California Fires Updates: Tuesday, Jan. 21

As Santa Ana winds returned to Southern California, residents and first responders braced for another day of critical fire weather.

The continued fire response and communities remaining on high alert comes as the red flag warnings have been extended to Thursday, January 23 at 8 p.m. for parts of Los Angeles County.

The National Weather Service warned of a "particularly dangerous situation" in anticipation of ferocious winds, paired with low humidity in the fire-stricken region. 

The Santa Clarita Valley, Malibu Coast, Ventura County beaches, the San Fernando Valley, the 5 Freeway corridor are just a few of the areas of concern, the NWS said. 

SUGGESTED: LA Weather Timeline: Rain forecast sparks mudslide threats

Follow along below for live updates.

Clay Fire care centers

9 p.m.: The City of Jurupa Valley has opened care centers for those affected by the Clay Fire at Mira Loma Middle School at 5051 Steve Avenue. An animal services center has been established at 6851 Van Buren Boulevard.

Clay Fire map

7:45 p.m.: Evacuation warnings associated with the Clay Fire have expanded near the Santa Ana River. 

The latest map can be found by tapping or clicking here.

Clay Fire

7 p.m.: The fire has burned approximately 38 acres, according to Cal Fire.

6:45 p.m.: A fire has begun raging in Jurupa Valley. According to Cal Fire, an evacuation warning has been issued south of Limonite Avenue and between Van Buren Boulevard and Beach Street. 

Cal Fire says that the fire is threatening several structures because of the winds.

Death toll update

5:10 p.m.: LA County's medical examiner announced 28 people have died in the Eaton and Palisades fires.

Red Flag Warnings update

4:30 p.m.: Red flag warnings have been extended to Thursday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. for parts of Los Angeles County.

No outdoor burning

4:30 p.m.: All outdoor burning is strictly prohibited during the red flag warnings, City of Santa Monica said as a reminder to its residents.

Friars Fire update

  • 4 p.m.: The Friars Fire is fully contained, but crews are staying in the area for the next four to six hours to attend to any hot spots. All evacuation orders have been lifted, but some roads remained closed.

Lidia fire containment

  • 4 p.m.: The Lidia Fire in San Diego County is now 50% contained.

More wildfire recovery funds requested

3:25 p.m.: The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved an official letter to be sent to President Donald Trump, Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state and federal agencies seeking funding for wildfire recovery to be directly allocated to local agencies.

The supervisors requested external funding to assist:

  • Housing and financial relief for victims of the fire, including mortgage assistance through forbearance and low interest loans;
  • Debris management and subsequent environmental rehabilitation;
  • Support for affected businesses and workers;
  • Wildfire prevention measures;
  • Water, power and communications infrastructure; and
  • Rebuilding efforts.

Red Flag Warning remains 

3:00 p.m.: A "particularly dangerous situation warning" for a large portion of Los Angeles and Ventura counties expired at 10 a.m. Tuesday, but a standard red flag warning of critical fire danger is expected to remain in place across a large portion of Los Angeles County until 8 p.m. Thursday, according to National Weather Service forecasters.

Firefighters make progress 

2:07 p.m.: The Lilac Fire near San Diego is estimated at 85 acres and is 35% contained, according to Cal Fire. The fire broke out Monday night near Old Highway 395 and Lilac Road in Bonsall, prompting multiple evacuation orders and warnings. 

San Diego fires contained

1:45 p.m.: Two of the three major fires burning in San Diego are contained.

The Friars Fire has been fully contained after burning around 15 acres, according to San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo and the SDFD. Crews are still working to clean up the area.

The Pala Fire, which broke out Monday night, was contained to 17 acres, according to Cal Fire.

San Diego Evacuation Order

1 p.m.: A mandatory evacuation order was issued in Mission Valley and Linda Vista, as well as some surrounding communities, including the area near the University of San Diego.

RELATED: San Diego 'Friars Fire' breaks out near Fashion Valley shopping center

Fire breaks out in San Diego

12 p.m.: FOX 5 San Diego reported that a brush fire was reported at noon in the 7000 block of Friars Road.

Eaton Fire repopulation

12 p.m.: The Los Angeles County Fire Department announced some evacuation warnings have been lifted in the Eaton Fire zone. 

Evacuation warnings have been lifted for the following areas in Altadena:

  • East of North Fair Oaks Avenue, North of East Harriet Street and East Mendocino Street, West of North Lake Avenue South and East Altadena Drive
  • East of Sunny Oaks Circle, North of East Altadena Drive, West of Eaton Canyon (Open Space), South of Rubio Canyon
  • East of North Lake Avenue, North of East Mendocino Street, West of North Allen Avenue, South of East Altadena Drive
  • East of Lincoln Avenue, North of West Harriet Street, West of North Fair Oaks Avenue, South of West Altadena Drive

These areas were also referred to as fire zones:

  • ALD-CALAVERAS-A
  • ALD-EASTLOMA
  • ALD-MENDOCINO-A
  • ALD-WHITEPARK-A

The following areas in Altadena remain open to residents-only:

  • East of Lincoln Avenue, North of West Altadena Drive, West of Olive Avenue, South of West Loma Alta Drive
  • East of Olive Avenue, North of West Las Flores Drive, West of Fair Oaks Avenue, South of West Loma Alta Drive
  • East of Olive Avenue, North of East Altadena Drive, West of North Lake Avenue, South of West and East Las Flores Drive
  • East of Fair Oaks Avenue, North of East Las Flores Drive, West of North Marengo Avenue, South of East Loma Alta Drive
  • East of North Marengo Avenue, North of East Las Flores Drive, West of North Lake Avenue, South of East Loma Alta Drive
  • East of North Lake Avenue, North of Wapello Street and East Palm Street, West of Sunny Oaks Circle, South of The Cobb Estate
  • East of North Lake Avenue, North of East Altadena Drive, West of Madison Lane and Crest Drive, South of Wapello Street and East Palm Street
  • East of North Sunset Ridge Road, North of West Loma Alta Drive, West of Taos Road, South of Chaney Truck Trail
  • East of Taos Road, North of East Loma Alta Drive, West of Altadena Crest Trail, South of Mt Lowe Road

These areas were also referred to as fire zones: 

  • ALD-GARDEN
  • ALD-LAUREL
  • ALD-PALM
  • ALD-WAPELLO
  • ALD-FARNSWORTH
  • ALD-RUBIO
  • ALD-MOUNTLOWE
  • ALD-CHANEY
  • ALD-CANON

Evacuation orders reduced to resident-only access in parts of Pacific Palisades and Malibu

12 p.m.: Officials announced evacuation order changes for more residents in the Palisades Fire zone. 

Law enforcement will escort residents in Zone LOS-0676F  between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in Parking Lot 3 located at 1150 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica, CA 90403.

This zone applies to areas in the Pacific Palisades:

  • North of Pacific Coast Highway
  • South of Santa Ynez Road
  • East of California Avenue
  • West of Palisades Drive

Malibu Fire Zones MAL-C112-B and MAL-C111-A are also restricted to resident-only access. Law enforcement will conduct escorts between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the Malibu Pier Parking Lot, located at 23000 Pacific Coast Highway. 

Zone MAL-C112-B includes areas:

  • North of PCH
  • South, East and West of Carbon Beach Terrace

Zone MAL-C111-A includes areas:

  • North of PCH
  • South of Rambla Pacifico Street
  • East of Carbon Beach Terrace
  • West of Las Flores Mesa Drive

Rain prompts mudslide concerns

11:40 a.m.: Southern California's burn scars are threatened as rain enters the forecast this weekend.

According to officials, the burn scars are stripped of vegetation and, as a result, don't absorb water at normal rates, leading to the risk of mudslides, landslides, flash floods and debris flows. 

RELATED: LA Weather Timeline: Rain forecast sparks mudslide threats

Artist lineup announced for FireAid benefit concert

  • 11 a.m.: More acts have been announced for the FireAid benefit concerts that will be held at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum on Thursday, Jan. 30. Tickets go on sale starting tomorrow.

(Getty Images)

RELATED COVERAGE: FireAid benefit concert: More acts announced for Intuit Dome, Kia Forum shows

Montebello Barnyard Zoo takes in animals rescued in LA fires 

  • 10:35 a.m.: FOX 11’s Bob DeCastro reports from the Montebello Banyard Zoo that has more animals than usual after taking in animals rescued in LA’s fires.

Recapping Mayor Bass’ executive order for debris cleanup

  • 10 a.m.: FOX 11’s Gigi Graciette explains the mayor’s executive order in anticipation of rain to hit Southern California this weekend.

Others mayors reach out to offer support, guidance 

  • 8:20 a.m.: LA Mayor Karen Bass confirmed she’s heard from current and former mayors, including Mitch Landrieu, who served as the mayor of New Orleans from 2010 to 2018.

5 deaths confirmed in the Palisades Fire

  • 8:16 a.m. The Los Angeles Police Department completed a search for missing and deceased individuals in the Palisades Fire area. Choi confirmed 5 deaths and that out of 44 missing people reported only one remains unresolved.

LA remains on high alert

  • 8:15 a.m.: Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley spoke of three fires that sparked in Griffith Park, Granada Hills and the Sunland-Tujunga area that were quickly knocked down as the department was prepared and had crews  stationed accordingly.

LA Councilwoman Traci Park discusses the destruction that could follow rain

  • 8:13 a.m.:  Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park, whose district includes Pacific Palisades, Brentwood and West Los Angeles, warned of what could occur if rain strikes this weekend.

Mayor Bass announces emergency executive order

  • 8:05 a.m. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass held a briefing Tuesday morning as the city remains on high alert due to fire weather conditions. Like Gov. Gavin Newsom, Bass said she signed an order to expedite the removal of fire debris. The mayor appeared to be in high spirits as crews had made tremendous progress with the Palisades and Eaton Fires. Bass' "emergency executive order marshals City Public Works crews to clear and remove vegetation, shore up hillsides, reinforce roads and clear debris from neighborhoods and burn areas ahead of rainy weather that could arrive on Saturday."

Fire breaks out in downtown LA

  • 7:40 a.m.: Los Angeles City fire crews responded to a fire that broke out at KK Flooring in downtown LA. The fire was declared a knockdown within 30 minutes with the help of 30 firefighters.

Donation giveaway for families impacted by LA wildfires

  • 7:32 a.m. Babylist in Beverly Hills is giving away donated items to families impacted by LA’s wildfires.

Altadena now faced with possible land movement

  • 7:30 a.m.: FOX 11’s Mario Ramirez reported from Altadena where communities devastated by fires now face the possibility of land movement.

Malibu, other fire-prone areas brace for more winds

  • 7:02 a.m.: Firefighters have been quick to respond to any sign of trouble. Multiple new fires broke out overnight that were quickly knocked down. Roberta Gonzales, a reporter with FOX 11’s sister station KTVU, reported from the fire-stricken Malibu coast.

Palisades Fire morning update

6:46 a.m.: Cal Fire provided overnight numbers from the Palisades Fire. 

  • Acres burned:  23,713
  • Containment: 63%
  • Structures threatened: 12,280
  • Structures damaged: 857
  • Structures destroyed: 6,380

Many Malibu schools postpone reopening 

  • 6:40 a.m. The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District planned to reopen schools that have been closed for weeks pending power shutoffs and red flag warnings.

Webster Elementary School would reopen Tuesday. However, Malibu Elementary, Middle and High remain closed. 

Eaton Fire morning update

5:51 a.m.: Cal Fire provided the latest numbers for the Eaton Fire as crews approach full containment. 

  • Acres burned: 14,021 acres
  • Containment: 89%

Gov. Newsom signs an executive order to remove fire debris

  • 4:15 a.m.: FOX 11's Mario Ramirez explained an executive order Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Monday to help speed up the process of clearing fire debris.

Crews battle fires in San Diego

  • 4 a.m.: Roberta Gonzales, with FOX 11's sister station KTVU, reported on the fire threat impacting Southern California. Crews were battling a pair of fires along the 15 Freeway in San Diego County.

The Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire was first reported on Tuesday, Jan. 7 near Altadena and Midwick drives.

Some residents did not survive the flames and at least 7,000 structures were destroyed.

Authorities have implemented a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for all areas that remain under mandatory evacuation orders in the Altadena area. This comes after more than 30 looting arrests were made by the LA County Sheriff's Department.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but they were fueled by extreme drought conditions, combined with the supersized Santa Ana winds that whipped flames and embers at 100 mph – much faster than usual. 

A lawsuit filed Monday claims Southern California Edison equipment sparked the Eaton Fire. 

The lawsuit alleges that Southern California Edison failed to comply with essential electrical and fire safety standards, including failing to maintain power lines and overgrown vegetation.

The Palisades Fire

The Palisades Fire broke out on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 7 as parts of Southern California were hit by powerful Santa Ana winds – the strongest to hit the area in over a decade, officials said.  The piercing winds not only intensified the spread of the fire, it also prevented helicopters and planes from dumping water or fire retardant onto the burning scene as it was too dangerous to fly during the first day of the massive fire.

The fire extended well over 23,000 acres in seven days, destroying homes and businesses across the Pacific Palisades and Malibu. The fire also forced evacuations across parts of LA County, including Bel-Air, Brentwood and Santa Monica.

The fire also destroyed the Pacific Palisades Charter High School and other schools in the fire's path. 

What caused the Palisades Fire?

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, a popular hiking destination, Skull Rock – an area north of Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades – is at the center of an investigation "as a possible starting point for the Palisades fire."

Meanwhile, local authorities have announced multiple rounds of arrests taking place from the Palisades Fire scenes, but none of which are explicitly related to the cause of the fire. Over the weekend, there was an announcement of a man arrested for impersonating a firefighter. The alleged "fake firefighter" was accused of trying to break into one of the evacuated homes.

Other people have also been accused of arson across Southern California.

Quick Resources

The Source: Information in this story is from City and County fire officials, FOX 11 ground and air crews, FOX 11's Weather Team and the National Weather Service. 

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