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

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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.

Key Headlines in the last 24 hours

Here's how the news is developing.
KABC logo
Jan 15, 2025, 3:59 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
  • 18% containment
  • 9 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

  • 61 acres
  • 47% contained

Kenneth Fire in West Hills

  • 1,052 acres
  • 100% contained

KABC logo
3 hours and 15 minutes ago

GoFundMe campaign phrasing could limit FEMA assistance for fire victims

After the devastating wildfires tore through the Los Angeles area last week, burning more than 40,000 acres and destroying thousands of homes, many people turned to GoFundMe campaigns to raise recovery funds.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is not only helping cover firefighting costs, but they are also helping people cover the costs of immediate needs and recovery efforts.

However, donations from a GoFundMe page could impact how much money people receive from FEMA.

Donations from a GoFundMe page could impact how much money people affected by the wildfires receive from FEMA.

"FEMA may be able to offer funds to replace a vehicle but if your GoFundMe page clearly states that you're raising funds to replace a vehicle, then that will impact eligibility," said FEMA's Nicole Wilson. "FEMA by law cannot duplicate benefits. So we can't pay for things that have already been paid for by other sources."

Even if you have already established a GoFundMe campaign, FEMA encourages anyone affected to apply for assistance regardless so they can review your specific case.

RELATED: LA wildfire victims could get $770 from FEMA within 24 hours of applying. Here's how

Jovana Lara Image
3 hours and 19 minutes ago

'Altadena Girls' aims to restore the identity of girls affected by wildfires

What started as an idea to help friends who lost their homes in the Altadena Fire quickly turned into an entire movement with the help of social media and some big name celebrities.

"Altadena Girls" was founded by14-year-old Avery Colvert, who along with her army of volunteers have been helping girls that were affected by the devastating fire.

"A lot of my friends, my closest friends, were affected," said Colvert.

Colvert's home was spared from the Eaton Fire, but her school, Eliot Arts Magnet Academy in Altadena, was badly damaged, along with the homes of many of Avery's friends.

"I wanted to create a space where girls can get all new items that will restore their identity back and their personal identity and their confidence," said Colvert.

In a matter of days, "Altadena Girls" went viral.

"I got a personal message from Charli XCX, her and her team gave us big bags of makeup from Sephora yesterday and Ariana Grande and REM Beauty are bringing us a bunch of stuff from her brand," said Colvert.

Colvert said the outpouring of support from the community has been amazing.

"It's amazing to see the heart of the people of Los Angeles. People dropped everything and they immediately came to our donation centers, and we have volunteers who have been here since day one," Colvert said. "It really shows the true heart of these people and how much they really want to help."

Teenager rallies army of volunteers to become 'Altadena Girls' to help others in wake of Eaton Fire
KABC logo
10:11 AM GMT

'Not out of the woods': NWS urges residents to stay on guard as strong winds return

As the strong winds threaten the fire-scarred Los Angeles area, the National Weather Service is reminding residents that "we are not out of the woods yet".

They said that although the winds underperformed on Tuesday, one more enhancement could happen Wednesday.

NWS urged residents to stay on guard for a potential fast-moving fire.

The "particularly dangerous situation" red flag warning will be in effect from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

Jory Rand Image
9:34 AM GMT

Man leaves Palisades Fire zone one week after staying to save home

For the first time in a week, Ken Karmin emerged from the Palisades Fire zone after he stayed behind to save his home.

For the first time in a week, Ken Karmin emerged from the Palisades Fire zone after he stayed behind to save his home.