Summary

Media caption,

Watch: Headteacher returns to school destroyed in fire

  1. Communication with Trump administration is not lacking, LA mayor sayspublished at 16:44 Greenwich Mean Time

    LA Mayor Karen Bass speaking at press conferenceImage source, LA County

    A reporter asks about a "lack of communication" between the city of LA and the incoming Trump administration.

    Mayor Karen Bass say "there is not a lack of communication... I have spoken with representatives of the incoming administration."

    With that, the questions come to an end. Stay with us for more on what we learnt from Mayor Bass and other LA officials.

  2. Looters arrested in fire-hit LA 'have zero business being in these areas'published at 16:42 Greenwich Mean Time

    A reporter from NBC asks if those who have been arrested are locals or "coming from further away".

    LA County Sheriff Robert Luna says: "The individuals do not live in the areas where we're arresting them. We're finding out that they have zero business being in these areas."

  3. LA is currently under a local health emergency - county supervisorpublished at 16:40 Greenwich Mean Time

    LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath is speaking now.

    She says Southern California gas company CalGas is starting to restore connections to Malibu today.

    She also repeats the public health warnings, saying that LA is currently under a local health emergency.

    She explains that the fire has made the air unhealthy and advises people to limit outdoor activities in areas with visible smoke or the smell of it.

    She urges residents not to use blowers or anything that could stir ash into the air. She also recommends wearing masks, such as N95s, for protection.

    On water safety, she reminds people that a "Do Not Drink" notice is in place for certain areas and advises avoiding beaches, as the water may be contaminated.

    As Horvath make her final remarks, officials will take questions from the press. Stay with us.

  4. Officials working to rebuild the city as fast as possible, LA mayor sayspublished at 16:36 Greenwich Mean Time

    LA Mayor Karen Bass speaking at press conferenceImage source, LA County

    LA Mayor Karen Bass is now speaking, she says she visited the area impacted by the Hurst Fire yesterday, and witnessed an example of "heroic" first responders.

    The mayor says her office is already working to rebuild the city as fast as possible by "cutting through the bureaucracy".

    Over 13,000 people have donated over $6m to the California Community Foundation's Wildlife Recovery Fund, the mayor adds, thanking them for their generosity.

  5. 'I look forward to welcoming President-elect Trump to our communities'published at 16:28 Greenwich Mean Time

    Kathryn Barger, chair of the LA County Board of Supervisors speaking at press conferenceImage source, LA County

    Kathryn Barger, chair of the LA County Board of Supervisors, is up next.

    She says she sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump yesterday "to see the devastation of these wildfires first hand" and to meet with residents and thank first responders.

    "I look forward to welcoming President-elect Trump to our communities so he can see the desperate need, but also the incredible opportunity, hope and perseverance of our impacted neighbours," she says.

    Barger moves onto discussing rebuilding efforts, and say they worked to "cut the red tape that will slow" people rebuilding.

    She references the new executive order the governor put in place in the morning, and thanks him for "taking swift action."

  6. Number of people needing access to fire-hit areas overwhelming, police chief sayspublished at 16:27 Greenwich Mean Time

    We're now hearing from LA City Police Chief Jim McDonnell. He says the LA Police Department has 600 officers deployed, along with the National Guard, which has 100 members assigned to the Palisade Fire.

    He explains they’ve allowed limited access for some people to enter the area to retrieve medication and pets. However, while they were able to accommodate some, the number of people needing access became overwhelming.

    "We weren't able to do that for everyone today. We need to suspend that practice effective immediately," he says.

    Search operations are now under way, chief McDonnell says, including the deployment of cadaver dogs, crime scene preservation, and the recovery of remains.

    He also warned that a curfew is in place in the LA city area, and arrests were made last night for violations.

  7. Three found dead in rescue effort as 16 reported missing, sheriff sayspublished at 16:20 Greenwich Mean Time

    Sheriff Luna goes on to say there was more arrests overnight - which he says brings the total number of arrests to "approximately" 29. This is 25 in the Eaton Fire area and four in Palisades.

    When in Malibu, Luna says he saw a man who "looked like a firefighter" but was actually in handcuffs, after having been caught burgling a home.

    During a search and rescue operation which began yesterday, three deceased people were found, Luna says. This was during a search of 364 properties.

    He says he anticipates this number will increase, and that that there are 16 missing person reports.

  8. 'Your life is in danger, you need to leave': 105,000 LA residents under evacuation orderspublished at 16:17 Greenwich Mean Time

    Sheriff Robert Luna at press conferenceImage source, LA County

    Sheriff Robert Luna is speaking now, he says LA county deputy sheriff staffing has increased to around 1,200 personnel, who are working 12 hour shifts.

    They have been assigned close to 1,500 missions, he adds. These include road closures, welfare checks, evacuation help and escorts for essential services.

    At least 60 California Highway Patrol officers have been deployed across the Palisades and Eaton locations, Luna says.

    For both of these fires, the evacuation numbers have dropped in the last few days. There are "approximately 105,000 residents under evacuation orders and approximately 87,000 residents under evacuation warnings."

    He reminds people that if you in an evacuation order area, "your life is in danger, you need to leave."

    Luna says he understands people are "frustrated" and want to go back to their homes, but some of these areas "literally look like war zones", and asks people to wait until it is safe.

  9. Red flag warning in place for Hurst Fire, City fire chief sayspublished at 16:14 Greenwich Mean Time

    More now from LA City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley.

    She says the Hurst Fire has been contained to 799 acres and is now 89% under control, with over 300 firefighters assigned to tackle the blaze.

    Chief Crowley adds that Santa Ana winds are still present and are expected to last through Wednesday. Today, wind gusts are reaching up to 50mph, and humidity levels remain low.

    A red flag warning is in place and will stay in effect until 6pm.

  10. Firefighters doing 'everything they can' as Palisades fire continues to burnpublished at 16:13 Greenwich Mean Time

    We're now hearing from LA City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley.

    She talks of her visit to Palisades yesterday, where she talked to the responders who were first on the scene.

    Even without running water, gas or electric, firefighters are doing "everything they can", she tells the news conference.

    She goes on to say she will give an update on the two active fires that are burning in LA.

    On the Palisades Fire, crews worked overnight to prevent further spread into the Mandeville Canyon area. The fire is currently at 23,707 acres, with 4,720 personnel, with 11% containment. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place, she adds.

    "There is no power or water, there is broken gas lines and unstable structures", Crowley says.

  11. High winds mean threat of fires in LA County remains 'very high'published at 16:06 Greenwich Mean Time

    Anthony C. Marrone in black shirt standing at podium at press conferenceImage source, LA County
    Image caption,

    County fire chief, Marrone, says critical fire weather conditions will continue through to Wednesday

    LA County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone begins the press conference, and says that Eaton Fire is now estimated to cover 14,117 acres. He adds the fire is now 27% contained, up from the earlier 15%.

    There are 3,155 firefighting personnel "assigned to the incident", Marrone says.

    "Elevated, critical fire weather conditions will continue through to Wednesday," he says.

    Marrone explains that the high winds, combined with low moistures, will keep the fire threat in LA county "very high".

  12. LA officials provide latest updates on wildfires - follow livepublished at 16:02 Greenwich Mean Time

    Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and officials from the County and City are providing an update on the wildfires and their impact.

    Remember - you can listen along by pressing watch live at the top of the page.

    Stay with us as we bring you the mayor's lines, along with any updates from city officials.

  13. LA officials to provide update on wildfires shortly - how to watch livepublished at 15:53 Greenwich Mean Time

    We're expecting to hear from officials in Los Angeles shortly.

    LA Mayor Karen Bass will join county and city officials as they provide updates on the impacts of the fires, including recovery efforts and road conditions.

    You can follow along by clicking Watch live above, and we'll be bringing you all the key lines.

  14. New satellite images show Palisades Fire burningpublished at 15:49 Greenwich Mean Time

    We've just received new satellite imagery of the Palisades Fire taken on Saturday - the largest of four wildfires burning around Los Angeles. The fire is currently 11% contained and covers 23,707 acres, according to Cal Fire., external

    Satellite image of the Palisades Fire in CaliforniaImage source, Satellite image ©2025 Maxar Technologies
    Satellite image of the Palisades Fire in CaliforniaImage source, Satellite image ©2025 Maxar Technologies
  15. Palisades Fire: Fears the 10-mile-wide blaze could continue to spreadpublished at 15:41 Greenwich Mean Time

    For the last six days the Palisades fire has been growing, and it is now 10 miles (16.5km) wide.

    It's destroyed around 5,000 structures and killed five people, officials say.

    Fire fighters have been working around the clock to battle it, and it is now 11% contained. This means they have created barriers around 11% of the more than 23,000 acre blaze.

    But, with strong winds forecast there are fears the blaze will continue to spread, as it encroaches on the upscale suburb of Brentwood.

    A graphic with six different pictures. Each is a zoomed out, basic map of California, and it shows the last six days and how the fire grew in size
  16. Four fires burn through LA as officials urge Trump to visit - what's the latest?published at 15:24 Greenwich Mean Time

    Jenna Moon
    Live page editor

    Helicopter flies above area with palm trees with large amount of water being dropped onto the groundImage source, EPA

    Fire crews in Los Angeles are still tackling four separate fires that are threatening the city's suburbs.

    The two largest, Palisades and Eaton, have raged for days and have burnt through a collective 37,700 acres of land. We've been following the latest developments from officials and people on the ground.

    Here's what you need to know:

    • Firefighters say they have fully contained the Kenneth Fire, which is burning near the city of Calabasas in north-west Los Angeles County
    • Officials in California are pushing for US President-elect Donald Trump to visit the state, as the Republican has criticised relief efforts. California's governor, Gavin Newsom, says Trump has not accepted his invitation to "see the devastation first hand"
    • Authorities in the state are warning businesses against "price gouging" or hiking the price of items more than 10% higher as the disaster continues. Displaced victims say they are facing sky-high rental prices and hotel fees
    • Santa Ana winds - which blow dry, gusty winds from the desert into California - are expected to surge on Tuesday and Wednesday, complicating firefighting efforts
    • The upscale suburb of Brentwood, where US Vice President Kamala Harris has a home, is threatened by the Palisades blaze

    We're expecting to hear from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and other city officials at a press conference in just over half an hour's time.

    Stay with us - we'll bring you the latest information as we receive it.

  17. Kenneth Fire 100% contained, California fire department sayspublished at 15:03 Greenwich Mean Time
    Breaking

    Two firefighters in yellow suits stand in front of a blazing fireImage source, AP
    Image caption,

    Fire crews battling the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles on Thursday

    One of the four fires burning through Los Angeles, the Kenneth Fire, is now 100% contained, according to California's fire department (Cal Fire).

    The Kenneth Fire covers 1,052 acres, making it the third largest of the four fires burning on Sunday morning. The fire started on Thursday afternoon and broke out on the border between Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

    As we explained in an earlier post, a fire which is 100% contained doesn't mean it has been extinguished. Instead, it means the flames have been fully encircled and the spread has been effectively stopped.

  18. 'Important first step': Newsom announces new order to help rebuild LApublished at 14:44 Greenwich Mean Time

    California Governor Gavin Newsom (2-R) and Democratic US Senator Alex Padilla of California (R) watch firefighters battle the Palisades wildfire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los AngelesImage source, EPA
    Image caption,

    California governor Gavin Newsom, second from the right, says "one thing I won't give in to is delay"

    An executive order designed to speed up the rebuilding of lost homes in LA has been put in place by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

    The order suspends Ceqa review and the California Coastal Act, which work to minimise the environmental impact of proposed building projects, as well as suspending some permits in order to make rebuilding quicker and more affordable.

    There are also protections against price gouging on services related to the fires such as building materials and storage services.

    He says "one thing I won't give in to is delay. Delay is denial for people."

    "The executive order I signed today will help cut permitting delays, an important first step in allowing our communities to recover faster and stronger."

  19. Evacuation orders for 150,000 LA residentspublished at 14:22 Greenwich Mean Time

    California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) says 150,000 people are now under evacuation orders in Los Angeles county - in areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton Fires.

    More than 700 people are being housed in nine shelters in the county, external, Cal OES spokesperson Michael Traum says in a statement.

    An evacuation order means there is an immediate threat to life and those impacted need to leave immediately, the organisation says.

    Evacuation warnings, which differ from evacuation orders, are also in place for both the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire. An evacuation warning means there’s impending danger to life or property and advice is to gather your belongings and prepare to evacuate.

    Cal OES confirms that evacuation orders and warnings issued due to the Kenneth and Hurst Fires have been lifted.

    A map which shows where the four fires are in red, and where people are being ordered to evacuate in orange
  20. 'Not even Donald Trump can repeal laws of physics' - former governor of Californiapublished at 13:55 Greenwich Mean Time

    Jerry Brown, a former governor of California with earphones in speaking into a camera

    Former Governor of California Jerry Brown has taken a swipe at US President-elect Donald Trump's criticism of Democrat officials' handling of the wildfires in Los Angeles.

    Trump has been fiercely critical of California Democrats' handling of the emergency, accusing Governor of California Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass of "gross incompetence".

    In a post on Truth Social today, Trump calls the wildfires "one of the worst catastrophes in the history of the country" and hits out again at the Democrats, saying "they can't just put out the fires, what's wrong with them?"

    Newsom posted a letter on X, external which he says was sent to Trump on Friday, inviting him to "meet with the Americans affected by these fires" and "see the devastation first-hand".

    Speaking to BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Brown describes the "horror" of the Los Angeles wildfires and says "it brings home the danger that we live in".

    Brown adds that though the region has come a long way, they are not "immune to catastrophe". Dealing with climate change requires trillions of dollars every year, which he says needs to be done.

    In response to Trump's comments, he says "nature is nature, not even Donald Trump, who is quite clever in many ways, can repeal the laws of physics."

    Soon "there will be a reduction, to absurdity, of the idea that climate change is a hoax", Brown adds.