California fires updates: Death toll in Los Angeles fires rises to 29

The additional fatality was attributed to the Palisades Fire, officials said.

Last Updated: January 28, 2025, 12:53 AM GMT

At least 29 people have died as multiple wildfires, fueled by severe drought conditions and strong winds, rage across Southern California.

Thousands of firefighters have been battling wildfires across 45 square miles of densely populated Los Angeles County. The two largest fires, the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, remain active. One of the latest, the Hughes Fire in the Castaic area, has prompted evacuation orders for tens of thousands of people.

ABC News has kicked off "SoCal Strong" (#SoCalStrong), highlighting the impacted communities and offering fundraising opportunities for victims of the fires. The coverage will continue across multiple ABC News programs and platforms.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
Jan 24, 7:20 pm

Tracking ongoing California wildfires

The Palisades Fire, which began in the Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7, has destroyed or damaged more than 6,000 structures. It's covered more than 23,000 acres and is at 87% containment.

The Eaton Fire north of Pasadena also began on Jan. 7 and has destroyed or damaged more than 10,000 structures. It's burned over 14,000 acres and is at 95% containment.

Jan 24, 2025, 1:24 PM GMT

Red flag warning will expire soon, rain coming this weekend

A red flag warning that’s been in effect across Southern California will expire at 10 a.m. local time.

The gusty winds -- which contribute to the spread of wildfires -- will decrease throughout the morning and then let up in the afternoon.

The Pacific Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates destroyed by the Palisades Fire is seen in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Jan. 16, 2025.
Damian Dovarganes/AP

Conditions will improve this weekend.

Humidity will increase and rain will reach Southern California on Saturday. The scattered showers will linger through Sunday and Monday.

There are no major flooding risks and an only 5% to 10% chance of significant debris in burn scars from the fires.

-ABC News’ Dan Amarante

Jan 24, 2025, 12:01 AM GMT

Gov. Newsom signs $2.5 billion relief package for Los Angeles

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Thursday afternoon that directs $2.5 billion in relief to help support wildfire response and recovery efforts in Los Angeles.

"We're all in this together," Newsom said during a press conference announcing the passing of the bill Thursday afternoon.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom visits the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Jan. 8, 2025.
Daniel Cole/Reuters

The governor was joined at the press conference by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, Senate pro Tempore Mike McGuire, legislators and local leaders.

Newsom noted that California leaders "put politics aside" to deliver the relief package.

The governor said the funds will be made available immediately.

Jan 23, 2025, 11:40 PM GMT

At least 10 new fires reported across Southern California

As much of Southern California remains under a red flag alert for weather-driven wildfire danger, firefighters across the region have been working to contain at least 10 new fires that broke out Thursday.

Most of the new blazes have been contained or have seen forward progress stopped.

Multiple fires that began in San Diego County have been contained, but the largest Border 2 Fire remains active with at least 20 acres burned.

The sun rises over homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Jan. 16, 2025.
Damian Dovarganes/AP

San Bernadino County also saw two fires break out with the Highland Fire being stopped and the Baldy Fire burning just two acres.

Los Angeles County fire officials have made progress with the Sepulveda Fire, which is 54% contained.

Two fires in Ventura County, the Laguna Fire and the Acacia Fire, have also been contained.

Jan 23, 2025, 10:25 PM GMT

California insurance commissioner orders companies to provide advance payments

As fires across Los Angeles County continue to spread and impact residents, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a bulletin to insurance companies on Thursday "to help speed the recovery process" for those affected.

Lara highlighted that companies must supply advance payments on claims submitted by policyholders who "suffered a total loss" in the wildfires, citing legislation that was passed in the state after the 2018 fires.

Charred vehicles are illuminated by utility lights at homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Jan. 16, 2025.
Damian Dovarganes/AP

Without filing an itemized claim, companies must supply funds that are 30% of the policy’s dwelling limit, up to $250,000, according to the bulletin.

Additionally, insurers must provide policyholders with an advance payment of no less than four months of living expenses, according to the bulletin.

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