LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Many locals with ties to California are anxiously monitoring the Los Angeles area wildfires that left five dead and 100,000 under evacuation orders. Here is everything Channel 13 knows about the fires.
- Palisades Fire (Pacific Palisades)
- Eaton Fire (Pasadena)
- Hurst Fire (San Fernando)
- Sunset Fire (Hollywood Hills)
- Lidia Fire (Soledad Canyon/Acton)
- Studio City
The wildfires started ripping with force around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. It began with the Pacific Palisades, eventually extending to several major blazes that are burning in the metropolitan area from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena, destroying more than 1,000 structures and killing at least five people.
Local officials said at least 100,000 residents were under evacuation orders and nearly 30,000 structures are under threat. Officials estimate that there is more than 25,000 acres of burning in the wildfires.
Take a look at the aerial views showing the smoke:
Right before 6 p.m. on Wednesday Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley announced that a new blaze had broken out in the Hollywood Hills near Runyon Canyon. On Wednesday evening, officials reported a new blaze in Studio City.
Power Outages
With these fires come power outages. According to PowerOutage.us, an estimate of 1.5 million customers are out of power in Southern California. Power companies often shut off power as a public safety measure when extreme winds, like the ones pummeling Southern California, are forecasted.
Channel 13's Joe Moeller spoke to a previous Las Vegas local who now lives in Beverly Hills. Michael Airington said no one has ever seen anything quite like this— it is like a ‘fire hurricane.’
Channel 13's Abel Garcia spoke to two evacuees who said they'd also never experienced anything like this before.
Channel 13's Tricia Kean spoke with a 30-year former Los Angeles County fire captain who explained how these erratic fires are creating their own weather patterns.
Governor Lombardo said Nevada is deploying assets to Southern California to help combat the wildfires across Los Angeles County.
A total of 110 to 125 staff members will be all hands on deck:
- Lake Tahoe Regional Fire Chiefs Association— two strike teams and one task force with a total of 75 members
- Southern Counties and Local Governments— one strike team with 25 members
- Nevada Division of Forestry and Local Governments— one strike team with 25 members
The Clark County's Office of Emergency Management received a request on Wednesday from the state of California for support battling the fires.
Going to help our friends in So. #California. #ClarkCounty's Office of Emergency Mgmt. has received a request for support to fight the #CaliforniaWildfires.@ClarkCountyFD is now organizing a strike team of personnel from Las #Vegas Valley fire departments to send to the area. pic.twitter.com/IhEdKro9J9
— Clark County Nevada (@ClarkCountyNV) January 8, 2025
Multiple agencies are organizing teams of firefighters to send to California. Officials said the first crews departed Wednesday afternoon, consisting of engines and personnel from the Clark County Fire Department, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and the Henderson Fire Department.
An additional strike team from Southern Nevada is being deployed to the fires on Thursday morning, consisting of more engines and personnel from the CCFD, LVFR and Pahrump Valley Fire & Rescue.
Watch as the crew packed their essentials and hit the road:
Relocating families to Nevada
Governor Lombardo has encouraged California families relocating to Nevada to utilize all available state resources.
“The State of Nevada has a number of resources available for families relocating to Nevada, and I encourage anyone in need to reach out and secure assistance during this difficult time.”
Here is the full list of resources for Californians:
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Nevada Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
- Nevada Department of Agriculture
- Nevada Department of Veterans Services
- Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Nevada Department of Education
- Nevada Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation
Local comment on the fires
Governor Lombardo:
Nevada firefighting assets will deploy to Southern California today to assist our neighbors in combatting one of the worst fires in recent history. I’m grateful for the bravery of our firefighters and for the swift response from our state and local partners. Please join me in praying for the safety of our first responders and for immediate relief for the families and communities displaced by these wildfires.
Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley:
Our hearts are with our California neighbors during this devastating time as we watch the terrifying images of the wildfires. We stand ready to assist, and @LasVegasFD is sending resources to help. We want to remind residents that there is much we can do to be ready for emergencies in our own community.
Senator Jacky Rosen:
The images we’re seeing out of Southern California are heartbreaking, & my thoughts are with all those affected. Nevada stands ready to assist. I’m grateful to all the NV & @ClarkCountyFD firefighters who have stepped up to help our neighbors in their time of need.
Congresswoman Susie Lee:
Keeping our brave local firefighters in my thoughts today as they’re deployed to help our neighbors to the West in a time of need. Thousands of families are relying on them. Stay safe out there, and thank you for your service @ClarkCountyFD.
The Las Vegas Raiders:
The thoughts of the Raider Nation are with everyone impacted by the wildfires in Southern California. The bravery of firefighters and fire responders who are battling on the frontlines to safeguard lives, homes and communities exemplify true heroism.
Many viewers have asked if we will see the smoke from the LA fires make their way to Las Vegas.
Channel 13's Linh Truong breaks down the wind directions and how they can play a factor in the valley's air quality.
Will the wildfire smoke from the massive fires burning in Southern California move into the Las Vegas area? The answer is no.
The winds are out of the northeast and will continue to remain from the northeast and that will keep the smoke away from us.
Statistics by the Wildfire Alliance show that the Pacific Palisades fires are the most destructive in Los Angeles history.
Channel 13 , Scripps News and the Scripps Howard Fund are teaming up to provide relief for the Southern California wildfires where it’s needed most.
- It’s easy to make a difference. Just text SCRIPPS to 50155 or go to the website below.
- Every dollar you give goes directly to those impacted by these devastating fires. Together, we can help rebuild lives.
To assist those in need, GoFundMe created a centralized hub for all verified pages related to these wildfires in Southern California:
- Donate to a verified fundraiser here:
- Spread awareness by sharing verified fundraisers and the centralized hub link across social media channels.
- Donate to the GoFundMe.org 2025 Wildfire Relief Fund here:
- Start a certified charity fundraiser for a verified organization providing critical support to those affected here.
Funds raised will go directly to people impacted who are seeking help through GoFundMe fundraisers and to nonprofit organizations providing relief on the ground.
President Joe Biden spoke to California officials to learn the latest details surrounding the Los Angeles fires.