Live updates: California fires near Los Angeles | CNN

Wildfire burns in Los Angeles

Meg Wagner

Paul P. Murphy

Veronica Rocha

By Meg Wagner, Paul P. Murphy, Mike Hayes and Veronica Rocha, CNN

Updated 8:24 PM EDT, Mon October 28, 2019

LA home fire burns

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California fires force thousands to evacuate across the state

1:54 • Source: CNN

LA home fire burns

California fires force thousands to evacuate across the state

1:54

What to know about the California wildfires

New wildfire: The Getty Fire broke out this morning in Los Angeles’ Sherman Oaks neighborhood. The area is known for its celebrities and high-value homes. NBA star LeBron James was among the many residents who evacuated.
University evacuated: Students at Mount Saint Mary’s University, a private all-women’s Catholic school near UCLA, were among those evacuated.
Northern California is still burning: The Kincade Fire, which has scorched more than 66,000 acres and destroyed nearly 100 structures, has forced nearly 200,000 people out of their homes. A power shut-off has left about a million people in the dark across Northern California.
Our live coverage has ended, but you can scroll through the posts to read more.

27 Posts

She grabbed her clothes, medication and important papers before evacuating

From Dawn Tamir

Brentwood resident Leslie Tuchman, 75, grabbed her clothing, important papers and medication before evacuating her condo because of the Getty Fire.

“I just didn’t know how fast and in what direction the fire could go. The brush was on fire on the 405 and I live five minutes from there,” Tuchman said.

She said she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to get her car out of the garage if the power went out.

“A friend called me about 6 and I turned in the TV. And I couldn’t tell what part of Brentwood it was going to go to. I live in a condo and the power goes out when it rains. So I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to get the car out of the garage if the power went out,” Tuchman said.

Tuchman is now staying at the Westwood Recreation Center because she said feels “safe being around other people.”

Credit: Dawn Tamir

Uber offers free rides for people affected by the wildfires

From CNN's Sarah Moon

Uber is offering free rides for people affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles and Sonoma counties, the company said in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with the people impacted by the wildfires in LA and Sonoma Counties,” the ride-sharing company said. “To help those affected, we’re offering two free rides (up to $20 each) to and/or from the evacuation centers in the areas.”

Here’s a list of the evacuation centers:

Sonoma County

Napa Valley College
CrossWalk Community Church Napa
Alameda County Fairgrounds

Los Angeles County

Westwood Recreation Center
Van Nuys / Sherman Oaks Recreation Center
Stoner Recreation Center
Cheviot Hills Recreation Center

California launches investigation into power shutoffs

From CNN's Cheri Mossburg

California’s Public Utilities Commission is launching a formal investigation into the Public Safety Power Shutoffs by utility companies.

In an effort to ensure that the widespread Public Safety Power Shutoffs are not repeated, the CPUC is calling for immediate changes, according to their statement.

The CPUC also wants to ensure that customers are not charged for services while their power is off.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said utilities companies could be fined $100,000 per day, per incident if the PSPS protocols are breached. In a news conference earlier today, Newsom said the CPUC will be aggressive in enforcing those protocols.

Firefighters take a break from battling massive wildfire in Sonoma County

From CNN's Amanda Jackson

Petaluma Fire Department posted this photo below showing firefighters taking a much-needed rest at a vineyard in Geyserville, California.

“When you’re awake for nearly 36 hours and get a break from the fireline, you get rest when you can, where you can. Thanks Robert Young Estate Winery for letting us bed down on the lawn,” the fire department said in a Facebook post.

Robert Young Estate Winery also posted photos of the firefighters and thanked them for their services.

Sen. Kamala Harris says her California home was evacuated during the wildfires

Mark Makela/Getty Images

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris told reporters her home in California was evacuated during the wildfires.

“We’re evacuated,” she told reporters during a gaggle in Philadelphia.

The California senator then vowed to provide support from a federal level to her home state.

Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the Getty Fire

From CNN's Cheri Mossburg

An active arson investigation is underway into the cause of the Getty Fire, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced in a news conference.

He was quick to point out that they are not saying that someone intentionally set the fire, but are trying to determine the cause of the fire. It remains an active investigation.

The Getty Fire has burned 618 acres and destroyed eight homes. Five other homes have been damaged, according to Garcetti. He said the fire growth is slowing and onshore winds are helping to improve weather conditions.

The southbound lanes of the 405 freeway remain closed through the Sepulveda Pass and will remain so for two to three more hours, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Doug Young.

Watch for more details on the fire:

Utility companies warn of more power shutoffs tomorrow

From CNN's Cheri Mossburg

Pacific Gas and Electric and Southern California Edison are putting customers on standby, warning of yet more Public Safety Power Shutoffs due to increased wildfire risk.

PG&E estimates that 520,000 to 640,000 customers in 35 counties could see power cuts.

More than 15,000 Southern California Edison customers are currently without power. Another 350,000 customers could face shutoffs.

High winds are in the forecast again: The winds expected to hit the state Tuesday into Wednesday. This wind event is not expected to be as severe as this past weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds triggered a “red flag warning” due to the high fire danger.

President Trump is monitoring the wildfires, White House says

From CNN's Allie Malloy

President Trump is monitoring the wildfires in California, and federal resources are available, the White House said in a statement.

“We continue to work with the Governor and his staff to determine if additional support is necessary,” the statement read.

Here’s the full statement:

There are 16 active fires that have burned over 94,000 acres across California this fall.

Firefighters battle new blaze near Calabasas, California

Los Angeles County firefighters are now fighting a 10-acre blaze near Calabasas, California.

Officials are calling the blaze the Oak Fire, which is threatening structures.

UCLA cancels classes because of the Getty Fire

From CNN's Stella Chan

The University of California, Los Angeles announced on Twitter the school is cancelling classes today.

“While #GettyFire poses no immediate threat to campus, members of our campus community live in evacuation areas or may be impacted by closures. Employees should report to work if they can arrive safely,” the university said.

Here’s the full statement:

Arnold Schwarzenegger says he evacuated from the Getty Fire

Actor and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he evacuated earlier this morning due to the Getty Fire.

In a tweet, he urged those affected by the blaze to follow evacuation orders.

About the fire: The California Highway Patrol closed the southbound 405 freeway from the 101 freeway to Sunset Boulevard due to the blaze, which has scorched 500 acres. The northbound lanes are open.

The fire prompted mandatory evacuations and school closures in the Los Angeles area.

There are 16 active fires raging across California

From CNN's Meteorologist Monica Garrett

There are 16 active fires that have burned over 94,000 acres across California this fall.

Here’s a look at some of the most notable active California wildfires:

Getty: 500 acres burned
Burris: 350 acres burned, 20% contained
Sky: 150 acres burned, 90% contained
Sawday: 97 acres burned, 98% contained
Tick: 4,615 acres burned, 70% contained
Old Water: 145 acres burned, 45% contained
Kincade: 66,231 acres burned, 5% contained
Caples: 3,434 acres burned, 87% contained
Saddle Ridge: 8,799 acres, 97% contained
Taboose: 10,296 acres burned, 75% contained

Planes are scooping up water from the Pacific Ocean to drop on the Getty Fire

Tanker planes have joined the battle in fighting the Getty Fire. Matt A. Barreto took photos of two planes landing on the Pacific Ocean.

Planes will suck up water, filling their reservoirs, to air drop onto the flames below.

Los Angeles official to mandatory evacuees: "Get the hell out"

From CNN's Stella Chan

Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz has a strong warning for residents in mandatory evacuation zones: “Get the hell out.”

“If you’re in the mandatory evacuation zone and you’re still there watching this, you’re an idiot, get the hell out,” Koretz said in a news conference this morning.

He and other city officials urged residents to heed evacuation warnings.

The sun is up in Los Angeles. Here's what the Getty Fire looks like right now.

The sun is rising on the Getty Fire in Los Angeles. It started in the early morning hours but is still roaring.

Here’s a look at the scene:

Traffic on the 405 freeway is backed in some sports, and parts of the freeway are reportedly closed. Watch more:

Winds will continue to spread the California wildfires

Wildfires are raging across California. CNN meteorologist Chad Myers has the latest on what weather conditions you can expect across the state.

Watch more:

Meanwhile, the Northern California wildfire is still raging

As the Getty Fire burns near Los Angeles, the Kincade fire is still tearing through Sonoma County in Northern California. CALFIRE says 66,231 acres have been burnt — and only 5 percent of the blaze has been contained.

Almost 80,000 structures are being threatened. At least 96 buildings have been destroyed and 16 are damaged.

The weather won’t help firefighters much as the area is still under a red flag warning.

“40-50 mph wind gusts are still a possibility throughout the evening while narrow roads and steep terrain are making access to the fire areas very difficult,” CALFIRE said in a news release. “These Northeast winds coupled with low humidity create critical fire weather conditions.”

Santa Monica and Malibu schools are closed today

All Santa Monica and Malibu schools are closed today because of the Getty Fire.

Here’s the school district’s announcement:

These parts of Los Angeles are under an evacuation warning

Los Angeles Fire Department has posted an evacuation warning for areas that are threatened by the Getty Fire.

Areas under evacuation warning:

Mulholland to the north
Topanga Canyon to the west
Sunset to the south
Sullivan Fire Road to the east

What this means: People under evacuation warnings should be prepared to leave their homes and the area entirely.

“Gather your family, pets, basic needs and important paperwork and listen for instructions from emergency responders,” LAFD said in their emergency preparedness booklet. “If you have special medical needs or have limited mobility, you should prepare to leave the area when an Evacuation Warning is issued, Those with the horses or large animals should also begin to evacuate.”

Current evacuation warnings (yellow) and mandatory evacuations (red):

This is what the Getty Fire looks like from the freeway

Ren Spriggs, who lives in Los Angeles’ Lake Balboa district, was heading home when the Getty Fire started burning.

“The fire was extremely wide and spread out, and what looked like extremely difficult terrain for firefighters and aid to climb up to put out the flames,” Spriggs told CNN.

Spriggs shot these videos of the scene:

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