Latest news with #EatonFires
The Hill
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hill
Southern California marks 6 months since devastating wildfires
As the death toll from January's historic and devastating Southern California wildfires continues to rise with the discovery of additional human remains, many residents are still struggling to get back on their feet. More than six months later, the public and private resources for the thousands of residents forced to start new lives right after the new year are dwindling. The Palisades and Eaton Fires destroyed about 16,000 homes. Palisades victims are going after the city of Los Angeles in court over the fire response and the lack of water. Eaton victims are targeting SoCal Edison, saying the utility company's equipment may be linked to the start of the fire. Of the 31 people confirmed dead in the blazes, only one other person has yet to be identified. That person's remains were recovered on Jan. 14, on the 600 block of Lomas Avenue in Pacific Palisades. This yet-to-be-identified person has since been added to L.A. County's ongoing list of victims from January's wildfires. The current tally is 31 deaths, including 12 in the Palisades Fire and now 19 in the Eaton Fire. This is the first new wildfire victim located since April 2. The Medical Examiner's Office relies on complex scientific methods to identify human remains, which are typically in poor condition from the fires. Scientists utilize dental records, DNA comparison, radiographs, prosthetic serial numbers and other techniques to identify any remains that come into their possession.
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Southern California Warned of Risk for 'Large Life-Threatening Wildfires'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Portions of Southern California have been warned of a risk posed by "large life-threatening wildfires" amid "unseasonably" strong winds, the National Weather Service (NWS) says. Why It Matters Southern California was battered by concurrent deadly wildfires in January. The Palisades and Eaton Fires scorched thousands of acres, destroyed thousands of buildings and prompted mass evacuations, some lasting weeks. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom came under scrutiny from both sides of the aisle as questions concerning water pressure and access persisted. Bass ultimately removed city Fire Chief Kristin Crowley in February following the deadly blazes. What To Know According to an alert from the NWS, in part, "A late season trough now pushing into California has put an end to the heat from earlier in the week with unseasonably strong northwest to north winds likely across the region through Saturday." The areas that could see the strong winds include portions of Ventura, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Counties. The mountain regions could see gusts of 30 to 50 miles per hour, the agency adds. Southwest Santa Barbara County from Gaviota to Refugio could see gusts Friday afternoon into the night of 65 miles per hour, the NWS says. Ventura County, the mountains and Antelope Valley foothills of Los Angeles County near the I-5 corridor and the interior mountains of Santa Barbara County could also see gusts into Saturday. "Isolated power outages, downed trees, and an increased risk for large life threatening wildfires will be possible with the strong and potentially damaging winds," the NWS warns. "Widespread Wind Advisories and more focused High Wind Warnings are in place for the areas with the highest confidence in wind impacts. Much weaker winds are anticipated into Sunday for most areas in Breezy northwest to onshore wind gusts of 20 to 40 mph," the alert says. In January, strong winds were top of mind for Los Angeles County officials as the fires spread rapidly, facilitated by the intense gusts. In a March 11 aerial view of Altadena, California, surviving trees and new greenery can be seen following recent rains amid homes destroyed in the Eaton Fire. (Photo by) In a March 11 aerial view of Altadena, California, surviving trees and new greenery can be seen following recent rains amid homes destroyed in the Eaton Fire. (Photo by) What People Are Saying NWS Los Angeles on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday: "Hazardous winds peaking today and Saturday - strongest 2-9pm. Boaters should stay in safe harbor. Drivers, watch for road debris and blowing dust. Isolated power outages and downed trees possible. Elevated risk of grass fires - stay aware of your surroundings. #cawx" NWS Fire and Weather Program Manager David Gomberg told Newsweek Friday: "A low pressure system is kind of unusual to move into the area this late into the season. These are more reminiscent to springtime conditions." Gomberg added, "the winds are in areas where the January wildfires weren't so there is still a lot of vegetation that could burn." What Happens Next The inland areas of Southern California are expected to experience a "warming trend" starting on Sunday. But the warmup will still bring below-normal temperatures, the NWS says.
Washington Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
California insurance regulator launches investigation into State Farm over claims from LA fires
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California's top insurance regulator on Thursday launched an investigation into State Farm over the company's handling of claims from the January Los Angeles-area wildfires. The investigation comes after survivors of the Palisades and Eaton fires said that the state's largest home insurer was delaying and mishandling claims regarding damage to their homes and possible contamination from smoke.
Associated Press
12-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Mayfair Legal Funding Provides Financial Support to Wildfire Victims in Los Angeles and Maui
For wildfire victims in Los Angeles and Maui, legal battles can feel like yet another storm to weather after losing homes, businesses, and a sense of stability. At Tribeca, the mission goes beyond providing lawsuit funding. Los Angeles, CA - 12th June, 2025 - In the wake of the catastrophic wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles and Maui, thousands of victims have been left to deal with legal battles and financial distress. Mayfair Legal Funding has stepped up to provide pre-settlement funding to those affected, ensuring they have access to the resources they need to sustain themselves. With a commitment to transparency, competitive flat interest rates, and a swift approval process, Mayfair ensures that wildfire victims can focus on rebuilding their lives with financial peace of mind. Los Angeles Wildfires In January 2025, Los Angeles faced unprecedented wildfires, notably the Palisades and Eaton Fires, which collectively destroyed over 12,000 structures and resulted in 27 fatalities. These fires, driven by high winds and prolonged drought conditions, rapidly spread across urban areas, causing significant displacement and loss. The California Insurance Commissioner has since requested $1 billion from insurers to bolster the state's FAIR Plan, aiming to support property owners unable to secure private insurance. This initiative underscores the extensive damage and the pressing need for financial resources to aid in recovery. Maui Wildfires In August 2024, Maui experienced catastrophic wildfires that devastated the historic town of Lahaina, resulting in 102 confirmed fatalities and the destruction of over 2,200 structures. The disaster caused approximately $5.5 billion in damages, marking it one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history. In response, a tentative settlement exceeding $4 billion has been proposed to address the numerous lawsuits filed by affected homeowners and businesses. This settlement involves multiple defendants, including Hawaiian Electric Industries and local government entities, aiming to provide restitution to those impacted. The Burden of Wildfire Lawsuits Lawsuits following wildfires are often intricate, involving multiple defendants and high-powered legal teams representing utility companies and local authorities. For victims, these lawsuits are not just about legal accountability but about survival. Many have been forced to relocate, lost their sources of income, and are grappling with insurance disputes. And these insurance disputes further complicate the recovery process. In California, the state's FAIR Plan, designed as a last-resort insurance option, is facing financial shortfalls due to the extensive damage from recent wildfires. The plan has requested $1 billion from private insurers to cover claims, which may increase premiums for all policyholders. In Hawaii, the legal landscape is equally challenging. The Hawaii Supreme Court recently ruled that insurance companies cannot independently pursue legal action against those responsible for the 2023 Maui wildfire. This decision allows a $4 billion settlement to proceed, aiming to provide restitution to victims. Delays in Compensation and the Struggle to Rebuild Even when settlements are announced, claimants rarely see immediate relief. With complex negotiations and court approvals required, actual payouts may still be months or years away. The situation can become dire for those without savings or alternative financial resources. Many families are left unable to afford rent, medical expenses, or even daily necessities while waiting for their cases to resolve. Mayfair Legal Funding: More Than Just Funding—A Partner in Justice For wildfire victims in Los Angeles and Maui, legal battles can feel like yet another storm to weather after losing homes, businesses, and a sense of stability. At Tribeca, the mission goes beyond providing lawsuit funding. It's about leveling the playing field for individuals who deserve fair compensation but don't have the financial means to fight prolonged legal battles. Unlike traditional lenders or high-interest cash advance services, Tribeca offers non-recourse funding, meaning victims only repay if they win their case—a testament to the company's belief in its clients and their pursuit of justice. To learn more, visit or speak to our funding experts today. Media Contact Mayfair Legal Funding [email protected] 917-774-3517 Media Contact Company Name: Mayfair Legal Funding Contact Person: Media Team Email: Send Email Country: United States Website: Source: CaphIQ
The Guardian
10-06-2025
- The Guardian
Living in Los Angeles is a test of empathy
In Los Angeles, it's not uncommon to hear the buzzing of a police helicopter overhead. The sound is almost background noise in this city. A reminder that somewhere, something is happening, something you aren't a part of. It's out there, but it's not right here. But more and more, that sound has begun to jolt us out of our complacency. In the last five years, that sound has heralded the uprising over the killing of George Floyd and the devastation of the Eaton and Palisades fires. Instead of the usual – a high-speed police chase, a burglary or some other fodder for local news sensationalism – that sound means you are living on the doorstep of history once again. This last weekend reminds us that our city is under siege from a federal government eager for a fight. That our immigrant neighbors are being disappeared, apparently without due process. I've gotten texts from family and friends asking if I'm OK as this all transpires. Most people outside LA don't realize just how big this place is. That in these moments, it can feel like the events are happening in another world. You might see someone pouring a water bottle over their head on the sidewalk, trying their best to mitigate the damage caused by teargas. Google Maps shows you the 101 freeway is closed – a bright red line through your morning commute. Co-workers offer uneasy glances. After all, you have to go to work. You have to keep going. You can't stop for one second to truly reflect on what you're witnessing, or you might get washed away by the crushing demands of even the simplest life. During this year's fires, I had to move houses. The movers came and dutifully trudged up and down stairs, lifted boxes and drove back out into the red horizon. Some restaurants remained open, serving food despite the toxic air and general sense of dread that consumed the region. Many of those people, who did all they could to earn a living so we could approximate normalcy, were immigrants from countries like Mexico, El Salvador, Venezuela and anywhere in between. They were also the ones who kept restaurants open during Covid lockdowns or drove for Uber Eats, again, so I could feel normal in abnormal times. And they're doing it again, but the danger is even more immediate. People are being taken from their jobs, their homes, their schools – without warning and without their rights. For a lot of us in LA, it can feel like it's happening somewhere else. Downtown, the suburbs – but it is happening here. Within the arbitrary geographical lines that form the city of LA and the surrounding county. Those lines, like the ones that we created to divide us into nation-states, do matter, even if they aren't natural. They matter because they are how we identify, how we form communities. The world is not borderless, even though some of us might wish it to be. They exist, for better or worse. Right now, it does feel like it's for the worse. Donald Trump and his administration see those lines and they weaponize them; they use them to create fear and chaos in our cities. They grab human beings and toss them over those arbitrary lines, denying them their dignity – the dignity that is enshrined in our constitution for all peoples. In a moment like this, it's easy to curse the very notion of those arbitrary lines, as they cause so much misery. But those lines also create commonality. More than ever, those of us in LA should look at who and what is within our city limits. Not because we should fear what's outside, but because we should care about what's inside. We should always care, no matter where cruelty takes place, but even more so when the cruelty happens to those who share our home. LA might be the greatest empathy test humanity ever devised. A nearly 500-square-mile city, with close to 4 million residents spread out all the way to the ocean. To live in LA is to have the opportunity to live a fully internal life. I never saw the fires. I barely saw the smoke. The devastation was relegated to my TV screen, my smartphone. It's a city built on privacy, isolation and riddled with neighborhoods surrounded by gates and private security. Mike Davis's seminal history of LA urbanism, City of Quartz, built its narrative around the idea of LA as a panopticon fueled by greed, riddled with paranoia and beholden to the prison-industrial complex. It made such a mark on our city's culture because it's often true. This can be a dark, lonely place. But it can be a haven, too, if you look up from the ground, peer out from behind your own anxiety and believe in the idea that there is more out there than what is happening directly in front of you. This is a moment where we have the power to decide what kind of city we want to live in. We can cede our agency, our will and our community to brute force or we can live together. We can pass the empathy test and make it clear to the world that LA is not a bastion of unchecked individualism, but a city of communal spirit and diversity. I don't know what the solution to this crisis is. Governor Newsom is suing to repel the national guard order, but it will take time, and the president has not shown much interest in abiding by court rulings. All I know is that this will not end unless the city and its population stands firm on its values and morals. That it stands together even if it's so easy to see what's happening as just another reason for bad traffic. Dave Schilling is a Los Angeles-based writer and humorist
