California fires live updates: At least 10 fire-related deaths, medical examiner says

The fire which ignited Thursday afternoon is spreading in the West Hills area.

ByRiley Hoffman, David Brennan, Kevin Shalvey, Nadine El-Bawab, Meredith Deliso, and Leah Sarnoff
Last Updated: January 10, 2025, 12:26 AM EST

At least 10 people are believed to be dead -- with the LA County sheriff saying he expects that number to rise -- as a series of devastating fires grow uncontained 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 Los Angeles area. The largest, the Palisades Fire, in Pacific Palisades, has scorched over 19,000 acres, destroyed thousands of structures and remains zero percent contained. The Eaton Fire, in Altadena, now stands at more than 13,000 acres and zero percent contained. More than 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as the infernos spread.

President Joe Biden on Wednesday approved a federal major disaster declaration for Los Angeles County.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Jan 09, 2025, 8:38 PM EST

'If you're told to evacuate, get the hell out,' Sen. Adam Schiff says

Sen. Adam Schiff shared a sobering message with residents of Los Angeles County during a Thursday press briefing: "If you're told to evacuate, then get the hell out."

"You might think you can outrun a fire. You are not going to outrun these fires. You're just not the way they are moving, the unpredictability of how they're moving, the swiftness with how they're moving, you are not going to outrun these fires," the Democratic senator said.

Adding to the stern warning, Schiff said, "If you stay, you're going to die in them, and it's not worth it. So if you're told to evacuate, get the hell out. Save yourselves. You can rebuild, because we are going to rebuild."

Jan 09, 2025, 8:28 PM EST

2 dead from Palisades Fire, officials say

During a press briefing Thursday evening, Los Angeles City Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said that two people have died in the Palisades Fire that continues to spread across nearly 20,000 acres.

During a press briefing Thursday afternoon officials had incorrectly said there were five victims in the Eaton Fire and announced two victims from the Palisades Fire.

Jan 09, 2025, 7:58 PM EST

Palisades firefighting aircraft hits drone: FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration said it is investigating after fire officials reported that a firefighting aircraft struck a drone while operating over the Palisades Fire on Thursday.

The aircraft landed safely, the FAA said.

"It’s a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands," the FAA said in a statement.

Jan 09, 2025, 7:46 PM EST

Vikings-Rams wild card game moved to Arizona

Monday's Vikings-Rams wild card game, which had been set to be played in Los Angeles County's SoFi Stadium, has been moved to Arizona "in the interest of public safety," the NFL announced Thursday.

"The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs and the NFLPA," the NFL said.

The game will be played at State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals.

Related Topics