LA fires live updates: Death toll jumps to 25 as winds return increasing fears of ‘explosive fire growth’

Graig Graziosi,Michelle Del Rey,Stuti Mishra,James Liddell and Julia Musto
·28-min read

Firefighters are bracing for the return of ferocious Santa Ana winds that are expected to fan the flames of massive wildfires raging across southern California, as the death toll climbs to at least 25 people.

The National Weather Service warned of a “particularly dangerous situation,” with critical to extreme fire weather conditions anticipated to develop into mid-week.

While peak winds will be weaker than last week, the agency said Monday the combination of low relative humidity and 20 to 40 mph offshore winds will “support rapid fire growth and potential for extreme fire behavior.”

The agency’s Los Angeles office said it anticipates gusts of up to 70 mph in mountainous regions.

ADVERTISEMENT

Gov. Gavin Newsom said firefighters and engines were pre-positioned around the region, and warned residents to evacuate if they get the order to do so. He signed executive orders to help the city rebuild faster, clear debris and prepare for mudslides and flooding.

As of Monday morning, the fires have scorched more than 40,000 acres. Only 14 percent of the more than 23,000-acre Palisades fire has been contained. The Eaton fire has burned more than 14,000 acres in Altadena and Pasadena and is 33 percent contained.

Key Points

  • Death toll: At least 25 people killed in LA wildfires

  • Forecasters warn weather set up is ‘about as bad as it gets’ for coming days

  • Evacuation orders across southern California to remain in place until Thursday

  • Here’s where there are Red Flag Warnings this week

  • Disaster resource centers will open to the public on Tuesday

ICYMI: How you can help the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires

03:07 , Josh Marcus

ADVERTISEMENT

Charities and businesses are rallying to help the people of Los Angeles following the Southern California fires that have so far claimed the lives of at least 25 people.

With more than 180,000 residents forced to evacuate and at least 10,000 structures destroyed, many people have lost everything.

The fires have scorched more than 35,000 acres so far, with little containment. The Palisades fire, one of the most destructive the city has seen, is now at 14 percent containment after burning more than 23,000 acres, while the Altadena and Pasadena-based Eaton fire has burned 14,000 acres.

As thousands are feared to have lost their homes, this is how local organizations and charities are responding — and how you can help too.

Rhian Lubin has the details.

How you can help the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires

Republican leaders want to condition aid to California. Rank and file isn’t sure

02:30 , Josh Marcus

ADVERTISEMENT

The raging wildfires in Southern California that have ruined countless homes and livelihoods have now given way to the immortal question: How will Congress provide aid to the ailing state?

Under normal circumstances, this would be an easy issue. California is the largest economy in the United States. But California has long been a punching bag for Republicans and President-elect Donald Trump has long clashed with Governor Gavin Newsom. During the weekend, Trump reposted an image of the Hollywood Hills, replacing the Hollywood sign with letters saying “Trump was right” as the area was ablaze.

Donald Trump Jr. and Elon Musk have particularly swiped at the Los Angeles Fire Department for sending equipment to Ukraine. Ted Cruz, meanwhile, the senator from California’s mortal enemy Texas, faulted Los Angeles for cutting money for its fire department while allocating money for a transgender cafe and a social justice network on his podcast.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson told CNN’s Manu Raju that state and local leaders “were derelict in their duty,” and that “I think there should be conditions on that aid.”

Eric Garcia reports.

Republican leaders want to condition aid to California--rank and file is not sure

Governor calls for expanded legislative session to address wildfires

02:00 , Josh Marcus

ADVERTISEMENT

California Governor Gavin Newsom is expanding the state’s legislative special session due to the Los Angeles fires.

Here’s what the Democrat had to say of the decision:

Map shows which parts of L.A. under red flag fire weather warning

01:30 , Josh Marcus

Update: Containment inches forward on Palisades and Eaton fires

00:59 , Josh Marcus

Firefighters are making slow progress containing the Palisades and Eaton fires.

The former is 14 percent contained and has burned 23,713 acres, while the latter is 33 percent contained with 14,117 acres burned, according to Cal Fire.

Mike Johnson calls for ‘conditions’ on wildfire aid

00:34 , Josh Marcus

House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested on Monday that lawmakers might attach “conditions” to wildfire aid for California, where blazes in Los Angeles have killed at least 25 and burned hundreds of homes, one of the worst natural disasters in state history.

“I think we’re going to have a serious conversation about that,” Johnson told reporters. “Obviously there has been water resource mismanagement, forest mismanagement, mistakes, all sorts of problems, and it does come down to leadership. It appears to us that state and local leaders were derelict in their duty in many respects. That’s something that has to be factored in.”

“I think there should probably be conditions on that aid,” he added.

Johnson also said the aid could be tied into negotiations around raising the debt ceiling.

Read more.

Speaker Johnson calls for ‘conditions’ on California wildfire aid

Florida rep warns that conditions on wildfire aid for California is a ‘mistake'

00:14 , Josh Marcus

Congressman Jared Moskowitz of Florida is urging his colleagues not to attach conditions to wildfire aid for California, as discussion ramps up in the GOP to potentially constrain aid or link it to wider spending negotiations.

“This is a Mistake,” he wrote on X. “If you start this, it will never end. When Dems retake the House, they will condition aid to Florida and Texas. Disaster Aid must stay non partisan. I would fight democrats should they try and do this. The Speaker can find many other ways to hold people accountable.”

Trump could visit Los Angeles next week to survey fires

Monday 13 January 2025 23:54 , Josh Marcus

Donald Trump, who has long criticized California and its governor Gavin Newsom over the state’s fire and water policy, may visit Los Angeles to survey the deadly wildfires.

The Weeknd delays album and cancels show in wake of LA fires

Monday 13 January 2025 23:34 , Josh Marcus

The Weeknd has announced he is postponing the release of his new album and cancelling a huge show in the wake of the devastating Los Angeles fires.

The 34-year-old artist, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, will now release his sixth album Hurry Up Tomorrow on January 31, a week later than previously announced.

A planned concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena that was set to take place on January 25 has also been cancelled.

He made the announcement in an Instagram post, stating: “Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, the Rose Bowl show has been cancelled and the album date has been postponed to 01.31.25.”

Kevin E G Perry reports.

The Weeknd delays album and cancels huge show in wake of LA fires

Could more brush clearance really have stopped catastrophic California wildfires?

Monday 13 January 2025 23:15 , Josh Marcus

As fires continue to devastate Los Angeles, critics argue that in addition to preparing for vulnerabilities in the city’s patchwork hydrant system, officials could have done more to prevent the blazes by clearing built-up brush and vegetation around the most vulnerable areas.

“The brush clearance alone, had that happened, would have just changed the trajectory of this fire,” real estate magnate Rick Caruso, a former Los Angeles mayoral candidate, told ABC 7.

Elon Musk, meanwhile, claimed that “crazy environmental regulations prevent building fire breaks and clearing brush near houses” were the “biggest factor” behind the fire.

These arguments are largely incorrect, according to fire experts.

More details in our full story.

Could brush clearance really have stopped catastrophic California wildfires?

More than 15,000 firefighting personnel are deployed across LA County

Monday 13 January 2025 22:41 , Julia Musto

Those impacted by the wildfires can have USPS hold or reroute their mail. Here’s how

Monday 13 January 2025 22:38 , Julia Musto

Photos show what’s left in Altadena: Burned cars, houses

Monday 13 January 2025 22:30 , Julia Musto

Cal Fire Forestry Technician Holly Helseth surveys the damage done to an Altadena, California, property in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire on Monday. The Eaton Fire did not grow (AP)
Cal Fire Forestry Technician Holly Helseth surveys the damage done to an Altadena, California, property in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire on Monday. The Eaton Fire did not grow (AP)
A burned vehicle is left behind in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire on Monday in Altadena, California. Thousands of structures were damaged in recent wildfires (AP)
A burned vehicle is left behind in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire on Monday in Altadena, California. Thousands of structures were damaged in recent wildfires (AP)
Cal Fire Forestry Technician Holly Helseth checks out a damaged property in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire on Monday in Altadena, California. Firefighters are prepositioned to respond to more potential fire danger this week (AP)
Cal Fire Forestry Technician Holly Helseth checks out a damaged property in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire on Monday in Altadena, California. Firefighters are prepositioned to respond to more potential fire danger this week (AP)
Cal Fire Forestry Technician Holly Helseth surveys damage to a property in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire on Monday in Altadena, California. Tens of thousands of residents were still under evacuation orders (AP)
Cal Fire Forestry Technician Holly Helseth surveys damage to a property in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire on Monday in Altadena, California. Tens of thousands of residents were still under evacuation orders (AP)

Karen Bass once insisted she wouldn’t go abroad as LA mayor. Instead, she took five city-funded trips overseas

Monday 13 January 2025 22:15 , Julia Musto

LA Mayor Karen Bass took five international trips despite promising to stay in US

Mayor Karen Bass directs the distribution of ‘hundreds of thousands of N95 masks’

Monday 13 January 2025 22:12 , Julia Musto

FBI seeks information that leads to the identity of drone pilot

Monday 13 January 2025 22:10 , Julia Musto

Firefighting assets are prepositioned around Southern California — including these trucks

Monday 13 January 2025 21:51 , Julia Musto

More than 100 OC restaurants team up to donate 20 percent of Tuesday’s sales to help wildfire victims

Monday 13 January 2025 21:48 , Julia Musto

Tim Murphy, with the San Francisco Fire Dept., extends a hose while putting out hotspots in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Monday. The fire did not grow, but weather conditions were expected to worsen (AP)
Tim Murphy, with the San Francisco Fire Dept., extends a hose while putting out hotspots in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Monday. The fire did not grow, but weather conditions were expected to worsen (AP)

More than 100 Orange County restaurants have teamed up to donate 20 percent of Tuesday’s sales to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to help fire victims, according to The Los Angeles Times.

OC Restaurants Give, an organization formed by three area public relations professionals, launched the project.

People can donate relief supplies to the EXPO Arts Center until 4 p.m. PST

Monday 13 January 2025 21:43 , Julia Musto

LA Department of Water and Power says there are billions of gallons of water available

Monday 13 January 2025 21:25 , Julia Musto

This interactive map show homes destroyed, spared in Palisades Fire

Monday 13 January 2025 21:13 , Julia Musto

Here’s the link for the Eaton Fire map: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/eaton-fire/

UCLA is remote through the end of the week

Monday 13 January 2025 21:00 , Julia Musto

Forecasters warn weather set up is ‘about as bad as it gets’ for coming days

Monday 13 January 2025 20:41 , Julia Musto

California wildfires are impacting mail delivery. Here’s where affected residents can pick up their mail

Monday 13 January 2025 20:35 , Julia Musto

Power outages spike across Southern California again

Monday 13 January 2025 20:33 , Julia Musto

A firefighter sets up a hose while fighting the Palisades Fire in Southern California’s Mandeville Canyon on Saturday. The fire had not grown from Sunday to Monday (AP)
A firefighter sets up a hose while fighting the Palisades Fire in Southern California’s Mandeville Canyon on Saturday. The fire had not grown from Sunday to Monday (AP)

More than 92,000 California customers were left without power on Monday afternoon, according to tracker PowerOutage.US.

Of those, the majority were in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.

Map shows reach of Red Flag Warnings

Monday 13 January 2025 20:20 , Julia Musto

Disaster resource centers will open to the public on Tuesday

Monday 13 January 2025 20:18 , Julia Musto

N95 masks are available at LA public libraries

Monday 13 January 2025 20:16 , Julia Musto

House Speaker Mike Johnson says he believes there should be ‘conditions’ on California wildfire aid

Monday 13 January 2025 20:13 , Julia Musto

Southern California residents distribute aid as first responders and officials brace for more weather impacts

Monday 13 January 2025 20:12 , Julia Musto

A home destroyed by the Eaton Fire stands in front of another that survived in Altadena, California on Monday. More than 12,000 structures have burned in the recent fires (AP)
A home destroyed by the Eaton Fire stands in front of another that survived in Altadena, California on Monday. More than 12,000 structures have burned in the recent fires (AP)
Members of the National Guard block a road on the border of Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades on Monday in Los Angeles, California. Thousands of members have deployed throughout the region (AFP via Getty Images)
Members of the National Guard block a road on the border of Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades on Monday in Los Angeles, California. Thousands of members have deployed throughout the region (AFP via Getty Images)
A firefighter takes weather readings while standing on a scorched ridgetop above the Eaton Fire on in California’s Angeles National Forest. Forecasters warned that conditions would swiftly deteriorate by Tuesday (AP)
A firefighter takes weather readings while standing on a scorched ridgetop above the Eaton Fire on in California’s Angeles National Forest. Forecasters warned that conditions would swiftly deteriorate by Tuesday (AP)
Items are laid out at an aid center for people affected by wildfires on Monday at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. Multiple centers were open for people to donate and collect aid (AP)
Items are laid out at an aid center for people affected by wildfires on Monday at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. Multiple centers were open for people to donate and collect aid (AP)

Newsom sparked conspiracy theories by hinting at invoking a ‘Marshall Plan’ to rebuild ‘LA 2.0.’ But what does he mean?

Monday 13 January 2025 19:56 , Julia Musto

Newsom sparks conspiracy theories by invoking a ‘Marshall Plan’ to rebuild ‘LA 2.0.’

Bottled water distribution site open in Pasadena

Monday 13 January 2025 19:55 , Julia Musto

Eaton Fire reaches Mount Wilson communication towers - but no impacts were sustained

Monday 13 January 2025 19:52 , Julia Musto

What is a Red Flag warning?

Monday 13 January 2025 19:47 , Julia Musto

Lawsuit claims utility’s equipment sparked Eaton Fire, but officials say cause is under investigation

Monday 13 January 2025 19:46 , Julia Musto

Multiple lawsuits were filed on Monday against utility Southern California Edison, with one alleging that its equipment had resulted in the Eaton Fire.

Edison has acknowledged that fire agencies are investigating whether its equipment may have started a smaller LA-area fire that broke out the same day, according to The Associated Press.

Edison said in a filing with the California Public Utilities Commission that “a downed conductor was discovered at a tower” near the start of the Hurst Fire that broke out in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Sylmar. However, it “does not know whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire.”

Officials said Monday that the cause of the region’s wildfires were under investigation.

With reporting from The Associated Press

La Crescenta resident recalls evacuation: ‘It was super apocalyptic'

Monday 13 January 2025 19:34 , Julia Musto

A tattered American flag is seen flying above a burned down home in the wake of the the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles, California, on Sunday. Evacuation orders remained in place for 92,000 residents (AP)
A tattered American flag is seen flying above a burned down home in the wake of the the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles, California, on Sunday. Evacuation orders remained in place for 92,000 residents (AP)

La Crescenta resident Tim Kang recalled waking up early Wednesday morning as the Eaton Fire approached.

“It was super apocalyptic,” Kang told The Associated Press. “There was like trash everywhere, trees, shrubbery, huge cloud of black smoke in the background, no power, everything just felt like, ‘Oh man, the world’s ending.’”

The LA Metro is free while fires, winds continue

Monday 13 January 2025 19:15 , Julia Musto

These LA County libraries have FEMA staff to offer residents assistance

Monday 13 January 2025 19:13 , Julia Musto

More than 15,000 personnel are responding to LA wildfires

Monday 13 January 2025 19:12 , Julia Musto

Oscar nominations are pushed back due to wildfires

Monday 13 January 2025 19:10 , Julia Musto

The Oscar nominations are being pushed back by nearly a week from their original date amid the ongoing wildfires around the City of Los Angeles.

Nominations will now be announced Jan. 23, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Monday.

Meanwhile, organizers said that the Grammy Awards would proceed as planned on February 2.

“In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort and unite like nothing else,” the recording academy said in a statement shared with The New York Times.

With reporting from The Associated Press

Health insurer Anthem Blue Cross plans to donate $10 million to help communities recover from LA wildfires

Monday 13 January 2025 19:04 , Julia Musto

Oliver Braren wipes his eyes as he takes a moment from sifting through Kaegan Baron's mother's home after it was destroyed by the Palisades Fire on Saturday in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. Thousands of people have been displaced by the blaze (AP)
Oliver Braren wipes his eyes as he takes a moment from sifting through Kaegan Baron's mother's home after it was destroyed by the Palisades Fire on Saturday in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. Thousands of people have been displaced by the blaze (AP)

Health insurer Anthem Blue Cross is planning to donate $10 million to hel[p communities impacted by the Los Angeles County wildfires.

“We want our associates, members, care providers, and communities to know we stand with them,” Beth Andersen, president of Anthem Blue Cross Commercial Plans, said.

With reporting from The Associated Press

Stop using Public Enemy’s ‘Burn Hollywood Burn’ on videos of ‘horrific’ LA fires, pleads Chuck D

Monday 13 January 2025 18:58 , Julia Musto

Stop using Public Enemy’s ‘Burn Hollywood Burn’ on videos of LA fires, pleads Chuck D

Nearly 900 California wildfire evacuees woke up in Red Cross shelters on Monday morning

Monday 13 January 2025 18:58 , Julia Musto

Spencer Pratt sobs as wife Heidi Montag’ album hits No. 1 on iTunes after losing home to Palisades fire

Monday 13 January 2025 18:56 , Julia Musto

Spencer Pratt sobs as Heidi Montag’ album hits No. 1 after losing home to LA wildfire

LA County firefighters are on the scene of a small spot fire but assure there’s ‘no threat’ to the community

Monday 13 January 2025 18:54 , Julia Musto

Biden says nation is in the debt of firefighters, first responders working to save lives, fight LA wildfires

Monday 13 January 2025 18:40 , Julia Musto

President Joe Biden said Monday that his heart aches for the “innocent souls” lost in the wildfires across Los Angeles.

“Jill and I pray for them and their loved ones. We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the unprecedented ongoing wildfires across Southern California,” he said in a statement.

Biden said he was being frequently briefed on efforts to supress the fires in the county, and had directed his administration to respond promptly to any request for additional federal firefighting assistance. He wrote that his administration remains “laser-focused” on helping survivors and using “every tool available to support the urgent firefight.”

“To the brave firefighters and first responders working day and night to suppress these fires and save lives: our nation is grateful. You represent the best of America and we are in your debt,” Biden said.

In photos: Los Angeles County wildfire response continues as residents brace for more critical fire weather

Monday 13 January 2025 18:35 , Julia Musto

Firefighters watch water drops on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday in Los Angeles, California. Winds were expected to pick up again on Monday after a calm weekend allowed for progress (AP)
Firefighters watch water drops on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday in Los Angeles, California. Winds were expected to pick up again on Monday after a calm weekend allowed for progress (AP)
People pick up items at an aid center for those affected by wildfires on Saturday in Pasadena, California. The number of residents under evacuation orders has dropped markedly since last week (AP)
People pick up items at an aid center for those affected by wildfires on Saturday in Pasadena, California. The number of residents under evacuation orders has dropped markedly since last week (AP)
Patrick O'Neal sifts through his home after it was destroyed by the Palisades Fire on Monday in Malibu, California. More than 425 homes have been destroyed there, according to the city’s government (Getty Images)
Patrick O'Neal sifts through his home after it was destroyed by the Palisades Fire on Monday in Malibu, California. More than 425 homes have been destroyed there, according to the city’s government (Getty Images)
A car drives past homes and vehicles destroyed by the Palisades Fire on Sunday in Los Angeles, California. The Palisades Fire is the least contained (AP)
A car drives past homes and vehicles destroyed by the Palisades Fire on Sunday in Los Angeles, California. The Palisades Fire is the least contained (AP)

More than 425 homes have been destroyed in the Malibu and Pacific Palisades area

Monday 13 January 2025 18:24 , Julia Musto

More than 425 homes were confirmed destroyed in the Malibu and Pacific Palisades area due to the Palisades Fire, according to the City of Malibu.

The city’s government said in a Monday update that damage assessments were underway and that numbers were subject to change.

“At this time, the fire has extended beyond the burn scar of the Franklin Fire, although it is not advancing further into the Malibu City limits,” it said.

LA fire latest: 26 missing in the City of Los Angeles with two deceased and six ‘unaccounted for’

Monday 13 January 2025 18:12 , Julia Musto

Beyoncé pledges $2.5m to LA fire relief after blazes ravage California homes

Monday 13 January 2025 18:09 , Julia Musto

Beyoncé pledges $2.5m to LA fire relief after blazes ravage California homes

Super Scooper aircraft damaged by drone is expected to fly again by Tuesday

Monday 13 January 2025 18:05 , Julia Musto

A firefighting plane that was damaged by a drone last week has since been repaired.

The aircraft is expected to fly again by Tuesday, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone.

Watch: Recreation of LA walking tour shows before and after the devastating wildfires

Monday 13 January 2025 18:00 , James Liddell

Recreation of LA walking tour shows horrifying difference after wildfires

Here’s what to know about Southern California weather this week

Monday 13 January 2025 17:57 , Julia Musto

In this photo provide by Maxar Technologies, the Palisades Fire burns i California on Saturday. The fire has spread over more than 23,000 acres (AP)
In this photo provide by Maxar Technologies, the Palisades Fire burns i California on Saturday. The fire has spread over more than 23,000 acres (AP)

Winds are expected to peak between 40 and 50mph across coastal Southern California on Monday.

Forecasters said conditions are expected to deteriorate by Tuesday morning, with wind gusts near 70mph possible.

“When combined with low relative humidities and a lack of recent rainfall (dry fuels), a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning has been issued for Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties from Monday night through Wednesday morning,” the National Weather Service said. “These locations will be under a high risk for large fires with potential for very rapid spreading of any fires that may develop.”

MTG suggests cloud seeding could stop LA wildfires months after implying it was used to create hurricanes

Monday 13 January 2025 17:53 , Julia Musto

MTG falsely suggests cloud seeding could stop LA wildfires

Death toll in Palisades and Eaton Fires rises to 25

Monday 13 January 2025 17:50 , Julia Musto

The number of confirmed deaths from the Palisades and Eaton Fires jumped to 25 on Monday, according to The Los Angeles Times.

Los Angeles County medical examiner and Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, the publication said eight of the victims had died in the Palisades Fire and 17 in the Eaton Fire.

Newsom’s ‘California Fire Facts’ web page seeks to combat swirling misinformation

Monday 13 January 2025 17:37 , Julia Musto

A web page created by California Governor Gavin Newsom seeks to combat some misinformation about the California wildfires and the state’s response, including that its policy on the endangered Bay-Delta Longfin Smelt fish led to the blazes.

I’ve lived through terrible wildfires in Australia – here’s what LA must do now

Monday 13 January 2025 17:35 , Julia Musto

I’ve lived through terrible wildfires in Australia – here’s what LA must do now

AP PHOTOS: Amid charred neighborhoods, a handful of L.A. homes remain untouched

Monday 13 January 2025 17:26 , Julia Musto

AP PHOTOS: Amid charred neighborhoods, a handful of L.A. homes remain untouched

Sheriff Robert Luna on cause of major wildfires: ‘We’re looking at everything'

Monday 13 January 2025 17:25 , Julia Musto

Officials said that the cause of the Palisades and Eaton Fires remain under active investigation.

“We’re looking at everything,” Sheriff Robert Luna said.

“When we are passed this period, there will be an evaluation of everything that went on,” Mayor Karen Bass said earlier, referring to the fire budget.

$83m mansion featured in Succession ‘destroyed’

Monday 13 January 2025 17:23 , James Liddell

A mansion featured in the HBO show Succession was reportedly destroyed in the wildfires that have ravaged over 40,000 acres across Los Angeles and resulted in at least 24 deaths.

The estate appears in the fourth season premiere of Succession. It is where the Roy siblings – Kendall, Shiv and Roman, played by Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook and Kieran Culkin – meet to figure out their next moves after the family patriarch, Brian Cox’s Logan Roy, announces in the season three finale that he is selling the Waystar Royco conglomerate to Lukas Mattson, a tech billionaire played by Alexander Skarsgård.

The home, reportedly bought by Luminar Technologies CEO Austin Russell for $83m in 2021, is seen reduced to rubble in photos published by the Daily Mail.

Shahana Yasmin has the story.

$83 m mansion featured in Succession reportedly destroyed in Los Angeles wildfires

Marrone says officials are ‘absolutely better prepared’ for this critical fire weather

Monday 13 January 2025 17:22 , Julia Musto

Firefighters watch as water is dropped on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday, in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone assured that officials are ‘better prepared’ this week to respond to critical fire weather (AP)
Firefighters watch as water is dropped on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday, in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone assured that officials are ‘better prepared’ this week to respond to critical fire weather (AP)

Answering a question from Sky News on Monday, Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said that officials are “absolutely better prepared” for the particularly dangerous situation and red flag warnings.

“I think that we’re very well-prepared for the next event. But ... we’re never sure that we’re going to be able to catch the next fire and keep it small. They said 70 mile an hour winds. It’s going to be very difficult to contain that fire,” he explained.

Cal Fire’s Gerry Magana told reporters that any wind speeds over 40mph are an issue for most aircraft.

Palisades Fire ‘continues to hold’ along Mandevile Canyon as smoke, ocean advisories continue

Monday 13 January 2025 17:18 , Julia Musto

“The fire continues to hold along Mandeville Canyon...” Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ Lindsey Horvath told reporters on Monday.

She said that there were 540 engines and 44 helicopters assigned to the more than 23,000-acre Palisades Fire.

Horvath noted that a smoke advisory in the area continues through next week, and cautioned residents to avoid certain beaches due to ocean contamination.

“The Department advises beach users to avoid all water contact, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers, due to potential debris and contamination from fires. This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand,” the county’s Department of Public Health warned on Friday. “An ocean water advisory is being issued because of the uncertain amount of fire-fighting runoff, which may contain toxic chemicals and debris that have entered the ocean during fire-fighting operations.”

LA fires: Is it safe to travel to California and is LAX closed?

Monday 13 January 2025 17:12 , Julia Musto

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says water tankers are being deployed to augment supply for firefighters

Monday 13 January 2025 17:11 , Julia Musto

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass speaks at a press conference on Monday morning. Bass and other officials sought to warn residents about the coming wind event (County of Los Angeles/YouTube)
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass speaks at a press conference on Monday morning. Bass and other officials sought to warn residents about the coming wind event (County of Los Angeles/YouTube)

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass sought to warn her city’s residents about expected nearly hurricane-force level winds this week.

She assured that officials and first responders were “making urgent preparations” as the winds stirred on Monday, with personnel in proactive and strategic postures.

“DWP is deploying water tankers to augment water supply for firefighters,” Bass said of the city’s Department of Water and Power.

“As the winds pick up, please stay safe. Please heed the call to evacuate, should you receive that. And, remember to heed all public safety guidance.”

More than 20 people are missing in the Eaton and Palisades Fires

Monday 13 January 2025 17:05 , Julia Musto

A curfew is still in effect in mandatory evacuation areas from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. PST. However, Sheriff Robert Luna said it was subject to change depending on need.

The sheriff reported dozens of arrests around the Eaton and Palisades Fires, including for curfew violations. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the first charges had been brought for looting and arson. The arson charge was not tied to the major fires.

“If you do not have business in the evacuation area, do not go there,” he said.

Luna also noted that more than 20 people remain missing, with the majority in the Eaton Fire.

Who are the LA wildfire victims?

Monday 13 January 2025 17:00 , James Liddell

Wildfires have ravaged more than 40,000 acres across Los Angeles, resulting in at least 24 deaths.

The Pacific Palisades fire, one of the most destructive the city has seen, is now at 13 percent containment.

The fire as of Sunday had scorched more than 23.000 acres, while the Altadena and Pasadena-based Eaton fire has burned 14,117 acres, according to figures from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

More than 12,000 structures, including homes and local landmarks, have been consumed by the blazes, and thousands of residents have evacuated.

The Los Angeles medical examiner announced it received notification of 24 fire-related fatalities on Saturday with the death toll expected to climb.

Here’s what we know about the victims:

What we know about the victims of the most destructive fire in LA history

Evacuation order, warning numbers go down: Sheriff Robert Luna

Monday 13 January 2025 16:59 , Julia Musto

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters on Monday that more than a thousand deputies had been working 12 hour shifts. In addiiton, over 170 California Highway Patrol officers were deployed.

He noted that evacuation orders had shrunk somewhat since the weekend, with approximately 92,000 people under orders and 89,000 under warnings.

“In every conversation we’re having about evacuations, warnings ... the conversation about repopulation is on all of our minds,” he said.

“We are hearing our community loud and clear and we want to get you in there as soon as possible,” Luna added.

But, dangers to the area remain and authorities were still running across human remains. He asked people for their patience.

“We have people literally looking for the remains of your neighbors.”

Latest stories