California wildfires recovery updates: Tuesday, Feb. 11
LA County raises price gouging penalty after wildfires
After recent studies showed thousands of rental listings in Los Angeles appearing to violate price gouging laws in Los Angeles after the California wildfires, LA County raised the penalty for price gouging from $10,000 to $50,000.
Rebuilding efforts are in full swing for Los Angeles County residents as Tuesday marks five weeks since the California wildfires devastated the region.
As debris cleanups are well underway in areas hit by the fires, survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires will once again have to brace for possible flooding this week. The flooding concerns come as Los Angeles may see the heaviest rain of the season later in the week.
Follow FOX 11's live blog with the latest updates provided on the Jan. 2025 fires in SoCal:
Debris removal officially starting
11:23 a.m.: During a press conference Tuesday morning, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that Phase 2-debris removal has officially started today in Altadena and Palisades. He said this is the fastest large scale debris removal operation in state history… happening just 35 days after the fires erupted.
RELATED: Debris removal starting in record time Newsom says
Debris removal starting in Altadena, Palisades
Gov. Newsom along with federal and state partners announced that the debris removal process can officially begin in the Palisades and Altadena areas. Newsom said it's happening at a record time... just 35 days after the fires ignited.
Power Restored
11:15 a.m.: Crews have restored power to nearly all the fire-impacted homes and businesses in the Pacific Palisades.
"Restoring power to customers in areas around the heaviest burned area will continue to be the biggest challenge moving forward, but as we continue to work urgently on recovery efforts, LADWP will continue to meet the needs of this unprecedented disaster," she added.
The Department of Water and Power continues to complete temporary repairs, connecting individual customers to circuits that crews brought back online. Crews first verify that each residential electric panel is restored, then leave a notice for residents to turn on their main circuit at the panel.
Bass gives update on storm preps ahead of atmospheric river
9:45 a.m.: Mayor Karen Bass said preparations are underway as the city braces for more rain this week.
"[There are] More than 7500 ft of concrete barriers, more than 6500 sandbags and other erosion control measures throughout the Palisades. Clearing of the catch basins and removal of fire debris is to clear our storm drain system for these rains and ensuring we have systems in place to capture polluted runoff before it flows into the ocean," Bass said.
"So our city departments are on high alert. The fire department will pre-deployed resources and sandbags will be available at fire stations." For more information on getting sandbags near you, visit lacity.gov.
Additionally, Bass said the Bureau of Sanitation has activated its weather plan, putting trucks, generators and other equipment ready to go. The DWP is also putting crews on standby to respond citywide to any outages.
Preparations underway across LA for incoming storm
Los Angles Mayor Karen Bass said preparations are underway to prepare for an incoming storm.
Malibu launches dedicated website for post-fire recovery
8:50 a.m.: The City of Malibu has launched MalibuRebuilds.org, a dedicated website offering resources and guidance for residents and businesses affected by the December 2024 Franklin Fire and January 2025 Palisades Fire. This website serves as a one-stop hub for all information related to recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The City will update the website regularly with the latest information including new events and deadlines, evolving guidelines and other critical updates as they become available. The site provides the tools needed for residents and businesses to successfully navigate the rebuilding journey.
Some key features of the website include:
- Debris Removal: Detailed information regarding both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the debris removal process.
- Rebuilding Steps: Step-by-step instructions on the rebuilding process in Malibu.
- Rebuilding Options: Development options for properties affected by the fire and the type of application required for each.
- Fire and Storm Preparedness: Resources to help residents and businesses prepare for future fires and storms.
- Community and Small Business Resources: Assistance for displaced residents, financial resources for rebuilding and business recovery tools.
- Events & Deadlines: A calendar of upcoming recovery and rebuilding events and important deadlines for applications.
- FAQs: Answers to frequently asked questions on a range of topics, including communications, contractors, debris removal, health and safety, financial assistance and more.
Soon, the City will also open the Malibu Rebuild Center, a dedicated facility to provide in-person assistance to property owners navigating the rebuilding process.
Support group for wildfire victims
6:15 a.m.: A free support group has been created for wildfire victims to cope with grief and trauma. . The group will meet every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Click here for more information.
Fast-track wildfire cleanup begins
6:00 a.m. Fast-track wildfire cleanup begins in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades.
Fast-track wildfire cleanup begins in LA
Federal crews will remove hazardous debris from damaged properties.
The Eaton Fire
The Eaton Fire was first reported on Tuesday, Jan. 7 near Altadena and Midwick drives.
Some residents did not survive the flames and at least 7,000 structures were destroyed.
Authorities have implemented a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for all areas that remain under mandatory evacuation orders in the Altadena area. This comes after more than 30 looting arrests were made by the LA County Sheriff's Department.
What caused the Eaton Fire?
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but they were fueled by extreme drought conditions, combined with the supersized Santa Ana winds that whipped flames and embers at 100 mph – much faster than usual.
A lawsuit filed Monday claims Southern California Edison equipment sparked the Eaton Fire.
The lawsuit alleges that Southern California Edison failed to comply with essential electrical and fire safety standards, including failing to maintain power lines and overgrown vegetation.
The Palisades Fire
The Palisades Fire broke out on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 7 as parts of Southern California were hit by powerful Santa Ana winds – the strongest to hit the area in over a decade, officials said. The piercing winds not only intensified the spread of the fire, it also prevented helicopters and planes from dumping water or fire retardant onto the burning scene as it was too dangerous to fly during the first day of the massive fire.
The fire extended well over 23,000 acres in seven days, destroying homes and businesses across the Pacific Palisades and Malibu. The fire also forced evacuations across parts of LA County, including Bel-Air, Brentwood and Santa Monica.
The fire also destroyed the Pacific Palisades Charter High School and other schools in the fire's path.
What caused the Palisades Fire?
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, a popular hiking destination, Skull Rock – an area north of Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades – is at the center of an investigation "as a possible starting point for the Palisades fire."
Meanwhile, local authorities have announced multiple rounds of arrests taking place from the Palisades Fire scenes, but none of which are explicitly related to the cause of the fire. Over the weekend, there was an announcement of a man arrested for impersonating a firefighter. The alleged "fake firefighter" was accused of trying to break into one of the evacuated homes.
Other people have also been accused of arson across Southern California.