SpaceX to provide free Starlink terminals to LA
Elon Musk said on Thursday that his company SpaceX will provide free Starlink terminals to affected areas in Los Angeles in the morning.
California Governor Newsom says more than 7,500 firefighters battling fires
More than 7,500 firefighting personnel are on the ground working with local and federal partners to respond to California’s ongoing historic wildfires.
Southern California residents — please remain vigilant tonight. Listen to local officials and be ready to evacuate if you’re…
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 9, 2025
Biden approves California governor’s request for federal assistance
Biden also canceled an upcoming trip to Italy, the White House said, adding that he wanted to focus on directing the full federal response to the fires.
I’ve approved Governor Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration and ordered Federal assistance to supplement response efforts in areas affected by wildfires, ensuring impacted communities and survivors have immediate access to funds and resources to begin their recovery.
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 9, 2025
In case you just joined our Live
With a fresh brush fire breaking out in the Hollywood Hills, multiple wildfires have raged uncontrollably around Los Angeles area, killing at least five people. The Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires are still burning in Southern California, forcing more than 100,000 people to evacuate.
The number of California homes and businesses without electricity ballooned to more than 400,000 on Wednesday.
The out-of-control fires are leaving firefighters and water supply overwhelmed.
“This is an absolutely unprecedented event. We have another fire that just broke out. Any fire department, even our size is stressed thin,” said LA Fire Department’s Jacob Raabe.
“Southern California is continuing to endure some of the most historic fire conditions on record,” LA City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said. “The incident is very very dynamic as we speak.”