APPLENEWS - STORY ADD
California fires live updates: LA mayor's office denies report fire chief was dismissed
Thousands of firefighters are battling the sprawling wildfires across LA.
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 21,000 acres, destroyed thousands of structures and is 8% contained. The Eaton Fire, in Altadena, now stands at more than 13,000 acres and is 3% contained. More than 100,000 people are under evacuation orders.
David Muir anchors a special edition of "20/20" with continuing coverage of the deadly California fires. “American Catastrophe: LA Burning - A Special Edition of 20/20” starts tonight at 9/8c on ABC.
Key Headlines
- New evacuation order issued for Palisades Fire
- LA Clippers game postponed due to wildfires
- LA County investigating why millions of residents got erroneous evacuation order
- LA mayor's office denies report fire chief was dismissed
- Flare-up of Palisades Fire in Santa Monica mountains brings intense flames
- Firefighter finds woman's wedding ring in rubble
- 11 fire-related deaths reported to medical examiner
- Newsom calls for independent investigation into water supply
- 18 arrests so far in Eaton, Palisades fires
- More than 100,000 residents under evacuation orders
22 arrests in Palisades, Eaton Fires
Twenty-two people were arrested amid the Palisades and Eaton Fire areas, most of them people who were not where they were supposed to be, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.
"They had no business being there," Luna told reporters on Saturday about the people arrested.
Those arrested include two people who were arrested and booked for curfew violations. Most of the arrests were for burglary, looting and possession of narcotics.
Palisades Fire reaches 11% containment, currently covering nearly 22,000 acres
The Palisades Fire has reached 21,596 acres with 11% containment, currently the biggest fire in California. Winds are expected to gradually increase going into the evening on Saturday.
The Eaton Fire has also reached 14,117 acres and is currently at 15% containment.
The Kenneth Fire currently stands at 1,052 acres with 80% containment.
New evacuation order issued for Palisades Fire
A new evacuation order has been issued for the Palisades Fire.
The new order extends from the Encino Reservoir in the north to Sunset Boulevard in the south and from the Mandeville Canyon in the west to the busy 405 freeway to the east.
Previously, those areas were under an evacuation warning, which means residents are urged to be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
LA Clippers game postponed due to wildfires
The LA Clippers game Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets at Intuit Dome has been postponed due to the wildfires in Los Angeles.
Next week's Clippers' games at Intuit Dome against the Miami Heat on Jan. 13 and against the Brooklyn Nets on Jan. 15 will continue as scheduled, the venue said.