California wildfires rage across Los Angeles County, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes

Tesla CEO Elon Musk shared haunting video of empty streets amid the Southern California wildfires on Wednesday.

The footage, which was taken by one of Musk's friends, showed burnt trees, ruined houses and smoke in a California neighborhood. Few people, other than first responders, were seen in the eerie footage.

"A friend in LA just took this video," Musk wrote.

Actor Steve Guttenberg on Wednesday was helping clear abandoned vehicles off the roads to assist firefighters in Pacific Palisades.

Guttenberg said many motorists left their cars to flee the fire, but, the vehicles were blocking or slowing down first responders.

"If you're going to abandon your car, leave the keys on your car so guys like me can move that car to the side of the road and let emergency vehicles, fire vehicles get up there," he said on "The Story with Martha MacCallum."

The actor also called for those who can, to help those having trouble finding safety.

"A crisis like this bring everybody to the same level," he said. "I don't care how big your house is, how much money you've got or what kind of car you're got. At the end of the story, you're just wheeling a small little suitcase behind yourself trying to find a place to evacuate to."

(Credit: X/Mayor Karen Bass)

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said on social media Wednesday that she's been in contact with President Biden regarding the ongoing Southern California wildfires.

"The impact of these fires and winds are devastating. I just got off the phone with @POTUS and discussed an urgent path forward towards recovery for the thousands of families impacted," Bass said in a post on X.

"Thank you @CAgovernor and Senator @AlexPadilla4CA for your continued support for our city," she added.

US actress Ricki Lake attends the world premiere of the 4k restorated 1959 movie "Rio Bravo" presented at the Opening Night of the 2023 TCM Classic Film Festival in the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California, April 13, 2023. (Photo by AUDE GUERRUCCI/AFP via Getty Images)

A wildfire raging through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles has forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate as it consumes homes in the ritzy area, including those belonging to celebrities.

Actress Ricki Lake shared photos of her beautiful Malibu property, alerting followers that she had lost her "dream home" in the fires.

"It’s all gone," she wrote, beneath a series of photos of her home before the fire. "I can’t believe I am typing these words."

Lake says that "a valiant and brave effort" was made by their friend to save the home, but they unfortunately did not succeed.

"The place where we planned to grow old together. We never took our heavenly spot on the bluff overlooking our beloved malibu for granted, not even for one second. I shared our sunset views almost daily with all of you."

Read the full article about Ricki Lake by Elizabeth Pritchett, Tracy Wright and Caroline Thayer

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard during the second half of a game against the Atlanta Hawks Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jayne-Kamin-Oncea)

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will reportedly take a step back from the team to be with his family as it deals with the wildfires raging in the area.

Several wildfires have burned across Southern California since Tuesday afternoon.

Officials in Los Angeles said the Pacific Palisades fire has become the most destructive in the city’s history.

Read the full article about Kawhi Leonard by Ryan Gaydos

Video shared with Fox News Digital shows the devastation of the Eaton Fire.

The video shows structures still burning while others appeared to be destroyed over several blocks in Altadena, California.

The fire is one of several wreaking havoc throughout Los Angeles County following strong winds on Tuesday.

Detroit Lions quarterback Chase Daniel, #4, drops back to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Ford Field in Detroit on Dec. 26, 2020. (Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports)

Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel gave his social media followers the sheer scope of the wildfires plaguing Southern California on Wednesday.

Daniel posted a photo on his X account showing the wildfires burning.

"These fires are much worse than people think….just absolutely devastating Pacific Palisades & Malibu," he wrote. "I work about 6 miles from all this & currently headed in now."

"This picture is from a plane to show the sheer size of it all."

Read the full article about Chase Daniel by Ryan Gaydos

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, right, has pledged disaster relief to California Gov. Gavin Newsom as the Golden State faces devastating wildfires. (Getty Images / File)

Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has offered to assist California as Gov. Gavin Newsom is grappling with multiple fires ripping through Los Angeles County this week.

 "Our prayers are with everyone affected by the horrific fires in Southern California. When disaster strikes, we must come together to help our fellow Americans in any way we can," DeSantis posted to X on Wednesday morning. 

"The state of Florida has offered help to assist the people of California in responding to these fires and in rebuilding communities that have been devastated," he added. 

Read the full article about Ron DeSantis by Emma Colton

The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. (NASA/JPL-Caltech)

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory closed the lab on Wednesday because of the wildfires in the area.

The JPL, which manages many of NASA's robotic missions exploring Earth and the solar system, is in the mandatory evacuation zone for the Eaton Fire, which broke out Tuesday night near Pasadena, California.

The facility was closed to all employees and visitors and will remain closed until Monday.

"Currently, JPL facilities, labs and hardware are secured and protected. Deep Space Network operations, normally conducted at JPL, have been moved offsite to a back-up operations center," the JPL said in a statement.

"As of Tuesday night, employees were directed to work from home, with only a small number of critical personnel on-site Wednesday morning. Our Protective Services Department is maintaining constant communication with the Eaton Fire emergency command center, and the Laboratory is currently receiving assistance from the LA County Fire Department."

A man looks at his property destroyed by the flames of the Eaton Fire, before driving off, in Altadena, California, on January 8, 2025. (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

I have lived in Los Angeles for 24 years. We’ve lived in our current house since 2006. We built it in 2005 and moved in 2006. We overlook Eaton Canyon. Eaton Canyon is on the border of Pasadena and Altadena, both towns that are in L.A. County. We’re less than 10 miles from downtown L.A. I’m married with two kids and a dog.

I’ve heard about fires during my time in L.A. Where we live was actually created by a fire. You always think, "those poor people, pray for them." And then it’s you. 

Here is my experience. I am very used to power outages a couple of times a year. In the summer because of brownouts with extreme heat and in the winter because of high winds. On Tuesday morning, our power went out for a few hours. Then it was turned back on. And I was very lucky, because it was on when I needed to broadcast. And during the day, I was sitting outside doing a Zoom meeting with a cup of coffee in 70-degree weather. A few hours later at 5:10 pm, the power went out again. But now it’s dark. 

Read the full opinion piece about the SoCal wildfires by Leslie Marshall

US President Joe Biden and California Governor Gavin Newsom speak during a briefing from CalFire officials on the Palisades wildfire at Santa Monica Fire Station #5 in California on January 8, 2025. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

President Joe Biden made some brief and off-topic remarks after meeting with firefighting officials about the fierce wildfires raging in the Los Angeles area.

"We're prepared to do anything and everything as long as it takes to contain these fires and help reconstruct, make sure that we can get back to normal," Biden, who was there to sign a disaster declaration alongside Gov. Gavin Newsom, said.

"It's gonna be a hell of a long way. It's gonna take time. But the government is here to stay, as long as you need us. Give everything you need. Anything you asked and haven't gotten yet?" he continued.

Biden then took the meeting in an unexpected direction, announcing that he had become a great-grandfather and celebrating the birth of his eldest granddaughter's first child.

Read the full article about President Biden by Pilar Arias

President of the United States Joe Biden, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and United States Senator Alex Padilla, from left, attend a briefing on the recent fires at Santa Monica Fire Station #5 on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

President-elect Trump, during his first administration, put Gov. Gavin Newsom on notice for his handling of repeated wildfires in the state, years ahead of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires currently raging. 

"The Governor of California, @GavinNewsom, has done a terrible job of forest management. I told him from the first day we met that he must ‘clean’ his forest floors regardless of what his bosses, the environmentalists, DEMAND of him. Must also do burns and cut fire stoppers," the former and upcoming president posted to X in 2019. 

"Every year, as the fire’s rage & California burns, it is the same thing-and then he comes to the Federal Government for $$$ help. No more. Get your act together Governor. You don’t see close to the level of burn in other states," the thread continued. 

Read the full article about Gavin Newsom and Trump by Emma Colton

Department of Defense deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said Wednesday that the DoD will provide military helicopters to assist with firefighting efforts in Southern California.

"At the president's direction, the Department of Defense will provide additional firefighting personnel and capabilities," Singh said during a press conference on Wednesday.

A golf course's clubhouse in Southern California burnt down due to the wildfires. (iStock)

A local golf course in Southern California has felt the wrath of the wildfires sweeping throughout the Los Angeles area.

Altadena Golf Course, located in Altadena less than five miles from Rose Bowl Stadium, said in an Instagram post on Wednesday that its clubhouse "did not survive" the flames.

A video posted to their Instagram page showed flames burning from the ground and the building being singed.

Read the full article about Altadena Golf Course by Ryan Morik

Executive Director of American Red Cross Sean Inoue appeared on "America Reports" on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing wildfires in Southern California.

During the interview, Inoue discusses his organization’s efforts to provide emergency shelter and supplies to people fleeing from the Los Angeles wildfires.

Inoue noted that the American Red Cross is "expecting to see more" people in shelters as the wildfires continue.

Christen Harper and Jared Goff on the red carpet before the NFL Honors at Symphony Hall in Phoenix, Arizona, Feb. 9, 2023. (Kirby Lee-USA Today Sports)

Christen Harper, the wife of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, expressed her sadness at the wildfires that have ravaged the Los Angeles area in the last two days.

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model posted a video showing the destruction that wildfires have caused in the region and offered her thoughts about the terrifying situation.

"Just so terrifying," she wrote in a post on her Instagram Stories. "Thinking of everyone (affected) by these devastating fires across LA.

"So many places I’ve loved for my whole life gone forever. Friends losing their homes and displaced. Such a scary, helpless situation."

Read the full article about Christen Harper by Ryan Gaydos

A brush fire burns near homes in Pacific Palisades, California, on January 7, 2025. (Photo by DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images)

As the Los Angeles wildfires continue to devastate the area, one key game of the NFL’s Wild Card Weekend is being monitored closely.

Monday night’s matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings could be impacted by the wildfires, and the league released a statement saying as such. 

"The NFL continues to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA," the league wrote in a statement, per ESPN.

Read the full article about the California wildfires by Scott Thompson

President-elect Trump lashed out at President Biden and California Gov. Gavin Newsom over their handling of wildfires in California on Wednesday.

Trump weighed in on the wildfires from his Truth Social account, highlighting how much it will cost to rebuild from the fires.

"The fires in Los Angeles may go down, in dollar amount, as the worst in the History of our Country. In many circles, they're doubting whether insurance companies will even have enough money to pay for this catastrophe," Trump wrote.

"Let this serve, and be emblematic, of the gross incompetence and mismanagement of the Biden/Newscum Duo. January 20th cannot come fast enough!" he added.

Fitness influencer Jillian Michaels blasted California's leaders as the state fights five separate wildfires on Wednesday.

Michael said she lost a home to a California fire in 2018, and she said she just evacuated her mother from a home in the path of one of the blazes.

"I lost a home in the 2018 Woolley fire. Was in Cali for New Years this year and podcasts - just evacuated my mom from her California home. The mayor is apparently in Ghana. The fire departments budget was apparently cut by 17 mil. And someone made the decision to not refill some of the reservoirs - now some fire hydrants are dry. Leadership in California is beyond negligent. This is completely unacceptable," Michaels wrote.

Universal Studios of Hollywood, a theme park located between Pasadena and the Pacific Palisades, was closed Wednesday due to the extreme winds and fire conditions. 

Additionally, the studio canceled shooting for various series, including "Hacks," "Ted Lasso" and "Suits LA," the Associated Press reported.

The Walt Disney Co. closed its headquarters in Burbank, and canceled production on shows including “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Doctor Odyssey.”

ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” which tapes in Hollywood, was canceled for Wednesday and will instead air a repeat.

These production pauses come after several disruptions to Hollywood's TV and feature film industry in Los Angeles, including the cancellation of the premiere of Universal's "Wolf Man" and the postponement of the upcoming Critics Choice Awards.

Hollywood celebrities have been forced to flee their homes as wildfires have raged in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, where stars including Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore and James Woods live. 

The fires have not yet been contained. 

The Associated Press contributed to this update.

An NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames set to take place at the Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday night because of the wildfires ravaging Southern California.

Both teams compete in the NHL’s Pacific Division. The game was set for 7:30 p.m. PT. The two teams will play again in Calgary on Saturday. Los Angeles’ next game is on Friday as the Kings hit the road to take on the Winnipeg Jets.

Saturday’s matchup would have been the final game between the two teams of the 2024-25 season.

"In light of the devastating effects of the wildfires in the Los Angeles area, tonight’s game between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames at Crypto.com Arena, NHL Game No. 653, has been postponed," the league said. 

"The thoughts of the entire NHL family are with the Kings, hockey fans and the people of the Los Angeles area during this difficult time."

Several wildfires have burned across Southern California since Tuesday afternoon as high winds blew through the region. Multiple people have died with more than 1,000 structures destroyed.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Ryan Gaydos

President Biden and California Gov. Gavin Newsom met with firefighting officials for a briefing on statewide wildfires on Wednesday.

Biden received a brief update from officials before addressing reporters. Newsom thanked Biden for federal support in the fight, but neither politician took questions.

Biden instead announced that he had become a great grandfather, celebrating the birth of his eldest granddaughter's first child.

"The good news is I'm a great grandfather as of today," Biden said before declining questions from reporters.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will reimburse California for costs associated with hiring more firefighters and controlling the raging wildfires that have ripped through Southern California. 

News of the Fire Management Assistance Grants trickled in Tuesday, and by the evening the White House put out a statement from President Biden confirming the move. FEMA confirmed the measures on Wednesday, in an announcement laying out some details about the grants. 

The funding will provide federal reimbursements for up to 75% of "eligible firefighting costs" incurred by the state, as California seeks to shore up its firefighting force and put out the wildfires that have killed at least two people and driven thousands from their homes. Eligible costs include expenses for field camps, equipment, materials, supplies and mobilization or demobilization efforts attributed to fighting the fires. 

"My Administration will do everything it can to support the response," Biden said Tuesday, announcing news of the grant. "I am being frequently briefed on the wildfires in west Los Angeles. My team and I are in touch with state and local officials, and I have offered any federal assistance that is needed to help suppress the terrible Pacific Palisades fire."

This is an excerpt from an article by Alec Schemmel.

US

California wildfires force frantic residents to flee: Slideshow

Fires forced Los Angeles residents to evacuate their homes as high winds and dry conditions fuel multiple wildfires in Southern California.

Firefighters contained a wildfire in Tyler, California, on Wednesday, but at least four more still burn uncontrolled in Los Angeles County.

Firefighters began responding to the Tyler fire early Wednesday morning as it spread to roughly 15 acres, but it has now been contained.

Four other fires continue to burn across the state, including in the Palisades, Woodley, Eaton and Hurst. Los Angeles lies roughly in the center of the four remaining blazes.

The Palisades Fire, driven by strong Santa Ana winds, began in the Santa Monica Mountains late Tuesday morning and quickly engulfed 200 acres within an hour, surging to nearly 3,000 acres by sunset, FOX Weather reported.

Orange County Fire Chief Brian Fennessy joined "Fox News @ Night" on Tuesday to give an update on how firefighters are battling the fast-moving flames, but said there isn't much that can be done to stop them, so crews are focusing on evacuating and rescuing anyone still in the area.

An aerial view of fires in California (Courtesy)

A United Airlines passenger snapped a grim photo of wildfires blazing in California this week, showing a wall of fire and smoke approaching a residential area.

There are currently at least five active wildfires across the state, in Eaton, Hurst, the Palisades, Woodley and Tyler. Firefighters say Tyler has been 50% contained, but the others remain mostly unmatched.

A wildfire raging through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles has forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate as it consumes homes in the ritzy area, including those belonging to celebrities.

The Palisades Fire, driven by strong Santa Ana winds, began in the Santa Monica Mountains late Tuesday morning and quickly engulfed 200 acres within an hour, surging to nearly 3,000 acres by sunset, FOX Weather reported.

"General Hospital" actor Cameron Mathison, who evacuated the area on Tuesday, shared a video on Instagram of his property, completely decimated by the fire. 

"We are safe But this is what’s left of our beautiful home," he wrote. "Our home where our kids were raised and where they wanted to raise their own someday. "Thanks to all who reached out and checked in. Can’t respond to all so wanted to give an update here."

Reality TV star Spencer Pratt and wife Heidi Montag lost their home in the Palisades Fire, Pratt and Montag confirmed on their Snapchat accounts Tuesday.

In a series of videos, "The Hills" star showed how the fire quickly moved over the hill toward their property.

The wildfire in Eaton, California, has tripled in size over the course of just a few hours on Wednesday.

The Angeles National Forest announced Wednesday afternoon that the Eaton fire had reached a size of 10,600 acres. The wildfire was measured at just 2,227 acres as of Tuesday night.

Officials say two people have been killed in the wildfires across the state. Firefighters are trying to hold back blazes in Eaton, Woodley, Hurst, the Palisades and Tyler.

Police say they have already arrested two people for looting homes of evacuated Californians.

Cal Fire says this strike team worked for 24 hours straight before arriving at an incident command post on Wednesday, Jan. 8. (Cal Fire)

California Gov. Gavin Newsom deployed the state’s National Guard Wednesday to help fight a series of growing wildfires in the Los Angeles area. 

“Joining pre-positioned personnel and assets, the Governor deployed the California National Guard personnel to assist in responding to the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire and Hurst Fire,” Newsom’s office wrote on X. 

It added that the National Guard and Cal Fire “have a unique partnership unlike any other state—skilled, trained personnel with vast wildfire fighting experience.” 

Cal Fire also said Wednesday that one of its firefighting crews worked a 24-hour shift before pulling into an incident command post this morning. 

“Fortunately, everyone is healthy. They say it was an incredibly tough firefight with unrelenting winds,” the agency added. 

The Palisades Fire burns a residence in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, on Tuesday, Jan. 7. (AP/Ethan Swope)

President Joe Biden spoke with California Gov. Gavin Newsom by phone Wednesday to receive the latest updates on the wildfires that are spreading across southern California, the White House told Fox News. 

Biden is also set to receive a briefing on the fires today at a fire station in Santa Monica. 

“My team and I are in touch with state and local officials, and I have offered any federal assistance that is needed to help suppress the terrible Pacific Palisades fire,” Biden said in a statement released by the White House last night. 

“Earlier tonight, FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to support areas that are impacted and help reimburse the state of California for the immediate firefighting costs. My Administration will do everything it can to support the response,” he added. 

Wind gusts that have been recorded in southern California. (FOX Weather)

Wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour are driving the growth of multiple wildfires currently engulfing southern California. 

Gusts reaching the 100-mph mark have been recorded near La Canada, while a 99-mph gust was documented near Altadena, where the Eaton Fire is raging, according to FOX Weather. 

A 98-mph gust also was recorded at Saddle Peak, near the massive Palisades Fire. 

“I look at the people who are out there on the line last night, the winds were like something that I have never seen before,” LAPD Chief of Police Jim McDonnell told reporters on Wednesday. “Firefighters, police officers, deputies. They're out there sheltering in their vehicles, their trucks, in their cars so that they don't end up getting burned from the fire that was being driven by 75 plus mile an hour winds. 

“They were there until they could get out of the car and go back to doing their work, as you can imagine, a very difficult circumstance to deal with,” he added. 

Firefighters continue to battle wind and fire as homes go up in flames in Malibu on Wednesday, Jan. 8. (David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)

Cal Fire is outlining a number of steps Californians can take for a “safe and efficient evacuation” during a wildfire. 

Prior to being given evacuation orders, the agency says residents should have a “Go Bag” or emergency kit packed and “ready to grab” in case they need to flee – and that they should know their community’s evacuation routes. 

Locals are advised to close all windows and doors of their homes but to leave them unlocked. Any flammable objects should be moved to the center of rooms and gas should be shut off at the meter, Cal Fire says. 

Once outside, residents should wear clothing that fully covers their skin to protect against heat and sparks. 

“Don’t forget about your pets. Make a plan for their safety,” Cal Fire also says. “Have carriers, food, and water ready so they can leave quickly and safely with you.” 

Officials in Los Angeles have closed roughly 100 schools in the city due to wildfire conditions, LA Unified Superintendent Alberto Carvalho confirmed Wednesday.

Carvalho made the announcement at a Wednesday press conference alongside police, firefighters and other state and city officials.

"We make decisions regarding closure of schools in a very methodical and science driven manner. So after a great deal of consultation overnight, with experts looking at the data and considering the fact that air quality conditions deteriorated significantly overnight, we have made the decision to shut down a number of schools, particularly in the eastern part of our school system," Carvalho said.

"As of now, those schools within the boundaries of the area that I will define are closed. This accounts for about 10% of our total schools in our district. About 100 schools out of 1000 schools," he added.

Police have already arrested two people for looting empty homes evacuated due to deadly wildfires in California, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Wednesday.

Luna appeared with other state officials at a Wednesday press conference and warned potential looters to stay away from the area.

"It's always sad when I have to say this, but part of our responsibility is to make sure that no one loots or steals from our residents, our community members who are already being impacted," Luna said.

"And I'm sad to report, we made two arrests this morning for looting already. So if you are thinking about coming into any of these areas to steal from our residents, I'm going to tell you something. You're going to be caught, you're going to be arrested, and you're going to be prosecuted. Don't do that. Stay out of these areas. It's only for emergency workers and people who live there," he added.

LA City Police Chief Jim McDonnell echoed Luna in his own remarks Wednesday, telling would-be looters that police are ready to respond "in the strongest way possible."

At least two people have been killed and "several" firefighters and civilians have been injured in the at least four wildfires burning across California on Wednesday.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the two fatalities were caused by the Eaton fire.

Authorities emphasized at the Wednesday press conference that Los Angeles is "not out of danger yet," citing high winds that continue to spread the flames.

Firefighters successfully contained a fifth wildfire in Tyler, California, but four blazes remain surrounding Los Angeles in the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Woodley.

Universal Studios Hollywood is closing the gates to the theme park and Universal CityWalk on Wednesday due to "extreme winds and fire conditions" as multiple wildfires rage in Southern California.

"Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be closed today as a result of the extreme winds and fire conditions," the theme park said. "We will continue to assess the situation and expect to open for business tomorrow. The safety of our team members and our guests is our top priority."

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Aislinn Murphy

The mother of Golden State Warriors  head coach Steve Kerr evacuated from her home in the Los Angeles area as wildfires raged on Tuesday into Wednesday morning.

Kerr’s 90-year-old mother, Ann, left her Pacific Palisades home as evacuation orders were given. The coach talked about the harrowing situation unfolding after the team’s 114-98 loss to the Miami Heat.

"I want to send my thoughts and condolences to everybody in Los Angeles dealing with the fires," he said. "My mom lives in Pacific Palisades. She had to evacuate."

Everett Dayton, a member of the organization’s player development department, lost his family home in the area, Kerr said.

"Everything I’m seeing and reading is just terrifying what’s happening down there," Kerr said. "So just want to send thoughts to everyone who’s going through the devastation of the fire. Obviously the game is secondary to that and to many things in life. Perspective is important."

Ann Kerr was among the thousands who were forced to flee the area as three separate fires broke out across the Los Angeles area on Tuesday. The first started near a nature preserve in the inland foothills northeast of Los Angeles. The second occurred in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. The third, which began around 10:30 p.m. PT, occurred in the San Fernando Valley.

On Monday, Los Angeles authorities warned of high winds that would plague the region. The winds helped fuel the fires on Tuesday as gusts topping 60 mph were seen in some places, increasing to 70 mph by early Wednesday.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Ryan Gaydos

Plane passenger Matt Ginella said it was a “horrific” experience flying into Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday as wildfires were raging in the region. 

“We knew something was up because the pilot came on and said we are suspending food and drink service right before we even took off [from San Jose] and said we were in for a very turbulent flight to get down to LAX,” Ginella told “Fox & Friends” on Wednesday. 

“I had a window seat... and caught that tail of smoke moving across the sky... when you look at something like that, you can’t actually believe what you are processing. You are thinking to yourself, ‘what is happening? This is pure devastation,’” Ginella continued. 

“There were planes ahead of us going right into that wall of smoke. Knowing we were going that direction as well, I was like ‘what is about to happen?’” he added. 

Ginella said he could then smell smoke inside the plane cabin as it flew past the wildfires.  

“We could see after we cleared the brown smoke the flames on the side of the hill and it looked like pure devastation, it was horrific,” he told “Fox & Friends.” 

A map of ongoing wildfires in Southern California. (Fox News)

A fifth wildfire in Southern California – the Woodley Fire – has broken out in Los Angeles County. 

The fire began around 6:15 a.m. local time Wednesday and so far has burned about 75 acres around the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve in Encino, according to Cal Fire. 

It is currently 0% contained. 

The Woodley Fire is located between the massive Palisades Fire to the south, and the Hurst Fire to the north, which now has consumed at least 500 acres, officials say. 

Map shows location of four California wildfires as of Wednesday morning. (Fox News)

A fourth fire in Southern California -- the Tyler Fire -- has broken out Wednesday in Riverside County, officials say.

The Tyler Fire started around 3:25 a.m. local time this morning near Coachella and so far has burned 15 acres, according to CAL FIRE.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Officials in the area say affected residents are being evacuated and structures are being threatened.

A utility pole was seen collapsing Wednesday morning behind Fox News Senior National Correspondent William La Jeunesse as he was reporting on the Palisades Fire in the Malibu area. 

“Well, at least it went that direction and not this one,” La Jeunesse said as flames consumed a structure behind him. 

“These power lines are down all along the Pacific Coast Highway,” La Jeunesse added. 

As of around 6 a.m. local time, about 150,000 people remain without power in the region, according to the website Poweroutage.us. 

The Palisades Fire has burned nearly 3,000 acres and is 0% contained, Cal Fire says. 

Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Margaret Stewart told “Fox & Friends” Wednesday morning that the wildfires raging in her city are “dynamic and dangerous” and are “continuing to grow.”  

“We are in extreme wind conditions. We have winds sustained and gusting over 80 mph, which is hurricane force. It is not possible to stop a fire that is wind-driven like this, with this kind of topography, from the ground,” she said. 

“We need to be able to fly our aircraft. Our helicopters cannot fly under this wind condition. They are continually evaluating it. Unfortunately the winds are not forecasted to lessen over the next hours,” she continued. 

“This is a dynamic and dangerous fire that is continuing to grow. We do have many structures damaged and destroyed but we are not able to quantify that at this time,” Stewart also said. “And we have had injuries to both firefighters and civilians.” 

A map of the Palisades Fire in Southern California. (Fox News)

The cause of the Palisades Fire – which currently is the largest one raging in the Los Angeles area – is currently “under investigation,” according to Cal Fire. 

The agency says the fire began Tuesday around 10:30 a.m. local time. 

As of early Wednesday morning, it has burned at least 2,921 acres and is 0% contained. 

“Extreme fire behavior, short and long-range spotting, continues to challenge firefighting efforts for the Palisades Fire,” the L.A. County Fire Department said on X. “Winds gusts up to 60 MPH are expected to continue through Thursday.” 

Evacuation orders have been issued throughout the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, with warnings being extended to Malibu and Calabasas. 

“All hands are on deck to fight the Palisades Fire in Southern California. California is deeply grateful for the brave firefighters and first responders battling the blaze,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom also wrote on X. “We will continue to mobilize resources and support local communities as they respond to this severe weather.” 

Rabbi Zushe Cunin, founder of Chabad Jewish Community Center of Pacific Palisades, told “Fox & Friends” Wednesday “It was a real incredible task to make sure that everybody was safely back with the families” as around 100 preschoolers were evacuated from its campus Tuesday. 

“Our staff and our director got right into action even before evacuation [orders] were coming in, just noticing the smoke and not wanting the children to be in harm’s way,” he said. 

“Unfortunately as we see this horrendous, devastating fire is continuing to rage, our hearts go out to the men and women and children and families who have been devastated by this,” Cunin added. “Thousands of people are without homes, so many iconic spaces in our little town have been completely burnt down and it’s really a time for us all to come together and be there for each other and support each other.” 

Pasadena Fire Department Chief Chad Augustin told “Fox & Friends” Wednesday morning that the raging Eaton Fire is “definitely the worst brush fire and worst incident that Pasadena has seen in its history.” 

Augustin, speaking from Rose Bowl in Southern California – which also has become a large animal evacuation center – said “we have lost a significant amount of homes” and that the situation “really is a worst case scenario.” 

“When I was driving to the command post, it really looked like an apocalypse. You couldn’t see – there was spot fires everywhere, there were trees coming down literally as we were driving. And multiple, multiple houses on fire. Definitely the worst brush fire and worst incident that Pasadena has seen in its history,” he said. 

“We could have another 500 firefighters here on this incident and we still wouldn’t be able to stop this fire,” Augustin added. “We really need the winds to die down, we need to get aircraft in the air and be able to start doing water drops and then come behind it with fire crews.” 

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing criticism from locals Wednesday for being out of the country while wildfires are raging in her city. 

The Democrat was named by President Biden last week as part of a U.S. delegation to attend the inauguration of returning Ghanian President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday in Accra, Ghana. 

“The people that are in the [Pacific] Palisades, I hope that they are safe. But we have questions. I know where I am right now, but I don’t know where my mayor was when this was happening,” Rachel Darvish, who was forced to evacuate, said regarding Bass on “Fox & Friends First” this morning. “For someone to be in charge of my town... Where were you? Where were you when the decisions should have been made on how to get in and out of places? I wish she was sitting across from me to answer these questions.” 

Rick Caruso, a billionaire developer who unsuccessfully ran against Bass for mayor in 2022, said to Fox11 Los Angeles that the current situation is an “absolute mismanagement by the city.” 

“We have got a mayor that is out of the country and we have got a city that is burning, and there is no resources to put out fires,” he said. 

The station reported that Bass is currently heading back to California. Her office did not immediately respond Wednesday to a request for comment by Fox News Digital.

In the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, all the fire hydrants dried up early Wednesday morning, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“We had a tremendous demand on our system in the Palisades. We pushed the system to the extreme,” Janisse Quiñones, chief executive and chief engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, told the newspaper. “Four times the normal demand was seen for 15 hours straight, which lowered our water pressure.”

Caruso told Fox11 Los Angeles that "it looks like we are in a third world country here."

"We have got a lot of tough questions that we need to ask the mayor and the City Council and our representatives and the county representatives. Why didn't you work to mitigate this? What was your brush mitigation program?" Caruso asked.

The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles will leave billions of dollars in economic damage, FOX Business' Cheryl Casone said Wednesday on “Fox & Friends First.” 

“Another issue that I’m unfortunately looking at this morning is the insurance story, because of these high-prone areas for fires in these regions, a lot of these residents have not been able to get insurance for their homes – like wildfire coverage, whether its renter's insurance or homeowners' insurance,” she said. 

“Just last week California regulators proposed new regulations that would force insurance companies to offer wildfire insurance to residents, but unfortunately there is a 30-day review period, so no answers yet,” she continued. “So a lot of these folks... they may not be able to cover their losses.” 

As of early Wednesday morning, the three fires raging in the Los Angeles area – the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire and the Hurst Fire are 0% contained, officials say. 

The largest of the three, the Palisades Fire, has burned nearly 3,000 acres so far. 

The LAPD said it is remaining vigilant as wildfires sweep through Southern California.

"The LAPD remains vigilant during the ongoing fires throughout the City of LA and has deployed officers for high visibility patrol during the tactical alert," the police department wrote on X.

"At this time, we have received no information regarding looting or other criminal activity in the affected areas," the post added.

Palisades Fires that started Tuesday have made their way to Malibu late Tuesday night.

The fires are devastating the Pacific Coast Highway and firefighters are working over time as they continue to escalate.

Among the many obstacles powerful Santa Ana winds are spreading the fire quickly and making it difficult to combat the blaze by air.

Flames have reportedly crossed the Pacific Coast Highway spreading into Malibu’s Sunset Mesa neighborhood and as far west as Las Flores Canyon. 

The combination of winds and fire sweeping through the county  has claimed thousands of homes and burned down historic institutions and landmarks like the Getty Villa Art Museum, Reel Inn, Cholada Thai and Rosenthal Winery.

Reel Inn owners took to social media to express their heartache over their loss and to express their optimism that this isn’t the end for them. 

"All of our staff are safe. 

We are so grateful for the 36 years we've been a part of the community. Grateful to all of our customers. We are heartbroken and unsure what will be left. Hopefully the state parks will let us rebuild when the dust settles. 

Thank you for all of the love and support."

Winds are expected to continue to increase according to meteorologists.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said early Wednesday that the state has deployed more than 1,400 firefighting personnel and hundreds of prepositioned assets to tackle the fires in Los Angeles County.

"Emergency officials, firefighters, and first responders are all hands on deck through the night to do everything possible to protect lives," Newsom wrote on X.

The governor added that mutual aid is pouring in from across the state to battle the three wildfires.

Hundreds of additional firefighters are headed south to join the firefighters already on the ground, he wrote.

"Thank you to our first responders quickly jumping into these firefights," the governor said.

Ongoing fires and heavy wind conditions plaguing multiple L.A. County school districts are forcing schools to shut down Wednesday, January 8.

With more than 30,000 people misplaced and increasing unsafe environments the following schools are reporting closures. 

-Alhambra Unified School District

-Arcadia Unified School District

-Azusa Unified School District

-Baldwin Park Unified School District

-Duarte Unified School District 

-El Monte City School District

-Glendale unified School District 

-La Canada Unified School District

-Los Vírgenes School District

-Monrovia Unified School District

-Mountain View School District

-Pasadena Unified School District

-Rosemead School District

-San Marino Unified School District

-Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District

-South Pasadena Unified School District

-Temple City Unified School District

-Valle Lindo School District Los Angeles Unified School District:

-Topanga Elementary Charter

-Woodland Hills Academy

-Palisades Elementary

-Brentwood Magnet

-Marquez Charter Elementary

-Diego Rivera Learning Complex

-University High School

For more information about the Palisades Fire, visit CALFIRE.

A ferocious wildfire in a Los Angeles suburb devoured buildings and sparked panicked evacuations on Jan. 7 as hurricane-force winds tore through the region. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)

The Los Angeles County Fire Department shared an update on efforts to contain the fast-moving Palisades Fire late Tuesday night, which has put tens of thousands of people under an evacuation order due to the immediate threat to life.

As of Wednesday morning, the Palisades Fire has ravaged more than 2921 acres and is zero percent contained. LA County firefighters are also simultaneously battling the Eaton Fire and Hurst Fire, both of which are zero percent contained.

The fires are barreling through the length of approximately five football fields a minute, Fox News reported, making containment in dense areas extremely tough for firefighters.

Strong Santa Ana winds of up to 80 mph are propelling the flames and wind gusts of up to 60 mph are expected into Thursday.

Fox News reported that more than 250 Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters are working with other agencies to contain the trio of wildfires. Gov. Newsom also announced 1,400 firefighters have been deployed to the area to assist.

The police chief of Santa Monica said the Palisades Fire burning north of the city is zero percent contained as of 10:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday.

Chief Ramon Batista said all areas north of San Vicente Boulevard are under an evacuation order, which means there is an immediate threat to life and all residents are lawfully ordered to leave immediately.

Residents under an evacuation warning between Montana Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard are advised to prepare to leave.

Batista said the city is monitoring the conditions overnight and official expect to give a "significant media update" Wednesday morning.

President Biden said he has spoken to local officials about the wildfires sweeping through Southern California, offering federal assistance to deal with the fires.

"I am being frequently briefed on the wildfires in west Los Angeles. My team and I are in touch with state and local officials, and I have offered any federal assistance that is needed to help suppress the terrible Pacific Palisades fire," Biden said in a statement.

"Earlier tonight, FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to support areas that are impacted and help reimburse the state of California for the immediate firefighting costs," he continued. "My Administration will do everything it can to support the response."

Biden added: "I urge the residents of the Pacific Palisades and the surrounding areas of Los Angeles to stay vigilant and listen to local officials."

AP

Officials have announced that a third wildfire has broken out in Los Angeles County, as one fire was already in Pacific Palisades and another was in the Pasadena area.

In the case of the third fire, the Los Angeles City Fire Department said it was in the Sylmar neighborhood of Los Angeles at 15986 West Yarnell Street. Mandatory evacuations were ordered in response to the fire.

The fire was roughly 100 acres with a rapid rate of spread and has jumped the freeway, officials said.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the state has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA in response to the Eaton Fire, one of two wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County.

The Eaton Fire began at 6:23 p.m. on Tuesday in the Altadena/Pasadena area, hours after the fast-moving Pacific Palisades Fire ignited.

The Palisades Fire burned around Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (Left image: Reuters, Right images: Getty)

The newest fire has already burned more than 400 acres, forced more than 19,000 people to evacuate and placed 22,000 others under an evacuation warning.

"We are moving rapidly to support state and local law enforcement and firefighters to respond to the Eaton Fire threatening Altadena and Pasadena as extremely critical fire weather continues in Southern California," Newsom said. "To all those in the region, remain vigilant and listen to local authorities."

The funds will assist local, state, and tribal agencies responding to the fire to apply for 75% reimbursement of eligible suppression costs. The same grant was secured earlier in the day for the Palisades Fire.

Several Los Angeles movie premieres have been canceled because of the wildfires sweeping through Southern California.

Paramount announced it has canceled the premiere of "Better Man," which was set for Wednesday, according to Variety.

"Due to the dangerous conditions affecting Los Angeles we are canceling tomorrow’s premiere of ‘Better Man,'" a Paramount spokesperson said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with those impacted by the devastating fires resulting from these conditions, and we encourage everyone to stay safe and follow guidance and orders from local officials and government agencies."

Amazon MGM Studios and Universal Studios also pulled their planned Tuesday night premieres of "Unstoppable" and "Wolf Man" while Max canceled the Wednesday premiere of "The Pitt."

"Out of an abundance of caution due to the ongoing Palisades Fire and continued wind advisories through tomorrow, we are canceling Wednesday's premiere event for 'The Pitt.' The safety and well-being of our attendees, staff, and community are our top priority," Max said. "We are grateful for the first responders bravely working to protect our community, and our thoughts are with those affected. Stay safe!"

Fellow Californian Vice President Kamala Harris’ Los Angeles residence is now in jeopardy as the wildfires continue to rage in California.

Harris released a statement as more than 30,000 Californians evacuated the highly volatile area as high winds were driving the fires farther east.

"My heart goes out to all those being impacted by the devasting wildfires in Southern California. Doug and I are praying for our fellow Californians who have evacuated, and we are thinking of the families whose homes, businesses, and schools remain in harm’s way. We are deeply grateful for the heroic first responders who are risking their own safety to fight the flames and help keep communities safe."

"I was briefed earlier tonight and will continue to receive regular updates about these damaging wildfires and the coordinated efforts to contain them. I am also urging residents in the affected areas to listen to local officials, remain vigilant, and evacuate immediately if told to do so.

"President Biden and I are committed to ensuring that no community has to respond to this disaster alone. We have already mobilized federal resources to help suppress the fires, provide overhead support, and begin assisting those impacted. FEMA also quickly approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help reimburse the state for immediate firefighting costs. 

"As a proud daughter of California, I know the damage that wildfires have on our neighbors and communities. I also know that the impact is often felt long after the fire is contained. As we respond and as Californians recover, I will ensure that our administration is in constant contact with state and local officials."

Reality TV couple Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, who began dating on The Hills nearly 20 years ago, lost their home in the Palisades Fire, the pair confirmed on their Snapchat accounts on Tuesday.

In a series of videos, Pratt showed how the fire quickly moved over the hill toward their home.

"Well, this isn't looking good," Pratt said while videoing the fire on the mountain behind their home. "First time I've seen the flames coming over. Aw, man. Okay, I'm going to go pack up I think."

He later posted a video from his car stating that he was watching their home burn down on their security cameras.

Montag posted a video in a grocery store also sharing that their home did burn, but the couple and their children are safe.

ENTERTAINMENT

Palisades Fire: Heidi Montag, Spencer Pratt lose home; more celebrities forced to flee ritzy neighborhood

A wildfire raging through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles has consumed homes in the ritzy area, including those belonging to celebrities.

The wind whips embers as the Palisades Fire burns during a windstorm on the west side of Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 7, 2025. (REUTERS/Ringo Chiu)

Strong winds are proving to be a hinderance as firefighters battle out of control fires in California tonight.

Forecasters are warning of the potential for the strongest wind event in more than a decade.

“We’ve seen gusts Tuesday evening already reach at least 69 mph in Burbank, 71 mph in Beverly Hills and 81 mph in the Malibu Hills. And sadly, there are hours of devastating winds still to go. We expect these gusts to continue through the night into Wednesday morning before slowly abating Wednesday afternoon. And with tinder dry conditions in place, extreme wildfire conditions will persist,” said Scott Sistek Meteorologist and Fox News Sr. Digital Content Producer.

“Firefighters are doing everything possible to protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure under incredibly tough conditions,” said Jason Pack former firefighter and FEMA external affairs officer.

“The severity of these fires will likely prompt a request for emergency funding from FEMA to help cover the costs of firefighting efforts, evacuations, and initial recovery operations. Depending on the scale and impact, the state’s Office of Emergency Management could also request a federal disaster declaration, which would unlock additional federal resources and aid for affected communities,” said Pack.

A wildfire at a Duke’s restaurant in Malibu, California , left multiple people with burns, according to Fox News correspondent Matt Finn.

This comes as wildfires sweep through Southern California.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said a 25-year-old female firefighter was injured while battling the Palisades Fire Tuesday evening.

She sustained a "serious head injury" at approximately 8:30 p.m., according to LAFD PIO Erik Scott. The manner in which she was injured was not shared.

The firefighter was treated immediately at the scene and taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

AP

As a wildfire pushed by extreme winds swept through a Los Angeles hillside home to celebrities' residences, more than 167,000 households in Southern California are without power, as of Tuesday evening.

One fire was burning through the Pacific Palisades and another was moving in the Pasadena area. A third fire was later reported in the Sylmar neighborhood.

More than 167,000 households were without power late Tuesday because of the strong winds.

About 15,000 utility customers in Southern California had their power turned off to reduce the risk of equipment starting a fire.

In response to the winds, half a million customers in total were at risk of losing power preemptively.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

As firefighters battle a fast-moving brush fire in the Pacific Palisades, a second inferno has broken out in nearby Pasadena.

The two fires are forcing more than 30,000 people from their homes. An estimated 200 acres are now ablaze in the Pasadena area as fighters battle the Eaton Fire. Eaton firefighters are moving evacuations along as the fire continues to progress. 

Strong Santa Ana winds have grounded aerial firefighting planes, making them unable to fly and stunting aerial waterbombing efforts.

A firefighting aircraft drops the fire retardant Phos-Chek as the Palisades Fire burns amid a powerful windstorm on January 7, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Getty Images)

A large, fast-moving and growing brush fire  broke out Tuesday afternoon in Pacific Palisades, prompting mandatory evacuations affecting tens of thousands of people and highway closures, including people who abandoned their vehicles to flee on foot.

More than 13,000 buildings and 26,000 people are in the evacuation zone, which has been labeled "under immediate threat," according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

As of 9:20 p.m., nearly 3,000 acres had burned, according to Cal Fire. 

About 30,000 people have been evacuated from a total of 10,000 households, or 15,000 structures, to include businesses and other buildings so far with no injuries, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell told reporters at a news conference. 

Over 250 LAFD firefighters were battling the blaze, in addition to firefighters from neighboring agencies. Approximately 30 vehicles left abandoned on Sunset and Palisades will be moved by the county to provide clear access, the fire department said. 

LAFD announced via X at about 9:30 p.m. all off-duty members are to call with their availability to be called upon to help fight the fire.

This is an excerpt of a story by Fox News Digital's Alexandra Koch and Louis Casiano. Click here to read the full story.