As two major fires continue to burn in and near Los Angeles, fire officials warn that major Santa Ana winds are expected to return early Tuesday morning, extending red flag warnings.
As of midday Monday, 26 individuals have died from the fires.Many died because they refused to evacuate their homes, according to fire officials. Gov. Gavin Newsom has deployed a second round of national guard members to assist law enforcement in evacuations and prevent looting of evacuated areas.
“The men and women of the California National Guard have been on the ground since day one – not only fighting fires, but also assisting with public safety efforts in communities devastated by these fires,” a statement from Newsom reads.
As of Monday morning, the fire that began in the Pacific Palisades last week has grown to 23,713 acres with 14% containment and 5,123 firefighters working to contain the fire. Additionally, there are 44 helicopters, 540 engines, 66 dozers, 60 water tenders and 115 crews.
Evacuation zones reach east toward Sherman Oaks and south toward Santa Monica. There remains a mandated curfew in these areas from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m and a “Do Not Drink” notice to Pacific Palisades zip codes and surrounding areas due to the potential of pollutant contamination of the water because of the fire.
The Palisades fire is the most destructive wildfire Los Angeles has ever seen with thousands of structures burning to the ground and tens of thousands of people forced to evacuate.
All Santa Monica schools are open on Monday, but schools in Malibu will remain closed through Wednesday. In the Los Angeles Unified School District, the closed schools include Canyon Charter Elementary, Kenter Canyon Charter Elementary, Palisades Charter Elementary and Paul Revere Middle School.
The other major fire is the Eaton Fire, which also began last week in Eaton Canyon right outside of Pasadena. The fire has grown to 14,117 acres at 33% containment and is spreading into the Los Angeles National Forest, which remains closed. There are hundreds of structures destroyed and thousands of people who have been forced to evacuate. Areas in Altadena and Pasadena near the fire and evacuation zones are under a “Do Not Drink” order and all schools in the Pasadena Unified School District remain closed.
There are currently 3,408 personnel fighting the fire with both air and ground support.
Officials have also issued an air quality warning for the City of Los Angeles and those living in surrounding areas. The pollutants in the air are specifically dangerous, according to officials, because of the structures being burned, including old ones that contain harmful materials such as asbestos.
Numerous resources have been provided for those affected by the fires:
FEMA Assistance: FEMA staff are providing in-person support by helping Angelenos apply for disaster relief at the Westwood Recreation Center and the Valens Recreation Center.
Small Business Administration: The administration is providing home disaster loans, business disaster loans and economic injury disaster loans, which can be applied for at lending.sba.gov.
Palisades Fire evacuation centers for families and small animals:
Stoner Recreation Center | 1835 Stoner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Westwood Recreation Center | 1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Pan Pacific Recreation Center | 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Recreation Center | 14201 Huston St., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Ritchie Valens Recreation Center | 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331
Palisades Fire emergency evacuation shelter for large animals:
Hansen Dam Horse Park | 11127 Orcas Ave, Hansen Dam, CA 91342
Bottled water distribution sites:
Westwood Recreation Center | 1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Brentwood Country Club | 741 S Gretna Green Way, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Air quality relief centers:
Alpine Recreation Center | 817 Yale Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 213.485.5448
Eaton Fire evacuation centers:
Pasadena Convention Center | 300 E. Green St., Pasadena
Westwood Recreation Center | 1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles
El Camino Real Charter High School | 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Los Angeles Equestrian Center | 480 W Riverside Dr., Burbank (accepts large animals)
Pierce College Equestrian Center | 7100 El Rancho Drive, Woodland Hills (accepts large animals)
Agoura Animal Care Center | 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills (accepts small animals)
Those living near the fires can check lafd.org/redflag for Red Flag warning updates and sign up for emergency alerts in their area at notifyla.org.
