California Wildfires: Auto Fire Progresses Amid Severe Conditions

California Wildfire Live Updates: Auto Fire 25% Contained Amid Dangerous Conditions

Overview

As wildfires continue to rage across Southern California, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued its highest-level red flag warning early Tuesday, affecting parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Dangerous wind gusts and dry conditions are fueling the fires, which have caused widespread devastation.

Key Highlights

• Auto Fire: 25% contained as of Tuesday afternoon after burning 56 acres.
• Palisades Fire: Over 23,000 acres burned, with 17% containment.
• Eaton Fire: Covers 14,000 acres, 35% contained.
• Hurst Fire: 97% contained at 799 acres.

Timeline of Events

Tuesday, Jan. 9

• 2:10 p.m.: Fire crews halted the forward progress of the Auto Fire in Ventura County.
• 4:00 a.m.: NWS’s “particularly dangerous situation” warning went into effect. Gusts of 45–70 mph and low humidity could cause rapid fire growth.

Monday, Jan. 8

• 11:45 p.m.: Auto Fire began in Ventura County, named after nearby auto dealerships.
• 9:00 p.m.: LA Department of Water and Power (LADWP) warned of potential 48-hour power outages.
• 8:45 p.m.: Federal and local support announced:
  • President Biden approved $770 payments for wildfire victims.
  • Governor Newsom proposed $2.5 billion in disaster funding.
• 2:00 p.m.: District Attorney charged nine individuals with looting and arson.
• 7:40 a.m.: Palisades Fire grew to 23,713 acres, with 14% containment.
• 7:00 a.m.: FEMA confirmed a 6-month debris removal program.

Sunday, Jan. 7

• 10:30 p.m.: 33,000 homes remained without power.
• 6:02 a.m.: FEMA warned of worsening winds, potentially hampering firefighting efforts.

Key Stats as of Sunday

• Deaths: 24 (including a former child actor and a Malibu surfer).
• Missing: 23 individuals near the Eaton and Palisades fires.
• Arrests: 34 (looting, curfew violations, and drone-related offenses).

Friday, Jan. 5

• 8:00 a.m.: Palisades Fire grew to over 20,000 acres, while the Eaton Fire expanded to nearly 14,000 acres.
• 9:30 a.m.: President Biden described Los Angeles as a “war zone” and warned of a rising death toll.

Government Actions

• Federal Support:
  • FEMA will fully fund response costs for 180 days, covering debris removal and sheltering.
  • Biden approved California’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration.
• State Initiatives:
  • Newsom declared a state of emergency, urging residents to follow evacuation orders.
  • $2.5 billion proposed for disaster recovery and response efforts.

Notable Incidents

• Thursday, Jan. 4:
  • A firefighting plane was grounded after being hit by a civilian drone.
  • National Guard deployed 8,000 members to assist with firefighting and prevent looting.

Safety Measures

1. Evacuation Orders:
   • Active in several regions, with officials planning phased returns after winds subside.
2. Power Outages:
   • Ongoing assessments by LADWP for restoration efforts.
3. Air Quality Alerts:
   • PM 2.5 pollutant levels reached 165 in Los Angeles, deemed “unhealthy.”

Current Containment Progress

• Auto Fire: 25% contained.
• Palisades Fire: 17% contained, largest fire at 23,000+ acres.
• Eaton Fire: 35% contained.
• Hurst Fire: 97% contained.

Ongoing Risks

• Strong wind gusts and low humidity remain a threat.
• Additional power outages and new fire outbreaks are possible.

Stay Updated: Follow local alerts, evacuation orders, and safety guidelines as conditions evolve.

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