'Not out of the woods': Fire-scarred LA braces for another round of dangerous winds

ABC7 Eyewitness News
Stream Southern California's News Leader and Original Shows 24/7

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- At least 25 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.

KABC logo
Jan 15, 2025, 7:58 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
  • 19% containment
  • 9 deaths
  • 5,316 structures burned

Eaton Fire in San Gabriel Valley

  • 14,117 acres
  • 45% 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

  • 61 acres
  • 47% contained

Kenneth Fire in West Hills

  • 1,052 acres
  • 100% contained

Leanne Suter Image
29 minutes ago

Long lines at post office after homes burned

As people who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire start the process of recovery, many of them have faced long lines at the post office while trying to get their mail.

The Altadena post office was among the thousands of structures that burned down in the fire, which means all that mail has to be rerouted to Pasadena.

Altadena Resident Beverly Stewart called it a "major inconvenience."

Many of those who waited in line have no home to return to, while others are still waiting to be allowed back in after being evacuated last week. Still, all of them are desperate to get their mail and some semblance of a normal life after the destruction.

As people who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire start the process of recovery, many of them have faced long lines at the post office while trying to get their mail.

"The community around is destroyed, but everybody is here and trying to move on as best they can," said Anne Wilcoxen.

Officials warn residents must present their I.D. in order to pick up their mail. The Pasadena post office is open Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. It'll also be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

KABC logo
46 minutes ago

Japan donates $2 million to SoCal wildfire recovery efforts

Japan is donating $2 million to victims of the devastating L.A. County wildfires through the American Red Cross, officials announced on Wednesday.

"Japan will actively provide assistance for the relief of the victims and the earliest possible recovery of the affected areas,'' according to a statement from the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles

On Monday, Consul General Kenko Sone issued a message of condolence to the area.

"A heartbreaking and tragic week has passed since the Palisades and Eaton Fires started on January 7th. Struggles continue. The devastation and challenges are beyond our imagination,'' Sone wrote.

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the fires...Even under such difficult circumstances, it is encouraging to see so many organizations, volunteers, and individuals donating food, supplies and time to help with ongoing efforts. The perseverance and resilience of Angelenos is amazing and what the City of Angels represents.

"Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles is now working with Japanese and Japanese American businesses and communities to join these relief efforts. Japan is a nation that has experienced natural disasters and we are thankful for the generous support supplied by Southern California when it was needed the most. We stand with you all to support immediate needs and will do our best to collaborate with authorities, communities, and all of you to rebuild communities devastated by the fires,'' the message continued.

MORE: SoCal Wildfires - How You Can Help

City News Service contributed to this report.

KABC logo
46 minutes ago

Air quality: Dust and ash advisory issued for LA County amid fires, wind

A dust and ash advisory has been issued for Los Angeles County until 7 p.m. Wednesday "due to harmful particle pollution levels from windblown dust and ash" as the Eaton and Palisades fire continue to burn.

This pollution can embed deep into the lungs and cause health problems including heart disease symptoms, asthma attacks and an increased risk for respiratory infections.

A dust and ash advisory has been issued for L.A. County until 7 p.m. Wednesday "due to harmful particle pollution levels from windblown dust and ash."

Health experts and public officials have urged those impacted by the fires to protect themselves from air pollution carried by these winds by staying indoors, wearing protective equipment when needed and taking steps to purify air in the home.

You'll also want to keep your eyes safe, so wear goggles or some sort of eye protection.

MORE: Here's what to know about air quality issues from SoCal fires

ABC News contributed to this report.

46 minutes ago

Tax filing deadline extended for LA County residents due to fires

As a result of the devastation caused by the Los Angeles-area wildfires, residents countywide will have additional time this year to file their federal and state income taxes.

Normally set on April 15, the tax filing deadline for Los Angeles County residents and businesses will now be Oct. 15, according to the Internal Revenue Service and the governor's office.