Los Angeles City and County Extend Local Emergency Declarations Due to Ongoing Fires

LOS ANGELES—On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors ratified a local emergency declaration that was issued in response to a series of wildfires in Southland, which complements state and federal emergency declarations.

The emergency proclamations aim to facilitate immediate access to recovery resources and financial aid. Last week, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the board chair, signed the county emergency declaration, which received full board confirmation on Tuesday.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Palisades fire had scorched nearly 24,000 acres with 17 percent containment, while the Eaton fire had consumed over 14,000 acres with 35 percent containment, according to Cal Fire. These fires are the most significant among the many blazes occurring in the region.

The toll from the wildfires stands at 25 fatalities, with more than 10,000 structures either destroyed or damaged.

During the meeting, the board also ratified a curfew order issued on Thursday, which restricts public movement from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in evacuation zones, as well as a local health emergency declaration from Friday.

The county CEO has been tasked with reporting back within five days with a plan to allocate unspent funds from various departments and programs towards fire recovery efforts.

Board Chair Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed that she was “still in shock” after visiting areas in her district impacted by the Eaton Fire.

“Altadena has always been a vibrant and diverse community that embodies various ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds,” she noted, acknowledging the community’s rich history dating back to the 1800s.

Barger and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath emphasized the resources and funding available from FEMA and the county. Barger noted that FEMA has already received over 40,000 assistance applications and encouraged additional residents to apply, stating that those affected could be eligible for up to $43,600 in aid.

Residents were urged to fill out a “misfortune and calamity” form with the county to initiate property tax reassessment and to contact FEMA assistance centers to start the reimbursement process.

Horvath, whose district faced the Palisades fire, mentioned that ratifying the emergency was essential for mobilizing resources and coordinating a response that safeguards the health, safety, and welfare of all affected.

Horvath further stated, “The economic and emotional impact on our communities is substantial and recovery will necessitate a collaborative effort from all government levels.”

The local emergency status will remain in effect until the board formally lifts it.

On the same day, the Los Angeles City Council extended a declaration of local emergency.

In a unanimous vote, the council confirmed Mayor Karen Bass’ local emergency declaration due to the “life-threatening, destructive, widespread windstorm and extreme fire weather system.”

Council members also approved a recommendation from Councilman John Lee to incorporate a provision in the proclamation to shut down all open space parks in high fire-hazard severity zones during all future red flag days.

“We will develop a more comprehensive approach regarding which parks should be closed during these days, but for now, we ask that this measure be implemented to help ensure the safety of our parks,” Lee stated.

On Jan. 7, Mayor Karen Bass consented to issue a local emergency declaration after a fire ignited in the Pacific Palisades area. However, while she was returning from an overseas trip to Ghana, Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, acting as mayor, signed the decree.

Firefighters within the city’s jurisdiction also responded to various incidents, including the Hurst fire in Sylmar, Woodley fire in the Sepulveda Basin, Sunset fire in Hollywood Hills, Sunswept fire in Studio City, Archer fire in Granada Hills, and Kenneth fire in West Hills, which eventually spread into Ventura County.

All fires, except for the Palisades, Hurst, and Eaton fires, have been brought under control, as reported by Cal Fire. Firefighters and residents remain vigilant, anticipating strong winds later on Tuesday and Wednesday. As of Tuesday, the Hurst fire was 97 percent contained.

The local emergency declaration enables the city to fast-track emergency expenditures, circumvent regular procedural requirements associated with budgeting and contracting, and enact immediate safety measures.

Bass’ office has also indicated that it will facilitate a swift recovery and secure assistance from state and federal governments.