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LA officials expect weather conditions ‘returning to normal’ this evening
During a press briefing on Thursday, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone provided an update on the Eaton fire, which has reached 14,117 acres with 55% containment. He reported extensive damage, with over 7,000 structures either damaged or completely destroyed.
“A limited red flag warning remains in effect through 3 PM today for the Santa Susana Mountains, the Western San Gabriel Mountains, and the I-5 corridor,” Marrone noted. “We anticipate conditions will begin to normalize later this evening.”
However, he cautioned that a moderate red flag warning is forecasted for the upcoming Monday and Tuesday.
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Updated at 18.02 CET
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The deadline for filing business taxes for those affected by the fires has been extended.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the importance of this decision, declaring it vital for the region’s recovery. In a post on X, she stated, “It’s the right thing to do — that’s how we will rebuild LA Strong.”
Residents in Los Angeles County will now have until October 15 to file their California tax returns for 2024, with the same deadline applying to any tax payments due between January 7 and October 15.
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Updated at 18.02 CET
As officials responded to media inquiries, Fire Chief Anthony Marrone reiterated that returning to homes remains unsafe, even for those wishing to check on their properties. “We just don’t want anybody to come in and for it to not be safe,” he stated.
Sheriff Robert Luna added that it may take at least a week before residents can safely return, predicting that the timeline could extend further.
The press conference concluded around 9 AM.
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Updated at 18.02 CET
“A warning for all residents in LA County: if you live near slopes or on elevated terrain, those areas have become unstable,” warned Mark Pestrella, the county’s public works director. “The soil supporting your homes has been compromised and is now fragile.”
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Updated at 17.53 CET
LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath expressed concerns about ongoing price gouging, describing it as a distressing issue for those trying to recover. She mentioned that the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs has formed a price gouging task force, which includes various legal and consumer protection officials.
“I have had further discussions with our California Attorney General, who is currently in Los Angeles, and he is conducting vigorous investigations that have already begun,” she stated.
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Updated at 17.54 CET
Mayor Karen Bass utilized her speaking time to highlight available economic and social resources while recognizing the efforts of firefighters, police, and community organizations aiding affected families.
“As the winds calm, I hope we can glimpse a light at the end of the tunnel, allowing individuals to restore their lives and begin the rebuilding process,” Bass expressed.
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Updated at 17.55 CET
Mark Pestrella warned that heavy rainfall could trigger hazardous debris flows that affect street areas and communities, particularly later in the month when rain is anticipated. Preparations are being made to ensure the flood control systems are ready.
Sheriff Robert Luna reported that 31 individuals remain unaccounted for, including 24 in the Eaton region, an increase of four since the previous day, and seven missing from the Palisades area, which has also seen an uptick of one missing person.
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A total of 47 people have been arrested since the fires started
Robert Luna, the sheriff of Los Angeles County, indicated that law enforcement has detained 36 individuals in relation to the Eaton fire and 11 in the Palisades area.
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Updated at 17.56 CET
Kristin Crowley, fire chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, reported that the Palisades fire has burned 23,713 acres with only 22% containment.
“Favorable weather has assisted our firefighting efforts in enhancing containment and extinguishing the fires,” Crowley stated. “However, ongoing search and rescue operations are hampering utility agencies from repairing essential infrastructure.”
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Updated at 17.56 CET
Weather eases up in LA as firefighters report gains against massive wildfires
As windy and hazardous conditions persist in Southern California, firefighters have noted significant progress against two large wildfires in Los Angeles County, according to reports from the Associated Press. Following a “particularly dangerous situation,” the red-flag warning issued earlier has now expired.
Though dry weather and strong winds are expected to continue into Thursday, particularly in mountainous regions, improved conditions anticipated later in the week should facilitate firefighting efforts and enable residents to return safely to their homes.
These fires have resulted in at least 25 fatalities and have led to the destruction of thousands of residential properties.
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Updated at 18.03 CET
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www.theguardian.com