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Raging Wildfires Engulf Homes In Greater Los Angeles; Right Now: Los Angeles Officials Give Update On Wildfires; Fire Chief: Palisades Fire Is 11 Percent Contained; Firefighters Brace For Gusty Winds To Return To California. Aired 11a-12p ET
Aired January 12, 2025 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[11:00:22]
MANU RAJU, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning and welcome to a special edition of INSIDE POLITICS SUNDAY. I'm Manu Raju.
We begin with the most destructive fire in the history of L.A. County. We're standing by for a press conference in Los Angeles and we're expected to start momentarily with Mayor Karen Bass and other top officials from the city and county. We'll bring that to you live.
Now the Palisades Fire, only a fraction of which is contained, has already destroyed thousands of structures in a matter of days. Now moving closer to densely populated areas in the country's second most populous city with the wind expected to pick up.
CNN's Julia Vargas Jones is in Los Angeles. So, Julia, you're on the ground. Tell us what's happening and what are you hearing from residents on the ground.
JULIA VARGAS JONES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Manu. A lot of frustration this morning. We just got approached by a resident who had to evacuate the Palisades Fire area, asking, you know, have you seen my house? This is something that we've been getting from resident after resident as people start to trying to come home and get a real sense of the extent of this damage. We're still at around 11 percent containment of this fire. And it's moved east.
Now, as you can probably see, the winds are starting to pick back up here in Los Angeles. And that could mean that the fire could kind of fold back into itself. This way behind me, this is the west side of the city. All of the destruction from this fire has come from that direction.
Over here, the neighborhoods that firefighters have been working tirelessly to save, this is the Brentwood area, Mandeville Canyon, very close to the 405 Freeway that cuts Los Angeles north-south. We're very close to the Getty Center, one of Los Angeles' iconic cultural institutions that was evacuated yesterday. And with a small staff there hoping to save it from a potential exposure to this fire.
The VA Center, also not far from where we are, has been evacuated from an abundance of caution.
That campus now being told that students should expect online classes for the next few days and on standby for potential evacuations.
All of this as we are approaching the end of this window of a lull in the wind that we've had. The Santa Ana winds that kind of like let out for a little bit are starting to pick back up.
One of the most important aspects, Manu, of this firefighting has been the help from the skies. We've been seeing all morning helicopters making drops in those neighborhoods behind me. A fire retardant and water in the hopes of helping that, but we're not sure how much longer they'll be able to go if the winds continue to pick back up.
RAJU: All right. CNN's Julia Vargas Jones in Los Angeles.
We're going to go live now to the press conference with the L.A. City Mayor, Karen Bass and officials. Let's listen.
ANTHONY MARRONE, LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CHIEF: Los Angeles County Fire Department is prepared. These winds, combined with low relative humidities and low fuel moistures, will keep the fire threat in Los Angeles County very high.
I asked our county residents in wildfire prone areas to understand that the necessary public safety power shutoffs are important for our collective safety in preventing the next wildfire natural disaster.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Los Angeles County Board Chair, Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath for their leadership and unwavering support of our residents, my fire department and me as Fire Chief.
To our first responders battling these wildfires, thank you for your relentless and fearless dedication in protecting residents and property throughout this great county.
And finally to all L.A. County residents, please be assured that we will continue to battle these wildfires from the air and on the ground until they are fully contained. We stand alongside all of you as we begin repopulation of evacuated areas, establishment of disaster recovery centers, and the rebuilding of your homes, your communities, and your lives.
I would now like to introduce my trusted partner in public safety, L.A. City Fire Chief, Kristin Crowley.
[11:05:08]
KRISTIN CROWLEY, LOS ANGELES CITY FIRE CHIEF: Good morning everyone and thank you, Chief.
Here we are, so good morning. Yesterday, I spent the day in the Palisades community and visited a number of our fire stations, Fire Station 23 and Fire Station 69, and had the opportunity to talk with our members who were the first on scene at the Palisades Fire.
Even without running water, gas or electricity, your LAFD firefighters are doing everything they can to help the community. Although it was devastating to see firsthand the destruction of this fire, it is tremendously uplifting to see the outpour of support from all over Los Angeles region.
There are donations of food, water, supplies, literally spilling over and out into our local fire stations that have become hubs for all of us to grieve, to have a warm meal, and to also gather together and support one another.
Your LFD firefighters and everybody involved in these active fire incidences will continue to work relentlessly around the clock.
I will now provide a brief update on the two active fires that are burning within the city of Los Angeles.
Palisades Fire. Air and ground crews work tirelessly overnight with favorable wind conditions to prevent further spread into the Mandeville Canyon area. The fire is currently at 23,707 acres with 4,720 personnel that are assigned with 11 percent containment.
Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place. I know this is incredibly frustrating, but I would like to understand it. I'd like to express and explain the why. Why our residents are not allowed to come back into that area.
There are still active fires that are burning within the Palisades area, making it extremely, extremely dangerous for the public. There's no power, there's no water, there's broken gas lines, and we have unstable structures. The first responders are working as quickly as possible to ensure that it is safe for you to return into your communities.
Canine search teams have been deployed to assist with our recovery efforts. The Hurst Fire. I'm extremely pleased to report that this fire has been held to 799 acres and is now 89 percent contained with over 300 firefighters assigned.
Now today, strong north to northeast winds, gusts are up to 50 miles per hour with low humidity will be observed. A red flag warning is in effect and will remain until 6:00 P.M. Wednesday evening. Strong Santa Ana winds are also expected to last through Wednesday with the strongest winds occurring on Tuesday.
With the next wave of wind events, I want to be very, very clear here. It's very important that the community understands that these wind events are coming into Los Angeles. I want to reassure you that Mayor Bass, Chief McDonnell and I are united and focused on exactly what we need to do to prepare the city with these next strong winds that are coming.
Every available LAFD firefighter is on hand and will remain in place through this wind event. Additionally, firefighters continue to pour into Southern California region to bolster our firefighting capabilities.
Next, I'd like to introduce L.A. County Sheriff Luna. Thank you. ROBERT LUNA, LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF: Good morning. I'd like to start off with talking about the staffing. We've increased our L.A. County Deputy Sheriff staffing to about 1,200 personnel. And that make will -- that probably will continue to grow.
Many of them are on 12-hour shifts, which means 12 on, 12 off. They're working incredibly hard. They have been assigned close to 1,500 missions and that a lot of work, a lot of good work that's still continuing.
The missions continue to include hard road closures, traffic control points, roving security, welfare checks, evacuations as needed, requested by fire. And at times, when able to escorts for essential services and need.
We also have assigned at least 60 California Highway Patrol officers, split up for us. Some at the Eaton Fire location, others at the Palisades location.
[11:10:10]
I personally like to thank Commissioner Sean Duryee, who I will be meeting with. He's coming down here to thank him for his incredible help.
National Guard deployment is still at approximately 400. They're assisting the following agencies, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Arcadia, Azusa, and Sierra Madre.
Yesterday, I submitted additional requests for more National Guard assistance, specifically to the Los Angeles Police Department and the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. So I'm hoping that you'll see additional National Guard personnel arriving today. I will be meeting with one of their very high-ranking executives later today.
Evacuations for the Palisades and Eaton fires. These numbers are for both county and city area. They have dropped in the last couple of days, which is some good news. But as you hear, it's still a very fluid situation and that could change. So be aware of that.
We're at approximately 105,000 residents under evacuation orders and approximately 87,000 residents under evacuation warnings. I just want to remind everybody, if you are asked to leave and you're in an evacuation order area, your life is in danger. You need to leave.
I know, and it's been stated already, a lot of our residents are trying to get back and they're frustrated. I stopped by several checkpoints, both in Altadena and Malibu yesterday. I personally listened to residents, please, please let me back in.
So I'm just going to say this, in driving around some of these areas, they literally look like war zones. There are downed power poles, electric wires. There are still some smoldering fires. It is not safe.
The minute it is safe, we understand the inconvenience. And every conversation we're having about evacuations, that depopulation conversation is continuously coming up. We do care. We want to get you back into your homes, but we can't allow that until it is safe for you to do so.
In regards to arrest and criminal activity, we had several more arrests overnight, bringing our total to approximately. I'm going to say approximately because we're still trying to reconcile numbers, about 29. Twenty-five in the Eaton Fire Area and four in the Palisades area.
I'm going to guess that Chief McDonnell may talk about this, but when I was out there in the Malibu area, I saw a gentleman that looked like a firefighter. And I asked him if he was OK because he was sitting down. I didn't realize we had him in handcuffs. 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. So those are issues that our frontline deputies and police officers are dealing with. So, again, that's why we're asking for your patience.
Yesterday in Palisades, we had one arrest for curfew violation. Unfortunately, they resisted arrest.
In Eaton, we had six arrests last night, three for curfew violations and three for additional charges including carrying a concealed firearm and narcotics related charges.
Now, I just gave you stats about things our deputies are dealing within the street. I want to put out a caution to people. If you are thinking about scamming, using this incident to take advantage of residents that have already been victimized from a white collar perspective, I have been in close communication.
We had a press conference yesterday with Chief McDonnell and I, the state attorney general. We've been in constant communication with District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
I also received a call a day ago from Martin Estrada, the U.S. attorney here. They are all eager to prosecute anybody who is taking advantage of our residents during this very difficult time, whether it is a burglary or it is some kind of white collar crime and a scam or anything that you may be thinking about doing.
The next issue, which is a little more difficult to talk about, is yesterday we started a search and rescue operation out in the Eaton area, where in the first day of this operation, grid searching, we searched approximately 364 properties in the Altadena area.
[11:15:06]
And unfortunately, during that search, we did locate three deceased. As these searches continue, I unfortunately anticipate that those numbers will increase. We will start a similar operation in the northern side of the county here very soon.
So the numbers I have, and again, it's gonna change. Unfortunately, we have confirmed 14 deaths, and that is in our specific L.A. County jurisdiction. Eleven at the Eaton Fire, and three in our portion or our jurisdiction in the Palisades Fire.
L.A. cities, that's in addition to. So when you hear the coroner, our partners at the coroner reporting numbers, that's a little bit different.
Missing persons. I cannot emphasize because I'm getting text and calls. If you believe somebody is missing, please report it to your local law enforcement agency.
Right now with the sheriff's department, we have 16 missing person reports. We have 12 in Eaton and four in Palisades. If there's any good news, there's no juveniles that are missing within those numbers. But I know just coming here this morning, it sounds like we just got dozens and dozens more. I have to reconcile those numbers. We'll report them at a later time. But, yes.
And then as I conclude, I know I talk about arrest that is negative. Some of the things we're talking about are sad. But in this time of crisis, the calls for people wanting to help and donate are enormous. And that's who we are in the county of Los Angeles, the city of Los Angeles.
So I just want to throw this out. If you are interested in donating food, money, clothing, whatever that may be, the Emergency Network Los Angeles by visiting www.enla.org. And thank you for all of you who are amazing out there who want to help.
And then if you want updated information about evacuation orders, warnings or road closures, lacounty.gov/emergency.
And with that, I'm going to turn it over to the Los Angeles Police Chief, Jim McDonnell.
JIM MCDONNELL, LOS ANGELES POLICE CHIEF: Morning. Thank you, Sheriff.
In the wake of the devastating fires, I just want to acknowledge the incredible strength and resilience that our community has shown during these very challenging times. It's truly inspiring to see neighbors coming together to support one another.
And as your chief of police, I want to ensure you that the LAPD remains fully committed to your safety and wellbeing as we all move forward together.
LAPD currently has over 600 officers deployed to these areas with support from the Los Angeles Airport Police, Port Police, and the National Guard, who has 100 soldiers assigned to the Palisades incident, and we're very grateful for their support.
Excuse me. I want to just -- excuse me, touch on, during the evacuation at the early stages, thousands of people fled their homes without notice and without much of anything but the clothes on their back. Traumatic experience certainly for everybody involved.
We tried to be as compassionate as we could be by putting together escorts that provided limited access for people to get into the area very deliberately and be able to retrieve medication or pets in some cases.
What we found was that was successful for those who we were able to accommodate, but the numbers became overwhelming. There was frustration. There were long waits to be able to do it. And we still tried to facilitate it. Although we weren't able to do that for everyone.
Today, we need to suspend that practice effective immediately. We have search operations now beginning. We will have cadaver dog deployment and that will result in crime scene preservation efforts. And then the recovery of remains working closely with the L.A. County coroner.
Tomorrow, winds will be picking up as you heard further complicating our efforts and creating an additional fire danger. And so the atmosphere is very continuously changing. We have to adapt to the conditions that are presented to us. And in this case, this is a modification that some will have difficulty with. And I apologize for that.
We recognize the importance of protecting fire-affected areas, not just from the physical dangers left behind, but also from those who might exploit this tragedy.
To that end, our officers are conducting increased patrols in the areas impacted by the fires. Identifying the cause of these fires is critically important. In conjunction with our partner agencies and led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, we've created the Los Angeles Regional Wildfire Investigative Task Force, who's actively working to identify the cause of the Palisades Fire, and ultimately all of the fires that we have experienced.
[11:20:19]
LAPD is still enforcing a curfew in Los Angeles City areas where mandatory evacuations are still in place. Last night, we made an arrest for an individual who violated that curfew order. As Sheriff Luna referred to the night before, there were three individuals in a vehicle. They were stopped. They were where they weren't supposed to be. One had on fire jacket and a fire hat, and he was additionally arrested for impersonating a firefighter.
We have people who will go to all-ins to be able to do what it is they want to do to exploit the victims of this tragedy.
LAPD -- sorry, the order will remain in place tonight, curfew order, from 6:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.
And unless you're public safety personnel or some other disaster workers, you have no reason to be at these locations. And if you are in those areas, you will be subject to arrest.
Enforcing a curfew is an important tool to keep the burn areas and evacuated property secure. Keeping looters out. This effort also helps protect public safety personnel who are operating in darkness in very difficult conditions. And as you heard previously, the threat there from gas lines, from electricity, down power lines, and many other, not to mention the toxic environment that exists in that area due to the fire that burn plastics and different types of composite material, we all know what the long-term effects of exposure to that can be.
I won't go in here to the scams in the sheriff referred to that, but there are a lot of scams. I would ask that for those of you looking to donate to fire victims, do so with caution. Before contributing, take time to thoroughly research the charity or organization that you're considering. Reputable groups will have clear information about their mission and proven track records.
Websites like Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau are excellent resources to help verify their legitimacy.
It's also good practice to avoid cash donations whenever possible, opting instead for secure, traceable payment methods to ensure that your contributions reach those in need. And if you come upon fraudulent donation requests, please notify us so that we can investigate.
Together, we can prevent further harm and protect the generosity of our community.
In closing, I just want to reiterate that our department and all of us standing here before you and so many others are with you. We're here for you for the duration, not only to ensure your safety, but provide support and resources necessary to recover and ultimately rebuild.
I want to assure the community that we're working tirelessly every day to protect lives, property, and maintain public safety during this critical time. Thank you all for your resilience and cooperation during this very difficult time.
Now I'd like to introduce from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair, Kathryn Barger.
KATHRYN BARGER, CHAIRMAN, LOS ANGELES COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: Thank you, Chief. Good morning. Yesterday, I sent a letter to President-elect Trump inviting him to visit our county to see the devastation of these wildfires firsthand, to meet with our impacted residents and hear their stories, to thank our first responders, and most importantly, to see how the federal government can help our communities heal and rebuild.
In my years at the county, I have seen time and time again how essential of a partner the federal government is when responding to an emergency and helping our communities recover.
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 neighbors. It is in seeing this hope that I am confident that our communities will recover and rebuild.
I also met with representatives from the state yesterday and discussed what we will need to rebuild L.A.
Legislative leaders committed to working with the county to cut the red tape that will slow and limit residents rebuilding their homes.
I also want to share that California Governor Newsom announced a sweeping executive order this morning related to the rebuilding efforts.
Notably, he is suspending CEQA (ph) reviews and California coastal permitting for reconstruction of properties substantially damaged or destroyed in the fires devastating Los Angeles County.
[11:25:02]
I also appreciate the directive to state agencies to identify additional permitting requirements that can be safely suspended or streamlined to accelerate rebuilding and make it more affordable.
I want to thank the governor for hearing my request and taking swift action to ensure that our residents will not be burdened by unnecessary requirements as they begin the process of recovery and rebuilding.
We are also going to need full partnership from the county, city, state and federal governments. And I am committed to bringing everyone to the table for the betterment of our residents that right now are in tremendous need.
Every day since these fires began, I have gone out to the impacted communities to hear directly from our neighbors and see the devastation for myself. I'm also meeting with multiple times a day with our incident command. The focus, sacrifice and determination of our firefighters and our first responders is unmatched.
And I have no doubt that they are doing all they can to protect our communities and that they are going to get these fires out. There have been so many questions about availability of resources for impacted residents, specifically the resources available through FEMA.
Yesterday, the county announced they will be hosting FEMA staff at seven and now eight libraries for residents to get direct assistance for disaster relief.
For fire victims in the San Gabriel and Crescenta Valley areas, libraries include La Crescenta, La Canaada Flintridge, Live Oak, Temple City, San Gabriel, and Alhambra.
For fire victims in the West L.A. or in the San Fernando Valley, libraries include West Hollywood and San Fernando. They will be open from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. today and tomorrow.
And following this, the local assistance centers that will be co- located with FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will be opening soon.
Additional information will be announced in the coming days. While fighting the fires remains our top priority, we are rapidly deploying resources to ensure that the displaced residents have access to the resources they need in the short and the long-term.
My commitment to these that are impacted is simple. I'm going to see this through with you. We will not let up using every resource to fight existing fires.
Displaced residents will be served to the highest level as we address your housing, welfare, healthcare, and economics needs.
I met a couple yesterday who lost their home and the business burned down and he lost his job. And they have no insurance. People are suffering.
And when we rebuild, I can assure you that the county will lead the restoration of neighborhoods that are safe, prosperous, and reflect the beautiful and loving community that has always stood there.
With that, I'd like to introduce the City of Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass.
KAREN BASS, MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES: Good morning, everyone. And thank you, Supervisor. And let me assure you that you will have a full partner in the city of Los Angeles.
Yesterday, I was at the Hurst command post in Sylmar, and it was an example of our heroic first responders.
The department, the deputy chief, Jaime Moore, is an example of one of those heroic first responders. I received an in-depth briefing about the fires, the successes and the upcoming threats.
Also met with many volunteers. It was very inspirational to be there and to see groups of people coming up in the entire time I was there, delivering all sorts of supplies for the first responders.
It was an example to me of the spirit of our city and how we need to continue to act in a unified manner. Those people that are affected by the fires, we give all of our possible support to. And those people who are not affected by the fires, but who are willing to come out and volunteer and help.
We will be prepared. We will get through this, but it takes the unity and the spirit that I saw yesterday to make sure that Los Angeles comes out of this a much better city.
As we fight these fires, my office is already working to make sure that we can rebuild as fast as we can by cutting through the bureaucracy that holds us back even in normal times.
[11:30:05]
I want to join the Supervisor in thanking the governor for his action this morning. That will go a long way to making Los Angeles stronger than ever and the generosity we are seeing proves that we will. More than 13,000 people have donated over $6 million to the California Community Foundation's Wildlife Recovery Fund.
Please join them in supporting the most vulnerable people affected by the fire at calfund.org.
Also support the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation at supportLAFD.org.
Let me thank every Los Angeles firefighter and the thousands of firefighters from across the state, the nation, and even the world. People are coming from everywhere to help us and make sure that we are ready for the days ahead. So to them, I want to say thank you.
For Angelenos impacted by the firestorm and for Angelenos looking to help, the city has created an online hub at LACity.gov to create a single place for people to go for assistance or to find ways to help our community. This includes evacuation zones, FEMA support, resources for small businesses, and more.
In the upcoming days you will see as we continue to fight the fires, prepare for what is to come this week, but we will also prepare for our recovery.
Thank you.
LINDSEY HORVATH, LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUPERVISOR: Good morning, I want to start by extending my sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims who have been identified and who continue to be identified through the heroic work of our first responders.
For updates in the third district, power is back on in Topanga and significant progress has been made in standing down the fires. I want to thank everyone who's on the front lines in Topanga. I was personally there. I know we're working on the generator issue at the library and I thank everyone who is staying strong in Topanga to protect that special area.
Grateful again last night for the firefighters who also work to protect the Mandeville Canyon area. The Chief and I were on site last night and witnessed firsthand the heroic efforts that are happening there and I know will continue to happen throughout the day to protect the region.
SoCalGas is starting to restore connections in Malibu today as well, shifting gears to our public health issues. L.A. County is currently under a local health emergency. This is also declared by Secretary Becerra. Our smoke advisory has been issued that will be likely extended through next week. Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena, downtown Los Angeles and areas nearby the fires currently have unhealthy air quality.
Everyone in areas with visible smoke or the smell of smoke should limit outdoor activities. If you must go outside, we strongly recommend wearing an N95 or 9100 mask to remove smaller particles from the air.
At home, close your windows and your doors. Run air conditioning or air purifiers and check your filters regularly. In your car, close your windows or your vents. Turn air conditioning on to recirculate. Do not use leaf blowers or other actions that will push ash into the air. I know we're working to clear areas. We're not using these blowers.
There is currently a do not drink notice for Pacific Palisades and adjacent communities north of San Vicente Boulevard under evacuation notice. LADWP is distributing bottled water at the Westwood Recreation Center and adjacent to the Brentwood Country Club. Please continue to follow all drinking water advisories.
L.A. County Department of Public Health is also currently providing N95 masks at all evacuation shelters and to community-based organizations. Due to ocean contamination, please avoid the beaches at the following locations. Malibu Point at Surfrider Beach near Malibu Tower 3, 100 yards up and down the coast from Lifeguard Tower 3.
Solstice Canyon at Dan Blocker County Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the Creek. Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. Additional county resources, as you heard, FEMA staff are available to provide assistance at eight county libraries today.
[11:35:09]
We also are providing additional mental health support and you're able to call 800-854-7771. For more information, continue to check emergency.lacounty.gov for the latest updates and resources.
I want to echo my thanks to the governor for his swift action as well as to the President and Vice President of the United States who personally reached out to extend their support.
I want to conclude with my deepest gratitude to all of our first responders who are fighting tirelessly to keep us safe. I know we're trying to help get you a break before the red flag event begins, but I know deep down you will not let us down and you're going to persevere and we will have your back.
Thank you.
HELEN CHAVEZ, BOARD CHAIR KATHRYN BARGER COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Good morning, Helen Chavez, Communications Director for Board Chair Kathryn Barger. Chair Barger recognizes and thanks the following elected representatives for joining us this morning and for their ongoing support during this emergency. Assemblymember Jessica Caloza and Senator Maria Elena Durazo.
We will now transition to the question-and-answer portion of our press conference. When you are called upon, please announce your name and the media outlet that you are with. You can raise your hands if you want to be called on. Anybody have a question?
(OFF MIC)
BIANCA BELTRAN, NBCLA CORRESPONDENT: Thank you. OK, I'm Bianca Beltran with NBCLA. You spoke about the arrests that were made overnight in recent days. Can you speak to the biggest challenges when it comes to access in these fire areas and do you find that these individuals are from the area or coming from further away?
Thank you.
ROBERT LUNA, LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF: In regards to the challenges in our areas for the LA County Sheriff's Jurisdiction, the individuals that we're contacting do not live in the areas where we're arresting them. We're finding out they have zero business being in these areas. So I do want to reiterate to our communities, if you do not belong in these affected areas, do not go there.
You are subject to arrest. I listed some of the charges. We are contacting people and we are finding a variety of things, including people with firearms, with narcotics. Don't go there. Hopefully that answers your question.
CHAVEZ: Any other questions? We're going to go over here in the plaid shirt. Microphone.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, thank you. OK, how troubled are you that there's a lack of communication between the City of Los Angeles and the incoming Trump administration?
BASS: There isn't a lack of communication between the City of Los Angeles and the incoming Trump administration. I have spoken with representatives of the incoming administration. I'll be talking more about that in the coming days.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mayor Bass, where do conversations stand about long-term housing for the displaced?
BASS: Well, you will hear more from us this week in terms of moving into the recovery phase. There's a lot of things that we need to do, but one of the things that we're looking at, and you know something I've been working on for a long time in terms of expediting the process, but given this emergency, looking back at efforts that had taken place in the past and how we move full stream ahead, and this is where I was saying that we're going to be lockstep with the county because we need to cut through the red tape. That has always been a problem, but now it's over. We absolutely have to get past this and get the rebuilding going as fast as possible.
CHAVEZ: Thank you, Mayor Bass. Any other questions? We're going to go right here in the middle. Name and media outlet?
KIRSTEN MITCHELL, KCAL NEWS REPORTER: Hi, this is Kirsten with KCAL News. On the missing people, I understand there was the Family Assistance Center that was opened in Pasadena. Is that still open, and I mean how many are you are you talking about that are still unaccounted for?
LUNA: So in regards to missing persons, I reported 16 earlier today. I want to make sure that anybody who believes their family members are missing, that they do contact us, at least at the -- the Sheriff's Department in our county areas, and then we do have the Family Assistance Center, so they can go there to report them or ask any questions that they may have. [11:40:17]
But it is critical that we are aware of these situations, and when I talk about reconciling numbers, hour by the hour, the numbers increase. Sometimes they decrease because people are being found, so I expect or anticipate that the number of missing persons will absolutely go up, but if there's a doubt in anybody's mind, please, that's what we're here for, please contact us right away, and we'll guide you through the process so it's easier for you, because very difficult circumstances that we're all under right now.
CHAVEZ: We're going to go in the middle, in the magenta shirt.
BETH SLAPAZ (ph), KNBC NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Beth Slapaz (ph), KNBC News. NBC News is at Brentwood, where yesterday and today there's been massive lines of people waiting to get into the evacuated area to get things from their homes, medicines, et cetera. We're being told by folks here that they heard the city was allowing people up to their homes if they came to this location, but then they're not being allowed.
Some say they're being told by LAPD three cars can go up with an escort every 15 to 20 minutes, but it's not happening. A LAPD officer is telling some resident, in quote, it's all up to the fire department. What's the plan for all these people? Will they be taking people to homes today, and what's the plan for these residents?
JIM MCDONNELL, LOS ANGELES POLICE CHIEF: Yeah, thank you. I addressed that in my comments earlier. We had tried to facilitate as best we could, people going in for a very short time, escorted, the situation controlled to get medication, and in some case small pets.
In the early days in particular, that got unwieldy. Many people came out. They wanted to see understandably their property and the condition of their property. Today, effective today, we've stopped that practice, and as we move forward, we'll reassess down the road. But as I mentioned, we're bringing in search, beginning search operations, bringing in cadaver dogs, and beginning the recovery of remains process.
So in addition to the threats that are posed by downed power lines, gas lines open, we've made the determination that we're no longer able to accommodate that. The winds are coming back tomorrow, presenting additional issues for us to deal with. Thank you.
KATHRYN BARGER, CHAIR, LOS ANGELES COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: Can I add on to the medication, and I know for Pasadena, and I'm sure it's -- it's out in the evacuation locations, Kaiser and the county have personnel doctors on site for those that need to get their medication, recognizing that people didn't bring it with them. So if they can't get in, I would really encourage them to go to one of the evacuation centers, because it's important for them to know that we in fact do have people writing script, and we're going to put that up on our LA County website, so that people know where they can go to access prescriptions for medication.
CHAVEZ: Any other questions? Okay.
TOM HANSON, NATIONAL INVESTIGATIVE CORRESPONDENT: And I apologize, Tom Hanson with CBS News. What, if any, concern is there about animosity from the incoming Trump administration toward California and its efforts to fight this fire? And that's, Mayor Bass, that's directly to you.
BASS: Actually, I'm not worried about that. I mean, I joined in the invitation to the incoming president to come to Los Angeles. I joined with the supervisor and the governor, spoke directly with the incoming administration yesterday. It was a fine call, so I'm not concerned about that.
There also, as I mentioned before a number of my former colleagues who are up for confirmation. And I feel like I will have good relations there.
HANSON: Is the incoming president expected to come here?
BASS: I believe so. I mean, I certainly, it was a positive response yesterday.
BARGER: Yeah, you know, I will say, knowing what I know, and I represent Altadena, which is probably the most diverse community that in the 5th District, this is the exact constituency that he was talking to. You've got socioeconomics from all walks of life, and they are suffering. So I am confident that this president will come.
BASS: Well, my conversation also yesterday was throwing around possible points of time, timing.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (OFF MIC).
BASS: No.
HANSON: Okay, and then, sorry, just one more question. So, we are expecting severe gusts of wind in the coming days. Is the city prepared regarding fire hydrants and water pressure?
[11:45:17]
BASS: I believe the city is prepared. I'm going to receive reports in a couple of hours from a couple of the other city departments, and Chief, if you want to expand on that. Thank you.
CHAVEZ: Thank you. We had a, oh, I'm sorry, Chief. Any other comments?
Okay, thank you, and go ahead. Over here.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Could you clarify the total death count related to the wildfires, and if I could also -- clarification or guidance from the health departments regarding the air quality for residents? Thank you.
LUNA: I can confer for the Los Angeles County jurisdictional areas that we are at 14 deaths. That's 11 in the Eaton area and 3 in the Palisades, I'm sorry, Palisades area, but that's just for Los Angeles County. Los Angeles would have different numbers, and the City of Pasadena may have different numbers as well. I would say that the best source for that is the LA County Coroner's Office, because they encompass the entire County of Los Angeles, including the jurisdictions I just mentioned.
ANISH MAHAJAN, L.A. COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH CHIEF DEPUTY DIRECTOR: Anish Mahajan, Chief Deputy Director of L.A. County Public Health. The air quality is improving as we have seen the smoke lessen with the better containment of the fires. At this time, the South Coast Air Quality Management Division is indicating a smoke advisory specifically in those areas close to the fires, in the northwest component of the county.
County residents should continue to monitor the air quality index, the AQI levels wherever they are, but we are seeing improved AQI numbers, and so we encourage residents who are closest to the fire, who are smelling smoke or seeing it, who have the AQI levels in the unhealthy zones, to be using masks when they're outside.
CHAVEZ: Any other questions? All right, thank you so much. Oh we have -- I'm sorry, I'm blocked. Go ahead.
SIMON BOWIE (ph), CBS NETWORK NEWS REPORTER: Simon Bowie (ph), CBS Network News. Just clarity on the discussions with the incoming administration about a visit or communication regarding this disaster. Just to be clear, has Mayor Bass, have you or you, Supervisor Barger, or has anyone in the governor's office actually had a conversation with the President-elect since this disaster has happened? He's been on social media making lots of comments.
BASS: I have not had a conversation directly with the incoming president.
BOWIE (ph): So it's only been with this administration, not with him. And Supervisor, same thing, same question to you?
BARGER: No, I sent my letter yesterday. I'll be following up today. We have been in discussions, similar to what Mayor Bass said, with high- ranking people within the incoming administration. Obviously, you know, it's a work in progress, but there is no question in my mind that we will be touching base with him.
BOWIE (ph): The sitting president was here earlier this week. Is it not disturbing that nearly a week after what could ultimately be the worst disaster in the state's history, that no one in leadership at the county, local, and seemingly the governor's level has had a conversation with the incoming president?
BARGER: I, well, given the fact that the administration is being put together, I don't -- I don't necessarily agree with you on that.
BOWIE (ph): OK. I have another question, another question about the -- the forecast for next week. The forecast going Monday night into Tuesday is calling for winds up to 75 miles or higher. Looking at preemption, are the hydrants, we -- are the hydrants working again in the Palisades, specifically, question one.
Question two, are water trucks going to be displaced throughout the county and the city preemptively? And also, has there been any conversation, or maybe they're already happening, preemptive Phos-Chek drops on areas where homes are right next to very wooded areas, or like, you know, we had Mandeville Canyon the other day, while we have cooperative wind conditions. So that's stuff being done. We're just curious.
ANTHONY MARRONE, LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CHIEF: Yeah, good morning. I could address the water truck or water tender situation here in L.A. County. I haven't explained before that on Wednesday, Cal Fire, after coordination with L.A. County Fire Department, did request 70 water tenders to come into the area for our multiple fires. They have arrived. We have lots of incident water tenders available to us. All of the reports that I've received is that the LA County water system is ready, and it will be prepared to assist us in fighting a wildland fire.
[11:50:00]
Your concerns with the Phos-Chek drops, Cal Fire and our federal partners who drop fire retardant only use products that are qualified and on a list. So we're not dropping any products here in L.A. County that aren't approved. I believe that the use of retardant is safe and it's effective. I know that there's been some social media postings that it is not.
I consider that the sinister side of social media, where they're trying to divide us, and we've seen that already. But everything we're doing is approved, it's appropriate, it's efficient, and it's effective. But we are prepared for the upcoming wind event.
CHAVEZ: Chief Crowley, any comment from you?
KRISTIN CROWLEY, LOS ANGELES FIRE CHIEF: Yes, so also just to add off of that, I wanted to make sure that everybody understands as these additional resources are flooding into our region, the helpful part of that is it's freeing up our other local resources. So as we can continue to move forward and pre-deploy fire, air, ground, the more resources that are flooding in to help us with our current fires, the better we are prepared to pre-deploy knowing that this wind event is coming. I just wanted to add that on top of what Chief Marrone said.
CHAVEZ: Thank you, Chief. And we're actually -- we're at the end of our press conference. I'm happy to help support one-on-one interviews. So please come forward if you still have questions. We will connect you with the appropriate spokesperson.
Thank you.
RAJU: All right, you've been watching L.A. County and city officials detail for about 50 minutes the county and the city's response to these devastating wildfires. Just some of the headlines out of this. In the LA County area alone, 14 deaths is a death toll and a rising. That's according to the L.A. County Sheriff. There are 16 missing persons. That number, the LA County Sheriff Robert Luna expects to increase as well.
He also described what they called the devastation, the destruction of these wildfires, calling it war zones and equating it to war zones. But all these officials talking about all the efforts to contain these blazes. They said that there's been some good news. The Hurst fire, for one, they said about 89% of that has been contained. But there's other challenges ahead, namely the Palisades Fire. Just 11% contained of the Palisades fire.
Twenty-seven percent of the Eaton fire is contained. This is 105,000 people remain under evacuation orders in LA. Now the LA officials, county and city officials, also talked about their communications with the Trump team. They have not spoken directly with the incoming President Donald Trump, who takes office in eight days, but they have spoken to his team, the LA City Mayor Karen Bass, saying that she believes that Trump will visit the area, as does the LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Catherine Barger, urging him, Trump to visit the area, calling for a robust federal response as they try to contain this fire and deal with the fallout from all the rebuilding that will have to come.
Julia Vargas Jones is still live with us, standing by from LA. So Julia, they said that the fire threat remains quote "very high." What stood out to you from that press conference?
JULIA VARGAS JONES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Manu, the first thing that stood out to me is the fact that because of that threat being so high, that they will be suspending the operations of escorting people into their homes.
Look, we've talked about this for almost two days now, that there have been lines at the beginning of these police like cordoned off areas in the Palisades fire that people have been lining up waiting for police or fire chiefs and fire departments to take them into their homes to pick up medicine, to look for their pets, to see what the state of their home is. And today we heard from -- from authorities there that these operations will be suspended.
They said that shortly, that actually this was from the police chief, Jim McDonnell, saying that look, he understands that some people will have difficulty with this modification, but that the demand is just too great and that they don't have the manpower to continue to do this.
Today, I heard from someone who had arrived at a line at about 5 30 a.m. And the line was already half a mile long. Look, it makes sense that these operations have been suspended. He said that also the winds are another factor in this. So as the fire danger gets a little bit higher, they need to just make sure that they're allocating resources to where they needed the most, that they will start bringing in also cadaver dogs to look for possible for possible people that have died in these fires. We know that the death toll at 14 now, Manu, it's likely still to go up.
[11:55:03] So again, they're preparing for the next phase of this fire feels almost like we've hit this, this lull in the recovery and they're just gearing up and making sure that all of those issues that they had in the response don't happen again. If there is another flare up with these Santa Ana winds returning in the coming hours.
Another thing I wanted to point out is that they also said that there's some restoration of service that might start in Malibu. SoCalGas that will start working in restoration of service in the Malibu area. That's -- that's actually quite noteworthy to me on it because we saw so many open gas lines that were still on fire there just in the past couple of days.
And that of course has the potential to create more embers that will travel around these areas. Now with the winds shifting, we're not sure where it's going to go. There is some prediction that the wind will go back that will push the fire back into itself. But at this time we just don't know and they need to be ready for it.
RAJU: Scary days ahead after an absolutely devastating several days.
Julia Vargas Jones, thank you so much for that report. And thank you so much for watching. State of the Union is next after a quick break.
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