Highlights:
• The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted the return of very strong Santa Ana Winds and extreme fire weather for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The forecasted peak wind speeds are
o Coasts and Valleys: 50-70 MPH Gusts
o Mountains and Foothills: 60-100 MPH Gusts
• The two major fires are:
o Palisades Fire: 23,713 acres and 59% contained.
o Eaton Fire: 14,021 acres and 87% contained:
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire) reported that air operations continue to support firefighters by extinguishing hot spots in steep, inaccessible terrain near Winters Creek, Mt. Lowe, & Mt. Wilson. Resources are strategically staged and ready to respond to any calls for service.
• The City of Los Angeles announced Windblown Dust and Ash Advisory for January 20-21.
• At least 41,000 people remain under evacuation orders.
• Repopulation has begun for the Eaton and Palisades fires.
• Five emergency shelters with at least 661 occupants and 11 animal shelters remain open.
• Los Angeles County due to the return of strong Santa Ana Winds has advised residents of possible Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Residents are advised to report any sign of smoke or fire immediately to 9-1-1.
• There are 27 fatalities being reported by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Resources:
o Palisades Fire: 5,175 Personnel, 39 Helicopters, 496 Engines, 45 Dozers, 30 Water Tenders and 93 Crews.
o Eaton Fire: 2,475 Personnel, 11 Helicopters, 186 Engines, 8 Dozers, 23 Water Tenders and 33 Crews.
o The Governor announced that personnel and more than 170 fire engines, water tenders and aircraft have been mobilized due to the return of Santa Ana Winds.
• CAL Fire reports that 14,362 structures have been destroyed.
• The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on January 18th arrested two individuals from Oregon for impersonating firefighters at the Palisades Fire. Details are available here.
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Debris Subject Matter Experts have arrived in the affected areas and debris removal has begun.
• The California Department of Conservation has deployed their Watershed Emergency Response Team to assist Los Angeles in preparing for post-fire risks to life and property such a flash flood and debris flow hazards.
• A coalition of major arts organizations led by the J. Paul Getty Trust announced the creation of the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, an emergency relief fund for artists and arts workers in all disciplines who have lost residences, studios, or livelihoods or have otherwise been impacted by the devastating Los Angeles fires.
Sources:
• FEMA Daily Operations Briefing, January 20
• CAL Fire Incident Map
• Los Angeles County Incident Response Website
• NWS Los Angeles Twitter Page
• Governor Newsome Twitter Page
• CAL Fie Twitter Page
• Los Angeles County Twitter Page
• Ready Los Angeles County Twitter Page
• Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Twitter Page
• LA City Emergency Management Department Twitter Page
• Erik Scott (LAFD PIO) Twitter Page
• Getty Museum Twitter Page
Resources
American Red Cross Safe and Well Website
State of California, 2025 Los Angeles Fires Recovery Website
Los Angeles County Recovers Website
National Disaster Recovery Fund for Archives
Rumor Control Websites:
• California Fire Facts
• FEMA
Volunteer Opportunities:
• World Central Kitchen
• California Volunteers
• LA Works
Monetary Donations:
• Tribal Wildfire Relief Fund (New)
• United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, Firefighter Support Funds
• Philanthropy California
• Habitat for Humanity, Greater Los Angeles
• Community Organized Relief Effort
• California Community Foundation
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy
• United Way of Greater Los Angeles
• League of California Community Foundations
• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
• Los Angeles Animal Services
• American Red Cross
• Emergency Network of Los Angeles
• Los Angeles Food Bank
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