In the lead-up to January 9, 2025, there will be updates on the current wildfire situation in Los Angeles

In the Los Angeles area, intense wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes, including the 90-year-old mother of Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.

Before the Warriors’ game against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, Kerr remarked, “My mom is in good hands, but her house is gone.”. “My siblings and I have spoken on the phone a lot. “”.

Following the evacuation orders earlier in the week, Kerr said his mother, Ann, left her home in his hometown of Pacific Palisades.

Continue reading to learn more about Kerr’s remarks about the fires.

In the West Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, on Thursday, January, a firefighter starts a back burn in front of the Kenneth Fire that is moving forward. 9, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Ethan Swope/AP).

The number of people killed by the two major fires in and around Los Angeles has increased to seven, according to confirmation from county and city officials.

Carlos Herrera, a public information officer with the LA County Fire Department, reported that five people had died in the Eaton Fire near Pasadena.

Two people have lost their lives in the fire that is raging in the LA area to the west in Pacific Palisades, according to LA Fire Department spokesperson Margaret Stewart.

“Due to the fires, all Los Angeles Unified schools and offices will be closed on Friday,” district superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced Thursday night.

He stated that until the situation improves, classes will not start up again.

According to Carvalho, the district has suffered major damage to one high school and lost two elementary schools. He added that district employees who have lost their homes are being supported by the district foundation.

Following days of devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, the NFL is moving the Rams’ wild-card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings to Arizona.

The Arizona Cardinals’ home stadium, State Farm Stadium in the Glendale, Arizona, suburbs, will host the playoff game on Monday night.

The NFL made the decision because of worries about the quality of the air, the impact on the community, and the potential demands on police and fire department personnel, even though none of the fires are currently burning close to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, where the teams were scheduled to compete.

▶ Read more about the possible change to the Vikings-Rams game.

Los Angeles meteorologists from the National Weather Service posted on social media Thursday afternoon that the high fire weather risk would persist through Friday.

The fire weather threat in the region will remain concentrated in Ventura County and Los Angeles through Friday morning due to moderate to strong Santa Ana winds on Thursday evening.

But the post added, “The threat doesn’t end after Friday.”. Sunday and Tuesday into Wednesday will see the highest offshore winds of the upcoming week.

Due to the wildfires in her home state of California, Vice President Kamala Harris has decided to postpone her term’s last international trip, her office said Thursday.

Her decision is similar to that of President Joe Biden, who stayed in Washington instead of visiting Pope Francis and meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome this week.

Harris had scheduled trips to Germany, Bahrain, and Singapore starting in January. 13-17.

Pedestrians in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, January, amidst the devastation caused by the Palisades Fire. 9. 2025. (Jae C./AP Photo. Hong).

According to Canada’s emergency preparedness minister, as wildfires ravage parts of Southern California, 250 additional firefighters, Canadian military personnel, and their equipment are “ready to support our American neighbors.”.

According to Harjit Sajjan, Canada is prepared to send out 250 firefighters, planes, and other supplies as early as Thursday evening.

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre announced on Thursday that the U.S. S. . Two of the National Interagency Fire Center’s CL-415 Skimmer Airtankers were requested to assist in the firefight.

Alberta is getting ready to send incident command team support, water bombers, and night-vision helicopters. On social media, Premier Danielle Smith stated that the province was collaborating with the federal government and the agency to evaluate California’s requirements.

“We will support our American friends in any way they require during this crisis, and good neighbors are always there for each other in times of need,” Smith stated.

“We stand with you,” Biden said, addressing the people of Southern California. We won’t be moving anywhere. “.”.

However, he may not keep this pledge with less than two weeks remaining in his term.

Donald Trump, a Republican, succeeds Jan. 20, and his first term as president was marred by disagreements over wildfires with Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom of California.

Recently, Trump has been disparaging Newsom by using his last name. He has also accused Newsom of being responsible for the current Los Angeles fire.

Starting Thursday evening, officials intend to impose a curfew around the two large fires, which would begin at 6 p.m. A. till six in the morning. M. The following day, but it might not be implemented until Friday, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna stated during a press conference on Thursday.

Only areas severely affected by the fires will be subject to curfews, Luna stated, adding that authorities were mainly examining the areas that required evacuation.

“The goal is to keep those neighborhoods safe from anyone who wants to hurt them, and regrettably, there have been some individuals attempting to do that,” he stated.

In the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington, on Thursday, January, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris conduct a briefing on the federal response to the spread of wildfires in the Los Angeles area. 9, 2025. . (Photo by Ben Curtis/AP).

During a briefing at the White House, President Joe Biden spent some time refuting President-elect Donald Trump’s assertions that water conservation priorities were the reason why the hydrants were running dry, without specifically mentioning Trump.

In order to clarify why power lines were cut off during the fire and how that affects fire hydrants, Biden asked his deputy energy secretary David Turk for assistance.

The problem, according to Turk, was one of pressure and power. Water hydrants require electricity to pump water up, but power lines are cut during disasters to reduce the risk of power surges and line failures.

Following the Eaton Fire that ravaged his neighborhood, Victor Shaw was discovered with a garden hose in his hand.

Shari Shaw told KTLA that as the fire approached the house they shared on Tuesday night, she attempted to persuade her 66-year-old brother to accompany her in the evacuation. She recalled that he expressed his desire to remain and attempt to put out the fire.

“I had to save myself because the embers were so large and flying like a firestorm, and when I went back in and called his name, he didn’t respond,” she said. I had to leave when I turned to look behind me and saw that the house was beginning to burn. “.”.

Al Tanner, a family friend, told KTLA that Victor’s body was discovered on the side of the road the following morning, still with the hose in hand.

Tanner remarked, “It appears he was attempting to preserve the house his parents had for nearly fifty-five years.”.

During a briefing with White House staff, President Joe Biden declared that he was providing federal resources and had authorized more funding to assist California in fighting the destructive fires, which he described as the “worst fires to ever hit Los Angeles.”. At any time. “.”.

According to him, the additional funds will pay for all expenses for 180 days, including the removal of hazardous materials, temporary shelters, first responder salaries, and life-saving measures.

“This is our plan,” Biden declared. The winds are predicted to persist in some places well into next week, but we anticipate a brief respite. “”.

Biden mentioned that Vice President Kamala Harris was “directly affected” as he handed the floor to her. Former California Senator Harris’ residence was in the evacuation area, though it was unclear whether it was damaged. The scene was “apocalyptic,” according to her. “.”.

“This will have an effect for months and years to come,” she stated.

Justin, who has cerebral palsy, and his father, Anthony Mitchell, 67, were waiting for an ambulance to pick them up.

“They didn’t make it out,” Hajime White, Mitchell’s daughter, stated.

She said the family was informed by the authorities that Mitchell had been discovered in Altadena by the side of his son’s bed. The family thinks Mitchell was attempting to save his son, who was in his early 20s, according to the Washington Post.

He was determined not to abandon his son. “In any case,” White stated.

According to White, Justin’s step-sister and a doula in Warren, Arkansas, her father called her on Wednesday morning to inform her that they would need to evacuate.

She recalled Thursday that he then said, “I have to leave—there is a fire in the yard.”.

According to White, the couple lived with another son who was in his 20s but was in the hospital.

“It’s really difficult,” White remarked. A ton of bricks seem to have just fallen on me. “”.

An Associated Press Facebook message asking for comment was not immediately answered by White.

1 out of 3 |.

A man passes the burned-out remnants of the Altadena Community Church on Thursday, January. 9, 2025, Altadena, California. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/AP).

3 | 2 of 3.

The Andrew McNally House, constructed in 1887 by the Rand McNally publishing company’s co-founder, is shown Thursday, January, following its destruction by the Eaton Fire. 9, Altadena, California, 2025. Photograph by Chris Pizzello/AP.

3 out of 3.

The aftermath of Thursday, January’s Eaton Fire shows a property that has been devastated by fire. Altadena, California, September 9, 2025. (Photo by Eric Thayer for AP).

1 out of 3.

Thursday, January: A man passes the burned-out remnants of the Altadena Community Church. 9, 2025, Altadena, California. Photograph by Chris Pizzello/AP.

1 of 3.

Altadena Community Church, Thursday, January: A man passes the burned-out ruins. 9th, 2025, Altadena, California. Photograph by Chris Pizzello/AP.

2 out of 3.

This image was taken on Thursday, January, after the Eaton Fire destroyed the Andrew McNally House, which was constructed in 1887 by the co-founder of the Rand McNally publishing company. 9th, 2025, Altadena, California. Chris Pizzello/AP Photo.

2. Out of 3.

This image was taken on Thursday, January, after the Eaton Fire destroyed the Andrew McNally House, which was constructed in 1887 by the co-founder of the Rand McNally publishing company. 9, 2025, Altadena, California. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/AP).

3 out of 3.

Following the Eaton Fire on Thursday, January, a property that has been devastated by fire is seen. Altadena, California, November 9, 2025. (Image: Eric Thayer/AP).

Out of three.

The aftermath of Thursday, January’s Eaton Fire shows a property that has been devastated by fire. 9th, 2025, Altadena, California. Eric Thayer/AP Photo.

On Thursday, the 54-year-old Juan Perez drove past his burned-out Altadena home where he raised his children and returned to it.

He told an Associated Press reporter, his voice stifled with emotion, “It’s not just me, the entire neighborhood is gone.”. “I’m not sure how we’ll recover from this.”. I’m not even sure where to begin. “.”.

Perez said he and his family left shortly after three in the morning without waiting for an evacuation order, despite wearing two masks to protect his lungs from the smoky air. M. on Wednesday. He stated that although he had prepared some bags, he wished they had departed sooner.

Perez returned outside on Thursday and found little that could be saved. His mother passed away almost four years ago, and his niece discovered two coffee mugs that were a gift from her.

He remarked, “And they were there untouched.”. “That’s not possible.”. “.”.

The CEO of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, Barbara Bruderlin, stated that there is currently no way to measure the extent of the destruction beyond “total devastation and loss.”.

Bruderlin remarked, “I’m not allowed in and I don’t know what’s still standing.”. She asked everyone to check in via email, but she has no idea where they have gone.

Bruderlin remembers the harm caused by the 2019 Woolsey Fire, which burned in a different area of Malibu, and the reconstruction efforts that followed. However, things are different now.

“There are places where everything is gone, and there’s just dirt left, not even a stick of wood,” Bruderlin remarked. Except for Caruso Village, nothing remains in Pacific Palisades. There are no grocery stores, gas stations, or banks. “.”.

Five horses were left locked in their stalls on Wednesday by owners fleeing the Altadena fire. They were unable to completely avoid the flames, so they huddled in a tiny outside pen that was fastened to the stalls.

As recalled by Julia Bagan, a member of a Facebook group called Southern California Equine Emergency Evacuation, one of the horses was seriously injured by the time a neighbor called for assistance and firefighters used bolt cutters to free them.

Damaged power lines were sparking overhead as Bagan drove through the fire’s remains Wednesday night to assist. It was “the most crazy, dangerous” evacuation to date, according to her.

The wounded equine sustained leg burns. Her mane and tail, as well as her halter, had been burned off. She also had eye ulcers from the embers.

An emergency equine hospital was the mare’s best chance, according to a veterinarian, and Bagan drove her there in a trailer.

On this Wednesday, January, downtown Los Angeles is covered in thick, heavy smoke from wildfires. 8. 2025. (Image: Richard Vogel/AP).

Due to wildfires raging throughout the greater Los Angeles area, the NBA postponed Thursday’s home game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets.

This is the second consecutive day that a game scheduled to take place in downtown Los Angeles has been rescheduled.

Wednesday night was supposed to see the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL host the Calgary Flames. Later on, the new date for the games will be revealed.

On Thursday, the actor made the announcement on Instagram. She made a tearful appearance on “The Tonight Show” the night before. “”.

Curtis remarked, “As you are aware, my residence is currently on fire.”. The market I shop at, the schools my children attend, and my friends—many, many, many, many friends have now lost their homes—all of this is literally where I live. “.”.

According to her letter, the Oscar winner had discussed how the funds could be allocated “for the most impact” with state and local officials. “.”.

The Palisades Fire burns a beachfront property Thursday, January. 9, 2025, in Malibu, California. (Jae C./AP Photo). Hong). .

The National Weather Service’s Los Angeles office stated in its most recent forecast discussion that there is a high probability of “damaging wind gusts across the mountains into the foothill areas again tonight and into Friday.”. “.”.

Additionally, another “strong and damaging Santa Ana wind event” is starting to form next Tuesday night into Wednesday, according to computer models.

“Given the antecedent conditions, the lack of rain in the region since the spring of 2024, and another offshore wind event on top of everything we have seen so far, there is a great deal of concern that fire weather conditions could become worse,” the agency stated.

California has only made a “few requests” for military assistance to combat the fires thus far, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters Thursday, but he has taken measures to guarantee that troops are prepared if necessary.

Austin stated at a press conference in Germany, “We stand ready to surge capability in as quickly as possible.”. To ensure that ., I’ve taken certain actions that force our soldiers to assume a three-point stance. If the whistle blows, we’re prepared to step in and help. “”.

U. S. On Thursday, January, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is present at a Ukraine Contact Group meeting held at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. 9, 2025. (DPA via AP/Marijan Murat).

The department has “a lot more capability” that can be requested, he said, and officials are collaborating with California leaders and FEMA to decide on any next steps.

What troops might have been asked to get ready for deployment was not specified by him.

“Here we are. We are powerful. On its website, the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center declared, “We will rebuild.”.

Although the Eaton Fire destroyed the temple campus, which had served as the organization’s “spiritual home” for over a century, all of the Torah scrolls on the property were spared.

The Parish of St. On Facebook, Matthew, an Episcopal church in Pacific Palisades, stated that while other structures remained intact, both of its rectories had been destroyed.

Church leaders posted a message on Wednesday inviting parishioners to participate in a special livestreamed prayer, adding, “Please know that we hold each of you dear during this heartbreaking time.”.

A picture of parishioners singing together on Thursday morning was shared by the also-demolished Altadena Community Church. The church wrote: “WE are the church! We can worship anywhere.”.

On a Wednesday in January, a man emerges from the burning Altadena Community Church. 8, 2025, in Pasadena, California’s downtown Altadena neighborhood. (Photo courtesy of Chris Pizzello/AP).

According to Quiñones, there are 118 crews deployed at the moment. For the agency, downed power lines continue to be a priority.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s CEO and chief engineer, Janisse Quiñones, stated, “If you see a wire down, please call 911 and we will send crews immediately to make the area safe.”.

“Due to damage or “compromised” power equipment caused by the fires, some customers may encounter longer outages,” she continued.

On Wednesday, January, the Palisades Fire destroyed homes along the beach. 8, 2025, in Malibu, California. (Photo by Mark J. for AP. Terrill).

According to Mark Pestrella, the director of public works for Los Angeles County, the “life safety” infrastructure in some of the wildfire-ravaged communities in the Los Angeles area has been destroyed.

Power, water, and sewer infrastructure have all been “significantly damaged,” according to Pestrella, who stated that crews are concentrating on utility restoration. “”.

Massive amounts of debris, such as fallen tree limbs and dangerous materials from burned structures, must be cleared away before repair work can start, he said.

Following the Altadena, California, Eaton Fire, people inspect the damaged buildings. January, Thursday. 9, 2025. . Pic Coury/AP Photo.

Boil orders have been issued in areas like Palisades due to ash and other materials contaminating some water supplies, according to Janisse Quiñones, CEO of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

Residents who have stayed behind or have only partial damage are being served with water by officials, Pestrella said.

According to him, the area’s water reservoirs are full and ready for firefighting aircraft to drop water from above.

Along with the deputies on regular patrols, over 400 members of the sheriff’s office have been assigned to the fire response, according to L. A. . Robert Luna, the county sheriff.

“Those who work in extremely challenging conditions are giving it their all,” Luna remarked. Certain wildfire-affected areas “look like a bomb was dropped in them.”. “.”.

In Altadena, California, a firefighter waters down a house following the Eaton Fire. January, Thursday. 9, 2025. (Image: Nic Coury/AP).

Luna stated that it’s too early to carry out extensive searches in burned areas and that it’s unclear what will be discovered when they do. As much as possible, we will use specialized K-9 search teams and other resources.

Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley stated that the best way to support emergency responders is to be informed, be ready to evacuate, and heed all evacuation instructions.

To lessen the chance of auto accidents and other problems during the wildfire response, officials advised others to avoid driving as much as possible.

The Eaton Fire is still uncontained, despite a significant increase in the number of resources sent to the “fire siege” in southern California, according to Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone.

The remarks were made by Marrone at a press conference on Thursday morning.

“Over 1,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed, and there have been multiple reported injuries,” Marrone stated. “The fire is still being investigated, and its cause is still unknown. “.”.

The Eaton Fire on Wednesday, January, is depicted in this satellite image from Maxar Technologies. Altadena, California, August 8, 2025. (AP via Maxar Technologies).

Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley stated that although winds are expected to lessen “somewhat” on Thursday, the threat still exists.

“We remain under a red flag warning with the potential for extreme fire behavior,” Crowley stated.

According to her, wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour are predicted to persist all day long.

“The Palisades fire is undoubtedly one of the most catastrophic natural catastrophes in Los Angeles’ history,” she stated.

Several wildfires devastated southern California, and a Los Angeles County official said the area was grieving the loss of life and property.

At a news conference Thursday morning, Los Angeles Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger made the remarks.

“I am hopeful that the tide is turning, even though we are still facing significant threats,” Barger stated. She stated that authorities from various jurisdictions are collaborating “hand in hand.”.

“Judicial boundaries are irrelevant to wildfires,” she stated.