Mon. Jan 13th, 2025
alert-–-burglars-dressed-as-firefighters-are-arrested-in-la-as-winds-push-blaze-towards-brentwood:-live-updates-&-mapAlert – Burglars dressed as firefighters are arrested in LA as winds push blaze towards Brentwood: Live updates & map

Burglars dressed as firefighters are among the thieves arrested as Los Angeles’ lawlessness spiraled amid the city’s worst fires in history – as gusty winds are forecast to push the blaze towards Brentwood.

Looting is now running rampant as the flames continue to destroy homes across the City of Angels. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said the burglars claimed to be associated with a fire station, but a check with the department weeded them out.

At least 29 people have been arrested for looting in evacuation zones and at least two people were charged with arson and arrested on suspicion of trying to start other infernos in recent days. Meanwhile, energy company Edison International is being investigated over a possible link to one of the wildfires currently tearing through Los Angeles.

Firefighters have been working tirelessly since Tuesday to tame the infernos – before potentially strong winds return that could push the flames toward some of the city’s most famous landmarks. 

The National Weather Service warned that gusty winds of up to 50 to 65 miles per hour on Monday could cause explosive fire growth and areas north of the line from Point Dume to Glendale will be particularly at risk.

So far, the California fires have killed at least 16 people, and wiped out an estimated 40,300 acres of land, 12,300 homes and other structures. They have also caused around $57 billion in economic damage and forced 180,000 people to evacuate.

The Palisades Fire is the largest of the Los Angeles wildfires, burning through 23,707 acres – while the Eaton Fire in Pasadena is the deadliest blaze, accounting for 11 deaths, scorching 14,117 acres. The Hurst Fire in the City of Los Angeles is 76 percent contained.

Follow live updates below

At least 29 people arrested in fire zones

At least 29 people have been arrested in the fire zones, including thieves who pretended to be firefighters, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said on Sunday.

The burglars claimed to be associated with a fire station, but a check with the department weeded them out.

‘When I was out in the Malibu area, I saw a gentleman that looked like a firefighter and asked him if he was okay because he was sitting down. I didn’t realize we had him in handcuffs,’ Luna said.

‘We were turning him over to LAPD because he was dressed like a fireman, and he was not. He just got caught burglarizing a home.’

Luna said 25 people were arrested in the Eaton Fire area and four in the Palisades.

00:05

Displaced residents finally told when they can expect to return to their homes

Displaced locals in fire evacuation zones have finally learned when they’ll be allowed to return to their homes to survey the damage caused by the infernos.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said authorities will begin discussions about getting residents back to their homes after the current red flag warning ends.

Californians have been warned to brace for intense winds fueling fire conditions until Wednesday afternoon.

“Unfortunately, those conversations are not going to begin until the next predicted red flag ends on Wednesday,’ he said.

‘Please rest assured that first thing Thursday, we will start talking about re-population and evacuation order and warning areas,” he said in a Sunday news conference.

PACIFIC , CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: A view of the Pacific Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates that was destroyed by the Palisades Fire on January 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. The Palisades Fire has grown to over 22,000 acres and has destroyed thousands of homes. The fire is currently 11 percent contained. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

23:36

Los Angeles Fire Department's diversity chief blames fire victims in shocking viral video defending DEI

23:35

Gov Newsom's promise to Californians to help rebuild faster and stronger

Governor Newsom signed an executive order on Sunday which he says will allow fire-ravaged Californians to rebuild their lives and homes ‘faster and stronger.’

‘When the fires are extinguished, victims who have lost their homes and businesses must be able to rebuild quickly and without roadblocks,’ he said.

‘The executive order I signed today will help cut permitting delays, an important first step in allowing our communities to recover faster and stronger. I’ve also ordered our state agencies to identify additional ways to streamline the rebuilding and recovery process.’

This executive order will extend protections against price gouging on building materials, storage services, construction, and other essential goods and services for 12 months, until January 7 2026, in Los Angeles County, Newsom said.

He has also encouraged departments to streamline permission requirements to rebuild, and to make it more affordable.

The executive order suspends permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act in an effort to allow residents to rebuild or restore their homes.

22:23

Embattled Gov. Gavin Newsom deploys 1,000 more National Guard members

Gavin Newsom announced on Sunday afternoon he is sending another 1,000 California National Guard service members to help battle the fires in LA.

He said: ‘I’m deploying 1,000 more California National Guard service members to Los Angeles as we battle the unprecedented wildfires in the region.

‘The approximately 2,500 total service members mobilized will continue assisting local public safety efforts in communities devastated by the fires.’

22:16

Elon Musk apologizes as Cybertruck deliveries are withheld to help with fires

Elon Musk has apologized to customers expecting Cybertruck deliveries in California this week.

A rollout of the trucks was meant to take place early this week, but Musk said Tesla is now relying on those trucks to serve as mobile base stations for the Starlink internet terminals he’s provided to fire ravaged communities.

‘Apologies to those expecting Cybertruck deliveries in California over the next few days,’ he wrote.

‘We need to use those trucks as mobile base stations to provide power to Starlink Internet terminals in areas of LA without connectivity.’

Musk has assured customers ‘a new truck will be delivered end of week.’

22:03

Winds forecast to push blaze towards Brentwood

Firefighters are preparing for another round of strong winds that threaten communities in Brentwood and Encino.

The National Weather Service said a resurgence of gusty winds is forecast Sunday night into Monday across southern California as mid-level impulses sink south across the western U.S., allowing for a re-tightening of the surface pressure gradient and gusty downslope/offshore winds from the Desert Southwest into southern California into Tuesday.

‘There will be the potential for — especially late Monday night through Wednesday — explosive fire growth as those winds pick back up,’ Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told the Los Angeles Times.

‘In the case of an evacuation order being issued, you have to follow that immediately. Seconds could save your life.’

Gusty winds of up to 50 to 65 miles per hour on Monday could cause explosive fire growth and areas north of the line from Point Dume to Glendale will be particularly at risk

21:29

Eva Longoria gets emotional as she recalls being evacuated from home amid LA fires

Eva Longoria fought back tears in an emotional video she shared on Instagram for her 10 million followers.

The Desperate Housewives star, 49, revealed she evacuated from her home after receiving a warning, and were now hosting several other friends fleeing from the fire.

‘It’s been a crazy week. Devastating for so many people. So many friends who’ve lost a lot… homes. I know it’s not things, it’s memories, things that people have worked really hard for,’ she said.

‘Anyways, we decided to evacuate ’cause we were under a warning, and then we kept getting an alarm. We have many friends at my house who had to evacuate from other areas so my house is full.

‘I know a lot of people weren’t so lucky. We’ve donated clothes, we literally emptied out my pantry to take down to all of the places that are accepting donations.’

21:16

Meghan Markle DELAYS the release of her new Netflix series due to LA fires

Meghan Markle has decided to delay the launch of her new lifestyle and cooking Netflix show due to the ongoing LA wildfire crisis.

The program, With Love, Meghan, was set to be released on January 15, but this has now been moved to March 4.

A statement issued by the Duchess of Sussex on Sunday, three days before the series was scheduled to debut, read: ‘I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California.’

With Love, Meghan reportedly includes tributes to the California-based royal’s home state and her personal ties to it.

21:00

Billion dollar energy company Edison International investigated over possible LA fire link

Energy company Edison International is being investigated over a possible link to one of the wildfires currently tearing through Los Angeles.

The $25 billion firm said it discovered a downed conductor at a tower close to where the Hurst Fire broke out on Tuesday evening following an intense Santa Ana windstorm.

However, Edison said it doesn’t know whether the damage happened before or after fire, which has so far burned through almost 800 acres of land.

The conductor was found at the Eagle Rock Sylmar 220 kV circuit, the company said in press release on Sunday, adding that the findings were preliminary.

It comes as speculation swirls about what could have caused the worst cluster of wildfires ever seen in the United States and Los Angelinos who have lost everything are demanding answers.

Flames and smoke are seen near power lines as the Palisades fire grows near the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood and Encino, California, on January 11, 2025. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the Los Angeles fires, spread toward previously untouched neighborhoods January 11, forcing new evacuations and dimming hopes that the disaster was coming under control. Across the city, at least 16 people have died as multiple fires have ripped through residential areas since January 7, razing thousands of homes in destruction that US President Joe Biden likened to a

20:43

Jason Oppenheim says Selling Sunset agents will represent LA fire victims for free

Jason Oppenheim is stepping up to do his part to help the people who've lost their homes in the devastating LA fires.

The Selling Sunset star announced his agency, The Oppenheim Group, will be representing fire victims searching for a new rental for free.

‘If you’ve lost your home in the Los Angeles fires and you need to find a place to rent until your home is rebuilt, all Oppenheim Group agents will represent you for free or credit you back any commission we receive in the transaction,’ he wrote in an Instagram video on Saturday.

20:22

Miranda Lambert helps raise over $200K for animal victims of the LA fires

Miranda Lambert’s animal organization MuttNation Foundation teamed up with rural lifestyle retailer Tractor Supply to help raise over $200K for the animal victims of the LA wildfires.

The 41-year-old country crooner publicly thanked donors on Sunday morning for contributing to the Relief for Rescues Fund, which began Thursday.

‘And starting today at Tractor Supply, at checkout you can donate either online or in person and 100% of that continues to go to relief funds,’ Miranda – who boasts 27.2M social media followers – said.

‘So from MuttNation and Tractor Supply, friends thank y’all so much for helping us out and we’re going to continue to send prayers and love and light!’

Lambert said the funds would benefit several animal shelters in the region impacted by the fire including Pasadena Humane.

The community-supported animal resource center has taken in over 400 animals from the Eaton Fire, including a ‘five-day-old puppy found under a collapsed building.’

20:13

Karen Bass slammed for smirking and smiling in latest 'tone-deaf' speech to Los Angeles locals

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has been slammed for smirking and smiling in her latest ‘tone-deaf’ video response to the devastating fires in Los Angeles.

Bass has faced fierce backlash after posting a video message about the city’s historic infernos, where she appeared to be smiling as she discussed residents’ ‘unbearable loss.’

The controversial clip showed a rather chipper Bass delivering what was meant to be a somber message about the devastating, fiery crisis plaguing her city.

While appearing to smile at times during her address, Bass said: ‘To any of you and all of you who have experienced a loss, the grief, the anger, the just utter shock – I’ve seen the devastation, it is unbelievable the amount of loss that people have experienced.’

19:56

Gavin Newsom criticized for posting link to Super PAC

Gov. Gavin Newsom posted a link on X to californiafirefacts.com, a website set up by his campaign committee, to address what he claims is misinformation about the LA fires.

The website encourages users to donate to the California Fire Foundation through a link that connects to ActBlue, the Democratic Party’s fundraising platform.

Social media users quickly called out the Governor for promoting the super PAC while raising funds for firefighters.

‘He’s fine raising for his own political gain. Notice he isn’t posting from his governor account. and the link for “fundraising: is actually an ACT Blue account!! He’s a criminal,’ one person said.

Newsom denied insinuations that he is receiving any funds from the fire donations.

‘Not a cent of these donations go to Gavin Newsom or his PAC. Gov. Newsom is proud to have raised $450,000 for the Fire Foundation in small-dollar contributions during these fires and is grateful for the people across the nation who have come together to help Californians in their time of need,’ a spokesperson for Newsom told the New York Post.

ActBlue claims to ‘charge a flat rate of 3.95% on each donation’ to ‘cover the processing cost,’ according to their website.

19:26

Father-daughter duo help evacuees learn whether their homes survived the California wildfires

Vanessa Prata and her father, Aluizio Prata, are helping their Altadena neighbors learn the fate of their homes.

A residents who did flee are kept away by police or military barricades, Prata and her dad have taken it upon themselves to check on their neighbors’ homes.

‘They’re sitting in these shelters. They’re not sure whether their house survived or didn’t survive,’ Prata said.

‘Once you know what the situation is, you have an ability to regroup and see what you’re going to do moving forward.’

Prata posted to an Altadena community group on Facebook, offering the one thing she could think of that would help.

‘We are more than happy to drive around and take a picture for any person who would like to see their home or, God forbid, what is left of their home,’ she wrote.

The requests came pouring in – as many as 45 by Saturday morning. She and her dad set out on Friday, checking addresses written in a small notebook. They slowly make their way past fallen trees, downed wires and the husks of burned out cars.

Of more than two dozen homes they visited Friday and Saturday, fewer than half were still standing.

Vanessa Prata and her father, Aluizio Prata, pose for a self-portrait in Altadena, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, with damage from the Eaton fire behind them. (Vanessa Prata via AP)

19:16

Gavin Newsom is corrected by reporter after making 117million gallon mistake

Governor Gavin Newsom was slammed for claiming that reservoirs in southern California were ‘completely full’ when at least one of them has been confirmed to be bone dry.

Newsom made the claim during an interview he gave to NBC's Meet The Press about his response to the raging wildfires in Los Angeles.

NBC News correspondent Jacob Soboroff asked the governor about President-elect Donald Trump’s criticism. Trump argued that Newsom’s efforts to protect a fish called the Delta smelt has stopped water from being delivered to farmers and major cities.

‘I don’t know what he’s referring to when he talks about the Delta smelt in reservoirs. The reservoirs are completely full, the state reservoirs here in Southern California,’ Newsom said.

However, the LA Times reported Friday that the the Santa Ynez Reservoir, a 117-million-gallon water storage complex has been completely empty for over a year. This reservoir serves the Pacific Palisades, an area of west of downtown Los Angeles where a wildfire has grown to about 23,654 acres. Firefighters have only been able to contain 11 percent of the out-of-control blaze.

DailyMail.com further revealed that this reservoir was left disconnected by Department of Water and Power (LADWP) CEO Janisse Quiñones.

18:57

PGA Tour facing dilemma over Tiger Woods event

The PGA Tour has yet to decide whether to move the Genesis Invitational from Riviera Country Club as wildfires continue to rip through Los Angeles.

The tournament – hosted by Tiger Woods – is slated to take place between February 13 and February 16 in Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood ravaged by the flames over recent days.

Other options include postponing the Genesis Invitational or holding it at Riviera as planned. But so far, no decision has been made.

According to the LA Times, the PGA has written to its members to inform them that officials are ‘monitoring the devastating fires in Los Angeles County’.

‘At this point, it is premature to discuss the potential impact on the Genesis Invitational. Although the Riviera Country Club has not been directly affected by the fires, our immediate concern is the health and welfare of those in the affected communities, including all our members who have ties to Southern California.’

18:38

Community alum Yvette Nicole Brown suggests harsh criticism of LA Mayor Karen Bass amid fires is race related

Comedians and Act Your Age co-stars Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley are standing behind Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass amid the wildfire crisis, and they believe the harsh criticism she's receiving is race related.

‘Let me tell you something, she’s got a spine of steel,’ Yvette told TMZ outside a grocery store on Saturday.

‘And she’s also been a Black woman in America for a long time, so none of this is new to her. We are mad, because we’re tired of it.’

Kym added: ‘We’re mad for her. Somebody needs to stand behind her and support her, because of how she’s handling it. You can see it in her face. She stays calm, but think about it, she’s got the city to take care of!’

The 53-year-old Community alum noted that the 71-year-old Democratic politician was born and raised in the City of Angels, but she’s ‘not the mayor of every municipality’ as Mayor Doug Stewart oversees Malibu.

14276113 Community alum Yvette Nicole Brown suggests harsh criticism of LA Mayor Karen Bass amid fires is race related

18:24

Spencer Pratt stands up for Mandy Moore after she was slammed for posting GoFundMe for in-laws amid LA fires

Spencer Pratt has defended Mandy Moore in the face of the severe backlash the This Is Us star received after posting information about a GoFundMe campaign to help her in-laws whose home was destroyed in the devastating Los Angeles fires.

In an angry TikTok, The Hills alum, 41, who lost his home in the Palisades fire, confronted Moore’s detractors head-on.

‘Let me tell you about Mandy Moore. Mandy Moore, when I was younger, shout-out Mandy Moore. She booked my hotel for me because she was such a nice friend.’

18:12

A neighborhood turned to dust: Pacific Palisades

Photos have shown the remains of homes burned by the Palisades Fire, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, California.

A view shows the remains of homes burned by the Palisades Fire, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 12, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder

A cyclist passes homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 12, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder

17:46

Internet divided after influencer donates 'dystopian' goodie bags for LA fire victims

A New York City influencer has sparked fierce debate over her ‘dystopian’ Los Angeles fire relief efforts – with some disapproving of her beauty product goodie bags and others rushing to her defense.

Serena Kerrigan, 30, shared a photo to her Instagram story showing skincare and haircare donations that were to be sent to victims of the fires ravaging LA communities.

She wrote on Thursday: ‘Putting together bags of products to send to LA. If you guys have any stuff you can donate, DM @cocoschiffer.’

The photo showed pink bags filled with cosmetic supplies, which some viewers felt trivialized the devastation being caused by the ongoing flames.

17:30

Shocking video captured a couple's narrow escape from the Eaton Fire

Jeffery Ku and his wife Cheryll captured their 34-minute escape from the Eaton Fire blaze on their Ring doorbell camera.

Cheryll saw the flames at 6:19 p.m. and told her husband they needed to flee. Flames were rolling on the hillside above them, and the couple started to pack their belongings in the car.

‘Winds gusting, no electricity, we grabbed what we could. I took videos of the fire between trips to the car, and I never would have imagined how quickly the conditions could get worse,’ Ku said.

‘By the time we left, smoke had filled the air, making it hard to breathe, embers flying everywhere, and the sky was bright orange.’

At 6:45 p.m., Ku sprayed down their roof while ash and embers swirled around them. ‘I remember saying goodbye to our home as I backed out of our driveway for what I thought would be the last time I would ever see our home again. Grateful that our home still stands,’ he said.

17:09

Olympic champion Gary Hall Jr reveals heartbreaking items he left behind in panicked escape from LA wildfires

Team USA hero Gary Hall Jr has revealed he lost all 10 of his Olympic medals in a heartbreaking escape from the LA wildfires this week.

An emotional Hall Jr spoke to CNN after his Pacific Palisades home burned to the ground in fires that have so far killed 16 people.

‘I thought I had more time,’ Hall told CNN. ‘I saw the fire charging down the hill and knew that I had to get out of there. I opened up the back of my SUV, I loaded a painting, one other object.

‘By the time I was going back in from that run, hot embers were raining down from the sky. I knew at that point that I just didn’t have much time. I could see the embers hitting the roofs of the houses around me and made that decision: it’s time to go.

‘The medals were in a closet in my bedroom, 70 feet away, and I didn’t have time to go get them. From the time that I saw the first plume of smoke at the top of the hill … I had about three minutes between then and when it came charging towards me.

‘It wasn’t easy to leave that behind. I worked a lifetime to achieve that and the memories remain but the souvenir is gone.’

Hall Jr represented the United States at three Olympic Games – in 1996, 2000, and 2004 – winning five gold, three silver and two bronze medals.

ATHENS - AUGUST 20:  Gary Hall Jr. of the United States listens to the national anthem after receiving the gold medal for the men's swimming 50 metre freestyle event on August 20, 2004 during the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games at the Main Pool of the Olympic Sports Complex Aquatic Centre in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

17:01

Ricki Lake's house burning down in LA fire was predicted by psychic Tyler Henry

Ricki Lake has uncovered the moment psychic Tyler Henry predicted that her home would burn in a fire.

The 56-year-old former talk show host lost her Pacific Palisades home, like many other public figures, in this week’s raging Los Angeles wildfires.

On Thursday she revealed that her sprawling abode had been destroyed in the inferno, despite her best efforts to save it.

And on Saturday, she appeared on Instagram to share a highlight from an October 2024 episode of Live From The Other Side With Tyler Henry in which the medium warned of the destruction to come.

16:52

LA fire chief warns fire threat remains high due to gusty winds

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone advised the threat of fire remains high on Sunday.

‘These winds, combined with low relative humidities and low fuel moistures, will keep the fire threat in Los Angeles County very high,’ Marrone said.

‘I asked our county residents in wildfire-prone areas to understand that the necessary public safety power shut-offs are important for our collective safety in preventing the next wildfire natural disaster.’

16:45

Kenneth Fire is fully contained

The Kenneth Fire burned 1,052 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties since it broke out on Thursday.

Fire officials said the blaze was 100 percent contained on Sunday after crews worked overnight to put it out.

16:40

All the celebrities who have lost homes in devastating Los Angeles fires

Hollywood’s biggest celebrities are picking up the pieces after discovering their affluent Los Angeles neighborhoods were reduced to ash and rubble when the California wildfires tore through the city.

The homes of Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, Anthony Hopkins, Tina Knowles, John Goodman, Candy Spelling, Milo Ventimiglia, and Miles Teller are among those destroyed, while dozens of other stars face an anxious wait alongside their neighbors to learn if anything could be saved.

16:09

Trump called Los Angeles officials 'incompetent' as fires rage on

President-elect Donald Trump blamed the fires ravaging Los Angeles on ‘incompetent’ officials in an early Sunday morning Truth Social post.

‘The fires are still raging in L.A. The incompetent pols have no idea how to put them out. Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and many more will soon be lost,’ he said.

‘There is death all over the place. This is one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our Country. They just can’t put out the fires. What’s wrong with them?’

15:59

'Overeager' reporter slammed by internet as cringeworthy Dennis Quaid interview goes viral

Dennis Quaid was stopped for an interview while evacuating from the Los Angeles wildfires on Friday evening, and the internet is focused on the ‘overeager’ reporter talking to him.

In a now-viral news clip, the 70-year-old actor was interrupted by a reporter for NBC 4 Los Angeles and his cameraperson outside of his Brentwood home.

While he was trying to pack up his car, the reporter, Robert Kovacik, started asking him questions and Quaid answered them politely.

However, viewers of the news segment took to X, formerly Twitter, to slam the reporter for being ‘obnoxious’ as he ‘bothered’ Quaid.

PACIFIC PALISADESActor Dennis Quaid, accompanied by his bulldog Peaches, shares his experience in having to evacuate his Brentwood home amid the devastating Palisades Fire. Robert Kovacik reports for the NBC4 News at 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.

15:52

Man saved his house from LA wildfires using only a garden hose

A man who fought off the wildfire ravaging through Los Angeles with a garden hose in order to save his home said: ‘Some things in life are worth fighting for.’

John Carr, 65, ignored evacuation warnings to stay behind and save his inherited house his parents built in Palisades.

He leaped over fences, hurting a rib in the process, as the flames began to enter his rear garden and creep nearer to his home.

‘The house was built by my mother and father in 1960 and I lived here my whole life so there’s a lot of memories here. And I think I owed it to them as well to try my best to save it,’ the brave former pilot said.

‘Some things in life are worth fighting for, you know. If I were to lose this house, it would be very difficult to afford to build a new house, to pay the enormous property taxes they have here. What would I do?’

15:49

How Meghan Markle has stayed emotionally connected to her hometown as she supports California fire victims with Prince Harry

While now a resident of up-market enclave Montecito, it’s well known that Meghan Markle grew up in Los Angeles.

Meghan now lives some 90 miles away from the city, in the Montecito mansion she shares with her husband Prince Harry, 40, and their children Archie and Lilibet.

However, it seems her connection with LA remains strong, as over recent years, she has carried out a number of charitable activities in the city.

The Sussexes have rallied around victims by making donations to relief efforts through their Archewell Foundation and have opened their $29million Montecito mansion to loved ones who were forced to evacuate.

15:47

Los Angeles County official criticized GoFundMe over fees on fire donations

Kathryn Barger, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, blasted GoFundMe for charging hefty transaction fees on fire-related fundraisers on Saturday.

‘Let me go off-script for a minute,’ Barger said. ‘I was shocked to find out that to give $500, they were going to charge me $95.’

‘So, I’m going to be reaching out to the CEO of GoFundMe to find out if, at the very least, they can cut the cost in order to ensure that the money goes directly to the family.’

GoFundMe told Buisness Insider they charge 2.9 percent plus $0.30 for each transaction, which ‘helps us pay our payment processors and safely deliver funds.’

‘The comments made at the press conference were inaccurate,’ the spokesperson said.

‘GoFundMe is primarily powered by voluntary tips and relies on these completely optional contributions from donors to maintain our quality customer service, trust and safety protections, and world-class fundraising technology.’

15:40

Why LA fires will hit almost every American in the pocket

The fires that erupted across Los Angeles County are still raging, but already are projected to be among the costliest natural disasters in America’s history.

While it’s still too early for an accurate tally of the financial toll, the losses so far likely make the wildfires the costliest ever in the U.S., according to various estimates, leaving behind devastation that will ripple far beyond California’s borders.

With tens of thousands of displaced LA residents who have lost all but the clothes they were wearing, plus a few select personal items, insurance companies will be on the hook for colossal payouts.

It will inevitably lead to a rise in insurance premiums for Americans across the country as companies work out how they can best pay out claims.

With losses surpassing a staggering $135 billion, according to a preliminary estimate by AccuWeather, the aftermath of this inferno is set to burden federal programs, strain insurance markets, and reshape the lives of Americans nationwide.

15:38

Gavin Newsom is slammed for car crash interview as he furiously tries to shift blame for LA fires

Gavin Newsom was slammed for his NBC’s Meet The Press interview about his response to the raging wildfires in Los Angeles.

One person reacting to the interview on X picked up on the governor’s restless movements and said: ‘Who the hell is he dancing with?’

Another said: ‘Watching Gavin Newsome (sic) his body language and speech suggests he is overwhelmed.’

‘At the beginning of his interview, the first thing he does is start waving his fingers,’ a third pointed out.

‘His physical gestures are over the top and distracting,’ another watcher thought.

15:31

The celebrity refugees fleeing LA wildfires: How Hollywood elite are holed up at $1,000-a-night hotels

Hollywood’s elite are fleeing their homes as the Los Angeles wildfires rage on – with celebrities racing to find refuge in hotels costing thousands of pounds per night.

Jamie Lee Curtis as well as power couple John Legend and Chrissy Teigen are among dozens of stars forced elsewhere as the Palisade Fire’s trail of destruction continues.

And actors Dennis Quaid and Sarah Michelle Gellar are among those seen arriving at the Hotel Bel-Air, built in 1922 and which charges up to $15,000 per night for a room.

15:28

How to help LA fire victims: What experts say will do the most good and how to avoid scams

The effects of the Los Angeles fire disaster will be long-lasting and thousands of people have lost everything or been displaced.

Help for those who have lost their homes to the huge infernos is coming from around the world while many were forced to flee and are still unclear on when they can return.

But charities and government-run relief efforts are overwhelmed by donations of items they don’t need or don’t have the resources to sift through.

Thieves are also preying on kind-hearted people with convincing scams that won’t send a dollar to anyone in need.

15:23

Army veteran saves family home from Palisades Fire: 'It's a warzone'

A man who served 30 years in the Army said the LA fires have turned the town into a warzone.

‘It was difficult, I mean it’s like Afghanistan type difficult,’ Jim Cragg told NBC News.

‘Everyone up here is doing a great job. I’ve been talking with LAPD, LA fire. They’re doing everything they can, but it’s a war zone.’

Cragg said he was able to save his home by placing a cheap lawn sprinkler on his roof.

‘After the last brush fire got close to us a couple years ago, I bought these cheap sprinklers, the ones that wave back and forth, and bought hoses,’ he said.

‘I had them ready, popped up on my roof, turned them on, sprayed down fire retardant on the side of my house and I left, got out with my family.’

15:12

Furious Gavin Newsom suggests the cause of LA fires in California as he denies playing blame game

Governor Gavin Newsom was slammed for his over-the-top body language in an interview he gave to NBC’s Meet The Press about his response to the raging wildfires in Los Angeles.

Newsom, wearing a black button down untucked with a pair of jeans, spoke with his hands all throughout the 18-minute-long conversation that took place in Altadena, a community that's been ravaged by the Eaton Fire. He often clapped and made other big gesticulations as he answered questions.

He signaled that he didn’t know why all three water storage tanks in the Pacific Palisades – each holding about 1 million gallons – had run dry right as the fires began last week.

Newsom also denied he was playing the blame game by opening an independent investigation into why the reservoirs were empty.

‘How could it be when we’re doing an independent investigation and we just want the adjudication of the facts? As I say, it’s not about finger pointing. It’s about answering the questions you and everybody want answered,’ he said.

[EMBARGO - Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, 9 a.m. ET]  Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) joined NBC News correspondent Jacob Soboroff for an interview airing on Meet the Press on Sunday morning.

15:00

Meghan Markle's Suits BFF Abigail Spencer praises Duchess of Sussex's 'excellent' support for LA fire victims

The Duchess of Sussex ‘s Suit co-star Abigail Spencer has hailed Meghan’s support for Los Angeles fire victims as ‘excellent’.

Abigail, 43, who starred in Suits alongside Meghan Markle, also 43, and is due to appear in her upcoming Netflix series, With Love Meghan, took to social media to praise Archewell’s post supporting victims of the devastating LA fires.

Abigail shared the post to her Instagram, writing: ‘Excellent vetted resources for those looking to help’.

14:58

Wild conspiracy theories over LA fires emerge after lush green palm trees stand untouched

Lush green palm trees still standing in Los Angeles despite the raging wildfires consuming California have sparked wild conspiracy theories online.

Palm trees can be seen in several photos still upright amid the burning wrecks of homes and cars.

One user, pointing to the destruction of homes and cars, that an apparent ‘heat attack’ had targeted the livelihoods of Californians.

These ‘attacks’ are, according to conspiracy theorists, designed to facilitate the eradication of national identities and form a one-world government.

But in reality, trees are often able to survive wildfires thanks to adaptations like thick bark and high moisture content that protect them from the heat.

Palm trees in particular are often safe from fires, as often fires occur at ground level – far from a tree’s canopy.

Roger Cohn pauses as he looks for items amongst his girlfriend Lisa Anderson's home destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025./San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

14:51

Selling Sunset star Jason Oppenheim accuses LA landlords of 'illegally' raising rental prices

Selling Sunset star Jason Oppenheim has accused mercenary landlords of attempting to capitalize on the LA wildfires by ‘illegally’ increasing rental prices.

Celebrity realtor Oppenheim, 47, best known for his regular appearances on Netflix reality show Selling Sunset, has lashed out at local landlords for overlooking state laws that prohibit people taking advantage of a natural disaster.

Appearing remotely on BBC politics show Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, a visibly emotional Oppenheim said: ‘I think it should be exposed, but we’re having landlords taking advantage of the situation.

‘I had a client. We sent him to a house that was asking $13,000 a month. He offered $20,000 a month, and he offered to pay six months up front. And the landlord said: “No, I want $23,000 a month.”‘

He added: ‘There are price gouging laws in California. They’re just being ignored right now, and this isn’t the time to be taking advantage of situations, and it’s also illegal to take advantage of a natural disaster.

‘I researched the law last night. You cannot charge more than 10% pre-disaster market rates.’

14:46

LA mountain lions and goats flee to safety from blistering California fires

Mountain lions, goats and donkeys in LA have been seen fleeing to safety from the blistering infernos as the city’s shelters fill up with lost pets.

Videos show wild animals running for their lives from the wildfires which have already claimed the lives of around 16 people while burning over 37,000 acres of land and destroying 12,000 structures in its wake.

In one clip take in the night, a mountain lion and two small cubs are seen running down Topanga Canyon Boulevard, California, away from the Palisades fire.

14:37

LA elite hire $2,000-an-hour private firefighters

Californians are up in arms after it was revealed LA’s elite are hiring private firefighters for as much as $2,000 an hour to save their multi-million dollar homes.

In an effort to protect their investments the ultra-rich of Tinsel Town are hiring expensive private firefighters to save their homes using a bright pink flame retardant, a move that is infuriating many.

14:32

Fury as California Governor Newsom claims 'he doesn't know how LA wildfires happened'

Governor Gavin Newsom is facing fresh fury after claiming he does not know how the Los Angeles wildfires happened – while appearing to cast blame on other officials, including beleaguered LA mayor Karen Bass.

Newsom has been accused of ‘passing the buck’ in his latest attempts to defend his response to the devastating ‘Palisade Fire’ inferno across the state.

The man previously touted as a potential Democrat presidential candidate has also been criticized over $100million cuts to funding earmarked for tackling wildfires.

14:08

Satellite image reveals sheer size of apocalyptic inferno

The enormous image, captured by the Pléiades Neo satellite on January 9, shows Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades, as well as the Summit and North of Montana neighborhoods, engulfed in the smoke.

Wildfires in Los Angeles, USA highest resolution satellite image

14:02

Will Netflix pull Meghan's new California lifestyle show?

PR experts have questioned the timing of the release of Meghan Markle’s Netflix cookery show and say it should be postponed amid the wildfires in Los Angeles.

The Duchess of Sussex’s long-awaited lifestyle series With Love, Meghan is scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, January 15.

Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, were seen in the city helping hand out food parcels to survivors after making the 90 mile journey from their $29million Montecito mansion.

But despite their laudable efforts, making donations to the cause from their Archewell Foundation, and opening up their luxury home to their displaced friends and loved ones, scores of experts say Netflix should push back the release date of Meghan’s show.

Two arrested at Kamala Harris' LA home after cops were called to possible burglary amid wildfire chaos

Two men were arrested near Vice President Kamala Harris’ Brentwood home on Saturday.

LAPD was called to the scene around 4:30 a.m. but were not on the property when they were detained.

Law enforcement sources told NBC Los Angeles, ‘they likely had no idea where they were.’

The two men were detained for breaking curfew, but released after police found no evidence they were committing a crime, reported KTLA.

of Kamala Harris' Brentwood home in sunny Los Angeles that boasts 4 bedrooms & 4 baths sprawled across 3,500 sq ft

13:56

Meghan and Harry serve meals to LA survivors

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stood alongside the embattled California governor’s wife as they served meals to the survivors of the Los Angeles wildfires.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stood next to the wife of the Democrat California Governor Gavin Newsom who has come under increasing pressure from the likes of President-elect Donald Trump for his response to the raging wildfires.

The royal couple, who live near Santa Barbara, around 90 miles away from LA, were seen comforting victims as they handed out food parcels with Jennifer Newsom at the Pasadena Convention Centre, which is being used as an evacuation centre, on Friday.

13:55

California governor and LA mayor face growing backlash – as well as 'hair gel' taunt

California’s beleaguered governor Gavin Newsom has been accused of ‘passing the buck’ by saying in a new podcast interview he was struggling to get ‘straight answers’ from other local leaders and officials.

The Democrat state chief told Pod Save America and its host Jon Favreau: ‘So, I’m the governor of California and want know the answer – I’ve got that question, I can’t tell you, by how many people, “What happened” – on my own team, “What happened?”. I’ll be candid with you, I wasn’t getting straight answers.’

But there has been a backlash in response, with one X user posting: ‘If he doesn’t know what happened, when he’s the first who should know, then he isn’t fit for purpose and needs to resign.’

Meanwhile, LA mayor Karen Buss has faced new criticism after visiting a local fire HQ then posting a video message in which she was seen smiling.

Hollywood actor Mel Gibson, who says he has lost his home in the inferno, has now been asked by Fox News what advice he would give the pair – and said: ‘Spend less on hair gel.’

13:55

Five major fires continue to burn in LA: Updates

As the California wildfire crisis enters its fifth day, here is a rundown of the status of the biggest blazes as of Sunday morning:

Palisades Fire

The largest of the Los Angeles wildfires has scorched through 23,654 acres and leveled homes, businesses and structures in the Pacific Palisades right across to the Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu.

So far, the fire is thought to have claimed the lives of at least five people and is just 11% contained.

The most recent development has seen the blaze explode into the Mandeville Canyon area, after the blaze spread towards it and the Brentwood neighborhood, partially closing the 405 freeway.

Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire broke out on Tuesday and has since torn through 14,005 acres of land.

The blaze resulted in evacuation orders for those in Altadena and Pasadena, with more people ordered to flee on Thursday as the flames becan to encroach on Mount Wilson.

Glenoaks Canyon and Chevy Chase Canyon residents have since been allowed back home, with the fire 15% contained.

It has been estimated that the Eaton Fire has destroyed 7,000 structures and is responsible for the deaths of 8 people.

Kenneth Fire

The Kenneth Fire spans across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and has so far burned 1,052 acres of land.

The blaze has been 90% contained since it broke out on Thursday and prior evacuation orders have since been lifted.

Hurst Fire

The smallest of the fires, the blaze is currently 76% contained and has affected 799 acres.

Evacuation orders were given to the areas around Sylmar, but these have since been lifted.

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