Five raging wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County, reducing homes to ashes and displacing tens of thousands.
With five confirmed fatalities and over 130,000 residents fleeing to safety under evacuation orders, the scale of destruction is staggering.
The Palisades Fire, the most destructive blaze in LA County’s history, has obliterated over 17,000 acres of the idyllic coastline between Malibu and Santa Monica. Nearly 2,000 structures—homes, businesses, and beloved landmarks—have succumbed to the unyielding flames of the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire.
Wildfires have burned Los Angeles to the ground, at least 5 people lost their lives, thousands have been evacuated and 2,000 structures burned. Don’t skip this post without leaving a heart for LA. pic.twitter.com/x8pwsAyaFF
— Mohamad Safa (@mhdksafa) January 9, 2025
As dawn broke, firefighters experienced temporary relief in the Santa Ana winds, allowing aerial water drops to make some impact. However, forecasters warn of fierce winds battering the region today, fanning the flames and fueling chaos as residents are not only reeling from fire damage; the threat of toxic air pollution and unsafe water looms.
The wildfire fallout has also disrupted education across the region. Sixteen school districts in LA County remain closed today, with four already announcing extended closures through Friday. Among the losses are two schools in the Palisades that have been reduced to rubble.
Just days away from President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, rather than through his full support behind California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), he has resorted to finger-pointing, calling for Newsom’s resignation.
One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. “It’s ashes, and Gavin Newscum should resign. This is all his fault!!!”
Earlier Wednesday, Trump said Newsom should have signed a declaration to pump additional water through California to prevent the crisis.
“Now the ultimate price is being paid. I will demand that this incompetent governor allow beautiful, clean, fresh water to FLOW INTO CALIFORNIA! He is the blame for this,” he added. “On top of it all, no water for fire hydrants, not firefighting planes. A true disaster!”
BREAKING: Gavin Newsom just went after Donald Trump for politicizing the California wildfires. This is true leadership. pic.twitter.com/uUBgsI9BPS
— Democratic Wins Media (@DemocraticWins) January 9, 2025
Speaking to CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Newsom said that “one can’t even respond” to Trump’s attacks. “People are literally fleeing, people have lost their lives, kids lost their schools, families completely torn asunder, churches burned down – this guy wanted to politicize it. I have a lot of thoughts about what I want to say, and I won’t.”
Several organizations are on standby to aid families impacted by the wildfires.
Elon Musk, Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency lead, announced that SpaceX will provide free Starlink terminals to those impacted by the wildfires.
Planet Fitness is extending a helping hand to the community, inviting residents, first responders, and anyone affected to take refuge in their facilities through January 15 across LA County—the amenities include showers, locker rooms, HydroMassage loungers, electrical outlets, and Wi-Fi, all at no cost.
Airbnb.org has partnered with 211 LA to provide free, temporary housing for people who have been displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires.
World Central Kitchen, founded by chef José Andrés, is providing sandwiches and water throughout the region and its volunteer chefs are on standby to hand out meals to wildfire victims.
Rideshare giants Uber and Lyft are stepping up to support the community with free rides during this difficult time. Uber is offering complimentary rides valued at up to $40, while Lyft is covering two rides worth $25 each (a $50 total) for 500 riders.
Both services are making these offers available through January 15, 2025.
