The two largest wildfires devastating the Los Angeles area have claimed at least 10 lives and destroyed over 10,000 homes and structures, officials confirmed.
As firefighters continue to battle the blazes, authorities are urging residents to comply with evacuation orders after a new fire erupted and rapidly expanded, further intensifying the crisis in the region.
The Kenneth Fire ignited late Thursday afternoon in the San Fernando Valley, just two miles (3.2 kilometers) from a school being used as a shelter for evacuees from another wildfire. The fire quickly spread into neighboring Ventura County, but a swift and aggressive response by firefighters successfully halted its advance, preventing further devastation in the already hard-hit region.
Approximately 400 firefighters stayed on the scene overnight to monitor the Kenneth Fire and guard against potential flare-ups. Their continued presence underscores the ongoing risk as crews work tirelessly to ensure the fire remains contained.
What to Know:
- LAPD has a suspect in custody after a tipoff about possible arson.
- To the west in Pacific Palisades, the largest of the fires destroyed over 5,300 structures and firefighters had no containment.
- All of the major fires that have broken out this week are in a roughly 25-mile band north of downtown Los Angeles.
- At least five churches, a synagogue, seven schools, two libraries, boutiques, bars, restaurants, banks and groceries were burned.
- AccuWeather estimated the damage and economic loss to $135-$150 billion.
- At least 130,000 people have been evacuated.
Actor Steve Guttenberg Returns to His Once-Lush la Neighborhood
Steve Guttenberg woke up Thursday to a devastating scene: the wildfire that ravaged Pacific Palisades had left his once-lush neighborhood in ruins, with charred homes, empty streets, and friends displaced by evacuation orders.
Despite the destruction, Guttenberg’s property was miraculously spared. However, the actor-producer admitted to struggling with the emotional toll of the tragedy.
“Just this morning, I woke up and I was really conscious of my mental state and my mental health, because the last three days, I’ve seen so much tragedy,” Guttenberg said as he walked through the remnants of his community. While his home still has electricity, he noted that it is without running water, a stark reminder of the challenges ahead for those returning to the fire-scarred area.
Steve Guttenberg attends the The 2011 Wired Store opening launch party in New York, Nov. 17, 2011. With homes smoldered, streets emptied and friends scattered by evacuation orders, Guttenberg counted himself among the fortunate.
Brad Barket/AP
LAPD Has Suspect in Custody After Receiving Call About Possible Arson
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to a call on Thursday afternoon about a potential arson suspect, Newsweek has learned.
At 4:30 p.m., a radio call reported that “a male was heard stating a suspect was attempting to light a fire” in Woodland Hills, specifically on the 21700 block of Ybarra Road, according to an LAPD official. The call came roughly two hours after the Kenneth Fire was first reported.
Officers arrived at the scene and apprehended a suspect, but the LAPD stated that the investigation is ongoing and emphasized that they “cannot confirm any connection to any fire by this suspect at this time.” The incident remains under review as the wildfires continue to pose significant challenges across the region.
Read in full from Sonam Shethon Newsweek.
Water is dropped by helicopter on the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The two biggest wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area have killed at least 10…
Ethan Swope/AP