Freeway was shut down around 9 p.m. as the fire continued to spread closer to Victoria Avenue.

The Auto Fire burned near the River Ridge Golf Club and the 101 Freeway, but VCFD said it was not a threat to any structures.

An evacuation order was issued for the Santa Clara River between the 101 Freeway and Victoria Avenue. No residential areas were placed under evacuation.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A new fire erupted in Ventura County Monday night and was burning through the Santa Clara riverbed as strong winds threatened the region.

The Los Angeles Rams had an emotional opening to their wild-card playoff game Monday, sending a message to their hometown.

Retired Super Bowl champion Andrew Whitworth gave a brief speech before the game, thanking the Los Angeles firefighters for their hard work. He echoed the message of the night: "L.A. Strong".

"We will rebuild L.A. hand in hand, together. For as long as it takes and whatever it takes," said Whitworth.

Before the national anthem, there was a moment of silence to honor the firefighters who are on the front lines working to combat the wildfires.

Rachel Platten sang "Fight Song" to open up the night as an "LA Together" banner was seen over the fans with images of firefighters.

The Rams relocated their game against the Minnesota Vikings nearly 400 miles east to the State Farm Stadium due to the wildfires.

Air quality is a big concern for everyone in Southern California, even for those who don't live near fire zones.

We have answers from experts regarding particulate matter when the air quality index is good and what protection you'll need when sifting through a fire-damaged home.

Click here for the full story and report on air quality issues due to the SoCal fires.

Air quality is a big concern for everyone in Southern California, even for those who don't live near fire zones. We answer your questions here.