California fires updates for Wednesday, Feb. 5

Across Los Angeles County, residents and business owners are taking things day by day in what is expected to be a years-long road to recovery after some lost everything in the Jan. 2025 wildfires.

In Altadena, Eaton Fire survivors have accused elected officials of giving more attention to areas hit by the Pacific Palisades, where President Donald Trump first paid a visit to during his brief Los Angeles stop on January 24.

As for Palisades Fire survivors, all eyes are on the Pacific Coast Highway as the roads shut down ahead of the incoming storm.

Follow FOX 11's live blog with the latest updates provided on the Jan. 2025 fires in SoCal:

Malibu Mayor responds

2:15 p.m.: Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart, who was among those objecting to a proposed site in his city's civic center area, issued a statement commending the location decision.

"The addition of a second temporary EPA processing site at Will Rogers State Beach Parking Lot is an important step in ensuring hazardous materials are removed safely and efficiently, helping impacted residents move forward in rebuilding their homes," Stewart said. "As recovery efforts progress, we remain committed to advocating for safeguards that protect our coastal environment and the health of our residents. We will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure this process is carried out with transparency, safety, and care for our community."

Officials confirm closing of Pasadena evacuation center

1:05 p.m.: Officials confirmed the fire evacuation center at the Pasadena Convention Center will close at 2 p.m.  

Parking lot at Will Rogers State Beach to serve as temporary debris collection site

1:00 p.m.: State, federal and local officials announced that the parking lot at Will Rogers State Beach will serve as a temporary processing site for debris from the Palisades Fire. 

Click here for more information.

Recapping LA County's morning briefing 

11:00 a.m. FOX 11's Gigi Graciette recaps the biggest takeaways from Wednesday morning's briefing on wildfire recovery efforts. 

Wildfire Donation Resource Center opens in the San Fernando Valley

10:15 a.m.: A fire relief donation and resource center has opened at the Birmingham Veterans Hall in Woodland Hills, located at 6524 Corbin Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Newsom arrives in Washington D.C.

9:00 a.m.: Video posted to social media showed Gov. Gavin Newsom in Washington D.C. ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump. Newsom made the trip aiming to secure more federal aid for wildfire recovery.

LA Disaster Relief Navigator 

8:35 a.m.: The City of Los Angeles launched the LA Disaster Relief Navigator, which provides tailored resources for recovery efforts.

Click here for more information

Residents near EPA cleanup sites asked to limit outdoor activity 

8:20 a.m.: Los Angeles County Public Health Director recommended those who live near EPA cleanup sites to limit their time outdoors. She also offered cleaning tips during Wednesday morning's briefing. 

New food benefits available for fire victims

8:15 a.m.: California’s Department of Social Services announced those impacted by the recent fires may be eligible for food benefits. 

Click here for more information

Debris removal process

8:11 a.m.: Mark Pastrella, the director of Los Angeles County Public Works, said he’s deployed all resources for the debris removal process. He added the "area is unstable and high-risk" to people and that money and resources are being allocated to reduce the risks. 

He recommends those who live in burn scar areas to shelter-in-place when it rains. 

LA County Sheriff addresses security concerns in fire zones

8:07 a.m.: Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said residents have expressed concerns about security in the Eaton and Palisades fire zones. The sheriff said he has increased security in these areas, including horse patrols in the Eaton Fire zone.

Barger introduces Altadena Recovery Commission

8:02 a.m.: Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced the establishment of the Altadena Recovery Commission (ARC), dedicated to rebuilding efforts following the Eaton Fire. 

Evacuation center in Pasadena possibly closing this weekend

6:45 a.m.: The evacuation center that was established at the Pasadena Convention Center could be closing by the weekend. 

Gov. Newsom traveling to the White House

6:15 a.m.: California Gov. Gavin Newsom will travel to the White House to meet with President Donald Trump. His intention is to secure more federal funding following the Eaton and Palisades fires.

Debris cleanup underway at schools destroyed by Eaton Fire

6:00 a.m.: Phase II of cleanup efforts is underway at two schools damaged by the Eaton Fire. The two schools were Loma Alta Elementary School in Altadena and Edison Elementary Schools in Pasadena. National Guard members were at the scene as a curfew remains in place from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. 

Mudslide risk closes section of PCH

5:35 a.m.: PCH will remain closed until at least Friday between Chautauqua Boulevard and Carbon Beach Terrace. Officials said mud and rock came crashing down along Topanga Canyon overnight. 

Residents in fire zones brace for rain

5:30 a.m.: The first of two storm systems arrived in Southern California late Tuesday night. Areas around Long Beach and in the Inland Empire woke up to showers with widespread rain expected later in the day. 

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.

What caused the Eaton Fire?

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.

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