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

Last updated: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 10:33PM GMT
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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.

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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

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2 hours and 45 minutes ago

AIR7 gets first lower-level look at fire devastation across Altadena

AIR7 has been above Altadena and Pasadena, taking a block-by-block look at damage from the Eaton Fire.

On Tuesday, we were able to get the closest aerial footage we've gotten with full Skymap technology.

AIR7 got its first lower-level look at the fire devastation across Altadena.
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2 hours and 45 minutes ago

Powerball jackpot winner reportedly loses home in fire

The winner of a $2 billion Powerball jackpot is reportedly among the thousands of people who have lost their homes in Southern California wildfires.

According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, Edwin Castro, the man who bought the winning ticket at a gas station in Altadena, lost one of the three properties he bought with his winnings.

The home, a $3.85 million property in Malibu, was burned to the ground by the Palisades Fire.

His other two homes - a nearly $4 million home in Altadena and a $2.5 million mansion in the Hollywood Hills - were in evacuation zones for the Eaton and Sunset fires, respectively.

Both of those properties were spared.

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2 hours and 45 minutes ago

Officials provide clarity after fire relief applicants receive FEMA response saying 'not approved'

Los Angeles County officials on Tuesday moved to provide clarity to wildfire victims who applied for relief assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and received a response that said the application was "not approved."

"If the letter says you are 'not approved' for assistance, it does not mean you have been denied assistance. Understanding this letter and any next steps you need to take is critical to move your recovery forward," an explanatory page, titled "Understanding FEMA Determination Letter," said on the official L.A. County Recovers website.

"It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of money FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of that money," the website said. "The letter will also explain your application status and advise what you need to do to appeal if you do not agree with FEMA's decision."

Officials noted that people with insurance may receive an initial "not approved" decision but that FEMA assistance may nonetheless still be available.

"FEMA may need your insurance determination to be finalized in order to continue processing your application to make sure you are not receiving financial aid for the same damage twice," according to L.A. County Recovers. "By law, FEMA cannot pay for costs related to the wildfires that your insurance already covers."

After 30 days or more have passed since an insurance claim has been filed, if a settlement has not been received, wildfire victims are urged to contact the FEMA helpline at (800) 621-3362. FEMA may be able to provide some initial funds while residents wait for their insurance payout, officials said.

The website also included tips to help FEMA keep applicants on track toward recovery, instructions on how to appeal a FEMA decision, and information about other federal support that may be available.

The agency has received more than 40,000 applications in connection with the Southern California wildfires and has provided more than $8 million in relief, the agency said.

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2 hours and 45 minutes ago

Couple in their 80s fights Palisades Fire alone to save their home

A Pacific Palisades couple used garden hoses to protect their home from the Palisades Fire as the flames approached. Both of them survived.

Susan Salser, 85, fought the fire with her 86-year-old husband, Winston, and saved their home - just like they did in a 1978 fire that hit the Palisades.

Their home is one of only three still standing at the top of their Pacific Palisades street.

A Pacific Palisades couple used garden hoses to protect their home from the Palisades Fire as the flames approached. Both of them survived.