01/19/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/20/2025 02:27
LOS ANGELES - Emergency first responders and firefighters are preparing for dangerous fire weather conditions as the National Weather Service identified powerful and damaging winds with an increased risk for fire expected from 12:00 PM tomorrow to 10:00 AM on Tuesday. The LA Fire Department is pre-deploying resources throughout the city to support full and proactive emergency response including tactical task forces and strike teams ahead of dangerous forecasted weather. The LA Zoo and some parks including Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon will be closed on Monday and Tuesday in anticipation of the severe winds. See full list of closed parks here.
Read on for key updates on the City's firestorm emergency response and recovery:
What to Know When Returning Home
Palisades Fire Unified Incident Command is announcing limited re-entry to some evacuation zones for residents only. Curfews remain in effect in these areas and law enforcement will be verifying addresses at checkpoints. Visit the City of Los Angeles' re-entry information for zones that are allowing re-entry and for guidance about how to stay safe when you return to an area impacted by wildfire. More information on re-entry here.
Once a wildfire burns through an area, many dangers remain - Know the risks. Stay safe.
Protect yourself from health and environmental hazards
Clean with caution
Prepare for limited access to utilities; be advised that LADWP's do not drink water notice is in effect.
Follow procedures to complete insurance claims
Residential Curbside Pick-up in Palisades Area- For areas within Palisades that have recently allowed reentry, LA Sanitation will be operating additional residential curbside collection pick-up on Monday, 1/20 in advance of regularly scheduled pick-up on Tuesday, 1/21. Please avoid disposing of ash, hazardous waste and burnt debris in bins -- fire debris will be removed in a phased approach beginning with the US EPA. More information on how to clean up ash and debris here.
For residents who have not yet been able to return to evacuation areas, please know that emergency crews are responding and assessing burn areas for environmental and safety hazards. There are criteria for consideration prior to re-opening areas currently under mandatory evacuation order. To see the safety and environmental criteria that must be considered in order to allow for re-entry, please visit the LACity.gov.
Find out if your home has been damaged with Damage Inspection Dashboard. The Dashboard is operated by L.A. County updated regularly and information may change. LA Department of Building and Safety has inspected more than 9,000 structures thus far.
LA County Public Health Issues Windblown Dust and Ash Advisory Until Tuesday, 10 PM
Windblown dust and ash contain small particles that may cause irritation or exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, particularly for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions. Public Health advises everyone to take the following precautions to reduce exposure:
Stay Inside:Keep windows and doors closed. Use an air purifier or run your air conditioning system on recirculate to keep indoor air clean.
Wear a Mask: If you must go outside, wear an N95 or P100 mask to protect your lungs.
Secure Loose Items:Tie down or bring in items like chairs, trash cans, and other outdoor belongings to prevent them from becoming hazards.
Protect Your Eyes: If outside, wear goggles to shield your eyes from airborne ash and debris.
Stay Informed: Monitor updates from local news sources for the latest on weather conditions, air quality, and potential evacuation notices.
Be Prepared: Have a plan in place in case conditions worsen, including essential supplies and emergency contacts.
Conditions are expected to improve by late Wednesday as wind speeds decrease.
To stay updated with real-time/forecasted Air Quality in your area, download the South Coast AQMD Mobile App: http://www.aqmd.gov/mobileapp(Also available in Spanish!) or visit https://www.aqmd.gov/home/air-quality/air-quality-forecasts.
City Resources Available
Help With Retrieving Pets From City Evacuation Areas- If you need help retrieving your pet from the evacuation area, call 213-270-8155. If you are a person with a disability and need an alternative way to contact the hotline, please complete the Los Angeles FIRE Evacuation Animal Services Form in English or Spanish. You will be prompted to answer key questions about your pet, its possible location and its needs.
Care Camp Available for Impacted Kids and Teens- The RAP Support Camps are dedicated to assisting families impacted by the Palisades fire at Oakwood Recreation Center in Venice and Mar Vista Recreation Center operating Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, until Friday, January 31.
City Disaster Recovery Center Open - This one-stop information and resource center located at the intersection of Westwood & Pico provided assistance to more than 2100 households impacted by the wildfires thus far today. More information on resources and support is available at lacity.gov.The center is located at the UCLA Research Park, formerly known as the Westside Pavilion at 10850 Pico Blvd. It will operate from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, 7 days a week for the next several weeks.
As of 7:00 PM, the Palisades Fire is 56% contained thanks to thousands of firefighters who have been deployed to contain the fire. Urgent work continues. The Eaton Fire, affecting communities outside the City of Los Angeles, is 81% contained. For the latest information regarding the Eaton Fire visit lacounty.gov/emergency.