At least 24 people have lost their lives in the wildfires raging through Los Angeles, California, with the death toll expected to rise as firefighters continue to battle the flames. The Santa Ana winds are predicted to return, intensifying the two massive wildfires that have already reduced entire neighborhoods to ashes.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the fires have burned 40,588 acres and destroyed over 12,000 structures across Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Wildfires: Top 10 Updates

  1. The dry Santa Ana winds, which are forecasted to gust at 45 to 70 miles per hour, are set to return on Monday and continue through Wednesday, further exacerbating the wildfires. Meteorologist Rich Thompson from the National Weather Service stated that conditions could improve later in the week, but a red-flag warning will remain in effect until Wednesday.
  2. So far, the fires have claimed at least 24 lives, with several others still missing. As firefighters continue to battle the flames, the death toll is expected to rise. 
  3. The National Weather Service has issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS)” warning, highlighting the extreme wildfire risk in southern California starting Tuesday.
  4. US President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take office on January 20, is expected to visit the fire-ravaged city later next week to assess the damage and evaluate emergency needs. The timing and details of his visit are yet to be finalized.
  5. CAL Fire data shows that the Palisades Fire has destroyed more than 23,000 acres, with only 14% of the fire contained. The Eaton Fire has burned over 14,000 acres, with 33% containment, while the Hurst Fire, which spread across nearly 800 acres, is now 95% contained.
  6. Outgoing President Joe Biden expressed condolences for the lives lost and announced additional disaster assistance for California, covering fire debris removal and emergency protective measures. However, he stressed that Congress needs to step up and provide funding, estimating that recovery efforts in LA could cost tens of billions of dollars.
  7. A firefighting plane damaged in a collision with an unauthorized drone during an operation over the Palisades Fire has been repaired and is expected to return to service on Tuesday, according to LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. 
  8. The FBI is investigating the operator of the drone, which was flying in violation of temporary flight restrictions.
  9. Celebrities and corporations have stepped forward to help those affected by the fires. Heavy metal band Metallica donated $500,000, while Beyoncé contributed $2.5 million to the newly launched LA Fire Relief Fund through her charitable foundation, BeyGOOD. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS also awarded $500,000 in emergency grants. Netflix and Comcast NBCUniversal combined pledged $20 million to organizations supporting wildfire victims.
  10. CAL Fire Director Joe Tyler announced that over 15,000 first responders from across the US, Canada, and Mexico are now working to contain the wildfires in Southern California.