Published on: January 8, 2025, 01:07h. 

Last updated on: January 8, 2025, 01:23h.

First responders are en route from Nevada to Los Angeles to support in battling wildfires that have destroyed approximately 1,000 structures and forced around 80,000 residents to evacuate.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone declared at a press conference on Wednesday morning that first responders from Nevada, Oregon, and Washington State will offer aid, alongside others from various California locations, to support local fire crews in Los Angeles.

“Appreciation to the first responders from Nevada, Oregon, and Washington State who are on their way to LA County to provide assistance,” expressed Marrone.

They are needed as Los Angeles fire departments have reached full capacity in battling the ongoing wildfires that started on Tuesday.

The LA County Fire Department operational area encompasses 29 separate fire departments in LA County,” outlined Marrone. “All these fire departments are at full capacity with no additional personnel or fire apparatus to spare.”

Marrone additionally requested more crews under a mutual aid understanding with Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties in California, and from other regions in the state.

Pacific Palisades

Pacific Palisades is one of four active fires impacting the region. Over 5,000 acres have already burned with no containment thus far.

The fire is escalating,” noted Marrone on Wednesday concerning the Palisades fire. “An estimated 1,000 structures have been destroyed.”

He mentioned a “high number” of injuries to residents who did not evacuate, as well as to first responders involved in the firefights.

The Palisades fire originated in the Santa Monica Mountains on Tuesday morning, expanding from about 200 acres to some 3,000 acres within hours.

Residents from Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Calabasas were among those instructed to vacate their residences.

Other Fires

Local firefighters are also tackling the uncontained Eton Fire, which has affected over 2,000 acres. Two civilians perished in this fire, with “numerous serious injuries,” added Marrone. Over 100 structures were demolished.

Los Angeles City Fire Department Chief Kristin M. Crowley remarked that the Hurst and Pacific Palisades fires are demanding significant attention.

These fires are stretching emergency services to their utmost capacity,” Crowley informed the press. “We are committed to working tirelessly to safeguard people, lives, and property.”

Another uncontained fire is in the Woodley area. A fifth fire, in the Tyler region, was 50% contained as of Wednesday.

Combatting the fires is being hindered by insufficient water pressure or even no water from certain hydrants in the affected zones, according to news sources.

Over 13,000 structures are at risk of catching fire, while approximately 250,000 customers were without power as of Wednesday morning in Los Angeles County.

Strong winds are fueling the fire spread, with dry conditions accelerating the fast-moving flames. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph are expected to persist through Thursday.

Reports of looting have emerged in evacuated areas, resulting in two arrests on looting charges as of Wednesday, according to police.

The wildfires are considerably distant from cardrooms and tribal casinos in the Los Angeles area.