8: 45 P.M. ET

Live Updates:

  • 8:00 p.m. ET: Mayor Victor Gordo of Pasadena says one of the biggest challenges ahead will be getting people who lost their homes into permanent, long-term housing.
  • 7:49 p.m. ET: Chief Chad Augustin of the Pasadena Fire Department says fighting the Eaton Fire had stretched water resources since dozens of fire engines were drawing water.
  • 7:36 p.m. ET: Chief Chad Augustin of the Pasadena Fire Department says 750 firefighters were battling the Eaton Fire, with additional forces on the way from across California and Arizona.

As of 8:45 EST, here are the latest developments:

  1. Death Toll Rises: The number of confirmed fatalities has increased to 5, with many more reported missing.
  2. Fire Spread: The Palisades Fire has grown to over 16,000 acres, while the Eaton Fire has consumed over 10,600 acres.
  3. Evacuations: Mandatory evacuation orders remain in place for over 100,000 people, with an additional 100,000 under evacuation warnings.
  4. Power Outages: Over 1.5 million customers are without power, with many more expected to lose electricity as the fires continue to spread.
  5. Firefighting Efforts: 750 firefighters are battling the Eaton Fire, with additional forces on the way from across California and Arizona.
  6. Weather Conditions: Gusty winds and dry conditions are expected to persist throughout the day, making it challenging for firefighters to contain the blazes.
  7. Structural Damage: Over 1,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, including homes, businesses, and landmarks.
  8. School Closures: The Pasadena Unified School District has announced that five campuses have been substantially damaged by fire and will remain closed for the rest of the week.

Los Angeles is currently under siege: Wildfires surround the city, putting over 130,000 people in jeopardy. Our Editor-in-Chief, a lifelong Los Angeles resident, reports live from the frontlines, sharing a heartfelt and harrowing firsthand account as the disaster unfolds around her.

The city of angels has turned into a city of flames. The devastating wildfires that erupted in Los Angeles have left thousands of residents fleeing for their lives, and firefighters battling to contain the inferno. But what triggered this catastrophe?

The National Weather Service had warned of extreme fire risk amid a “life-threatening and destructive” windstorm, but nothing could have prepared the city for the sheer scale of destruction. Hurricane-force winds gusting up to 90 mph, coupled with bone-dry conditions, created a perfect storm for disaster.

As of Wednesday, multiple fires were raging across the LA area, including the Eaton Fire, which had grown to over 10,600 acres, forcing evacuations in urban areas. The Palisades Fire, which had spread to nearly 16,000 acres, was threatening heavily populated areas like Santa Monica, Brentwood, and Malibu.

The extreme behavior of the fires has made control nearly impossible, with videos showing a firestorm of embers carried by powerful winds. The Weather Service described the situation as “extremely critical,” with high fire danger expected to last through at least Thursday.

But what’s behind this unprecedented disaster? Climate scientist Alex Hall from UCLA points to the unusual lack of rainfall in the region. “Typically, we have our first rains in November… and it’s enough to quench the thirst of the plants that have been dormant for much of the summer.” Without this rainfall, the fire season has been extended, making the region vulnerable to massive wildfires.

As the city struggles to come to terms with the devastation, our editor reflects on the unprecedented nature of the disaster:

“I have lived in LA for many years and have never seen anything like this before. The air is thick with smoke. The winds are crazy. So many beautiful places have been demolished to the ground. It’s heartbreaking to see the city I love suffering like this.”

Here is a timeline of the events:

  • Tuesday, January 7:
  • Multiple wildfires break out in the Los Angeles area, including the Eaton Fire, Palisades Fire, and Hurst Fire.
  • Strong winds gusting up to 90 mph spread the fires rapidly.
  • Evacuation orders are issued for several areas.
  • Tuesday evening, January 7:
  • Over 1.5 million customers lose power due to the wildfires and preventative power shutoffs.
  • Five people are confirmed dead.
  • Wednesday, January 8:
  • The fires continue to spread, with the Palisades Fire growing to nearly 16,000 acres.
  • Firefighters struggle to contain the blazes due to extreme weather conditions.
  • Over 130,000 people remain without power.

Sources:

  • National Weather Service
  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  • The New York Times
  • Reuters
  • ALERTCalifornia/UC San Diego

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