The Palisades Fire ravages a neighborhood amid high winds in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP/Ethan Swope)
- California secures FEMA grant to combat Hurst Fire threatening 40,000 structures, forcing 44,000 evacuations in Los Angeles County.
- Evacuation orders and shelters activated as Hurst Fire rapidly spreads; extreme fire weather persists through Thursday.
- State deploys 65 fire engines, 45 Cal Fire crews, bolstering efforts to suppress multiple LA County blazes.
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California has secured a federal grant to support efforts to suppress the Hurst Fire in Los Angeles County, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday.
The Hurst Fire
The Hurst Fire has consumed approximately 500 acres and continues to spread rapidly under high winds, creating dangerous conditions for surrounding communities, according to CalFire as of Wednesday morning.
Evacuation orders are in effect for several zones, including LAC-E1119-B, LAC-E132-A, LAC-E132-B, and LOS-E001. Warnings have been issued for LAC-E131-B, LOS-Q0412, LOS-Q0449-B, SCL-CALGROVE, SCL-ETERNAL, SCL-NEWHALLPASS, and SCL-WILDWOOD, affecting thousands of residents.
Related Story: Celebrities Among Thousands Evacuated in Los Angeles Fires
Evacuation shelters have been set up at the following locations to assist those displaced by the fire:
- Ritchie Valens Recreation Center, 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331
- Northridge Park, 10120 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, CA 91324
- Sepulveda Recreation Center, 8825 Kester Ave, Panorama City, CA 91402
Fire officials continue to monitor the blaze as high winds exacerbate the threat to local communities.
Residents are urged to comply with evacuation orders and warnings to ensure their safety.
Grant Adds More Aid Given for Los Angeles Fires
The grant ensures critical resources are available to combat the Hurst Fire, which erupted late Tuesday.
The blaze has forced more than 44,000 residents to evacuate, while evacuation warnings remain in effect for another 27,000. Officials report that 40,000 structures are currently threatened.
“We are working vigorously to ensure maximum support for firefighting efforts in Los Angeles, including the Hurst Fire, which is now threatening San Fernando and Newhall,” Newsom said. “Thank you to all our firefighting personnel and first responders protecting Californians in harm’s way.”
Related Story: 5 Killed, Thousands Flee as Wildfires Burn Out of Control Across LA
The FMAG, funded through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund, allows local, state, and tribal agencies to apply for reimbursement of 75% of eligible fire suppression costs.
This marks the third FMAG granted this week, following similar approvals for the Palisades and Eaton fires.
In anticipation of extreme fire weather, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services had prepositioned 65 fire engines and over 120 additional firefighting resources across Southern California.
Cal FIRE also deployed 45 engines and six hand crews to Los Angeles and neighboring counties.
Related Story: Los Angeles Officials Order 30,000 Residents to Evacuate as Fire Advances on ...
As fire crews continue to battle the Hurst Fire, Californians are urged to heed evacuation orders and stay updated on emergency alerts.
Extreme fire weather is expected to persist through Thursday.
Preparedness tips can be found at ready.ca.gov.
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