Day 9 of Los Angeles Wildfires: Updates, Victims, and What’s Next

Day 9 of Los Angeles Wildfires: Updates, Victims, and What’s Next 

LA Fires

Wildfires continue to ravage California, leading U.S. authorities to issue a red flag warning for Wednesday as firefighters brace for more challenges. 

 

Current Situation 

Firefighters in Los Angeles County are battling multiple wildfires amid forecasts of powerful winds. The Palisades fire remains the largest, burning for over a week. On Monday, a new fire ignited in Ventura County, triggering additional evacuation orders. 

 

The combined area burned by the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires spans approximately 16,425 hectares (40,588 acres)—larger than the city of Paris. 

 

 

Key Updates 

 

Latest Developments 

 

Death Toll and Missing Persons 

At least 25 people have died in the wildfires, with eight fatalities linked to the Palisades fire and 17 to the Eaton fire. 

The Eaton fire is now the deadliest wildfire in Southern California’s history, surpassing the Cedar fire of 2003, which killed 15 people and destroyed nearly 2,820 structures. 

 

Active Fires 

•   Palisades Fire: Burned 9,596 hectares (23,713 acres), 17% contained. 
•   Eaton Fire: Burned 5,712 hectares (14,117 acres), 35% contained. 
•   Hurst Fire: Burned 323 hectares (799 acres), 97% contained. 
•   Ventura County (Auto Fire): Expanded to 24 hectares (61 acres), 47% contained. 

 

Evacuations 

Approximately 150,000 residents remain under evacuation orders in Los Angeles County, with over 700 seeking refuge in nine shelters. 

 

 Forecast for Wednesday 

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for Los Angeles and Ventura counties from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. (11:00-23:00 GMT) Wednesday. 

Stronger winds could worsen fire conditions, and residents are urged to stay alert as fires could spread rapidly. 

 

 

 What to Avoid During Red Flag Warnings 

 

• Cover burn barrels with weighted metal covers if burning is not banned in the area. 
• Avoid discarding cigarettes or matches from vehicles to prevent igniting dry grass. 
• Properly extinguish outdoor fires and avoid leaving live embers unattended. 
• Never leave a fire unattended; sparks can spread quickly in windy conditions. 

 

 

 Victim Stories 

Authorities are working to identify victims using non-traditional methods as some may not be recognizable due to the fire’s intensity. Here are some of their stories: 

 

• Anthony Mitchell and Justin Mitchell: A father and son, both disabled, perished while waiting for an ambulance in Altadena. 
• Victor Shaw: A 66-year-old stayed behind to protect his family’s home of 55 years but was found with a garden hose after the fire overwhelmed the area. 
• Rodney Nickerson: An 82-year-old Altadena resident chose to stay home, believing the fire would pass. 
• Erliene Kelley: The 83-year-old refused to evacuate, trusting that her home would remain safe. 
• Arthur Simoneau: A 69-year-old hang-gliding enthusiast, remembered for his community spirit, died attempting to save his home in the Palisades fire. 
• Rory Callum Sykes: A 32-year-old with cerebral palsy died in the Palisades fire. His mother, injured and unable to move him, stayed by his side. 
• Dalyce Curry: An actress in her 90s, Curry passed away after returning home from the hospital, believing she would be safe. 

 

 Why is Some of California Pink? 

Recent photos show red and pink fire retardant dropped from air tankers across Los Angeles suburbs. 

 

• Purpose: The retardant cools vegetation and starves fires of oxygen, while the vibrant color helps pilots track treated areas. 
• Safety Concerns: While considered safe for humans, research shows potential environmental and health risks due to the chemicals. The Forest Service restricts its use near waterways and endangered species habitats unless human safety is at risk. 

 

Stay updated and heed evacuation orders to prioritize safety.