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California fires live updates: Firefighters brace for more high winds

Thousands of firefighters are battling the sprawling wildfires across LA.

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 7:33 PM EST

Nearly a dozen people are believed to be dead -- with the Los Angeles County sheriff saying he expects that number to rise -- as devastating fires spread across Southern California amid dry and windy conditions, leaving officials scrambling to contain the historic destruction.

Thousands of firefighters are battling at least five sprawling wildfires spread around the LA area. The largest, the Palisades Fire, in Pacific Palisades, has scorched over 22,000 acres, destroyed thousands of structures and is 11% contained. The Eaton Fire, in Altadena, now stands at more than 14,100 acres and is 15% contained. More than 100,000 people are under evacuation orders.

3 hours and 47 minutes ago

Eaton Fire 15% contained, over 14K acres burned: Officials

Officials provided an update to the wildfires Saturday afternoon and issued a stark warning as more weather dangers hit the area.

The Eaton Fire, which has burned 14,117 acres and destroyed and damaged 7,000 structures, is 15% contained, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said.

Marrone warned that weather forecasts have predicted high winds from Sunday to Wednesday.

"These winds, combined with low humidity and low fuel moistures will keep the fire threat in Los Angeles County high," he said.

Marrone warned that there will likely be power shut-offs during the high wind events to prevent any more fires.

"Yes, they're a challenge to deal with, but it's certainly better than having another fire start," he said.

5:08 PM EST

Biden briefed on federal response to LA fires

President Joe Biden received an updated briefing on the federal response to Los Angeles fires, the White House said.

Biden also spoke by phone separately with Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and Ventura County Supervisor Kelly Long to discuss the latest updates on the wildfires across Los Angeles, according to the White House.

-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart

4:18 PM EST

70 firefighters from Mexico expected to arrive

Seventy firefighters from Mexico, including three information officers, were expected to arrive in California at 1 p.m. on Saturday, according to Cal Fire.

They're being sent to the Noble Creek Operations Base pending specific assignment to the fires in the Los Angeles region.

2:43 PM EST

Newsom doubles California National Guard deployment

Gov. Gavin Newsom doubled California's National Guard deployment to the Los Angeles fires to 1,680 service members.

"We are continuing to rush in resources to rapidly respond to the firestorm in Los Angeles fueled by hurricane-force winds. The men and women of the California National Guard are working day and night to help Los Angeles residents during their greatest time of need. We are grateful for their continued bravery and commitment to be of service to others," Newsom said.

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