UPDATES: See the latest on LAUSD schools | How you can donate and volunteer | How to stay safe amid unhealthy air | What to know about air purifiers | What alerts to sign up for | Resources and more things to know | PHOTOS: The Eastside grapples with effects of L.A. wildfires, windstorm
Areas across Southern California continue to deal with the fallout of a windstorm that has led to deadly fires and devastation.
From power outages and road hazards to school closures and more, here’s what you need to know.
Active fires, evacuation zones and shelters
Various evacuation warnings and orders have been issued in areas where the fires pose imminent danger. The latest notices by government bodies can be viewed here.
Read the latest on the fires here>>
Eaton Fire:
Palisades Fire:
Hurst Fire:
Auto Fire
If you are in an evacuation zone, various centers across L.A. County are open to provide shelter.
Shelters:
- Westwood Recreation Center at 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Los Angeles
- Pasadena Convention Center, at 300 E. Green St.
- Arcadia Community Center at 375 Campus Drive.
- Pomona Fairplex at 1101 W. McKinley Avenue in Pomona (accepts large animals)
- Richie Valens Recreation Center at 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd. in Pacoima
- Pan Pacific Recreation Center at 7600 Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles
- El Camino Real Charter High School, at 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills. (accepts small animals)
- Pierce College: 6201 Winnetka Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91371 (accepts large animals)
- The Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 480 Riverside Drive, Burbank. ( accepts large animals)
Air quality issues during fires
According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), wildfire smoke can cause high pollution levels, creating an unhealthy air quality in areas even miles away from the fire. Because of wind and other factors, smoke conditions can change quickly. For the latest on air quality, check out the South Coast AQMD app or the agency’s interactive map online.
How to stay safe in these conditions: Older adults, young children, pregnant women and those with heart or lung diseases (i.e. asthma) are especially vulnerable to health risks from wildfire smoke, SCAQMD advised.
The agency recommends staying inside, keeping windows and doors closed. If you have one, an air conditioner or air purifying device should be used to filter air indoors. It’s important to avoid vigorous physical activity and going outside if possible. For those who must be outdoors, it is recommended you keep your time outside brief, and use a disposable respirator (N-95 or P-100).
Additional advice and resources from SCAQMD is available here.
Los Angeles Unified School District closures
Photo by Andrew Lopez.
All Los Angeles Unified schools have been closed since Thursday due to hazardous air conditions caused by wildfires across Los Angeles County.
The district announced on Sunday that it will reopen most schools and all district offices on Monday, Jan. 13.
Open schools, including after-school programs, will operate on a full inclement weather schedule which limits outdoor and athletic activities, the district said, adding that masks will also be available for students and employees.
The following schools will remain closed due to mandatory evacuation orders:
Canyon Charter Elementary, Kenter Canyon Charter Elementary, Palisades Charter Elementary, Marquez Charter Elementary, Topanga Charter Elementary, Lanai Road Elementary, Roscomare Road Elementary, Community Magnet Charter, and Paul Revere Middle School
More than 200 schools in the eastern and central part of the district were shut down on Wednesday.
LAUSD schools are closed. Here’s where parents and kids can go for child care and support
Power outages, estimated repair times
Thousands on the Eastside were left with our power after extreme winds broke out last Tuesday. While utilities may intentionally cut power to prevent fires, some outages were unplanned.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Los Angeles customers can see a full map of current outages and estimated restoration times here.
You can call 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397) to report power outages. Representatives are available 24/7 to assist. You can also report online.
If Southern California Edison is your provider, you can find those outages here. You can report any outages online.
Windstorm, massive fires cause power outages, closures, debris across the Eastside
Please note that due to current conditions, restoration of outages may take longer than normal, and restoration times shown on the map may not accurately reflect field conditions. Current estimated response times are 24-48 hours, the LADWP website states.
How to report fallen trees, downed power lines
Several neighborhoods, including Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles, saw fallen trees, branches and other debris lining the streets this morning.
To report fallen trees and debris that are causing a hazard or blocking roadways, residents are encouraged to contact MyLA311 by dialing 311. For life threatening situations, dial 911.
If you come across a downed power line, make sure to maintain a safe distance and call 911.
Resources available
Photo by Andrew Lopez.
- Metro trains and buses are providing rides at no cost. Note that several bus lines have been affected due to the fires.
- YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is converting locations not directly affected by fires into temporary evacuation sites, offering shelter, showers and basic amenities. Childcare is also available for first responders and families affected by the fires.
- Planet Fitness locations in the region are offering free access to facilities, through Jan. 15. Locations are available here.
- Lyft is offering 500 riders 2 rides up to $25 each from now until Jan. 15.
- To redeem, use code CAFIRELIEF25.
- Uber is offering riders a free Uber trip up to $40.
- To redeem, use code WILDFIRE25.
- Mutual Aid Los Angeles has an extensive resource list of businesses, organizations and individuals offering support for those affected by the fires.
