Photo Credit: Live Nation
The LA wildfires have killed 24 people in the Los Angeles area and burned thousands of acres in Los Angeles county. Firefighters are struggling to make headway against the blazes as Santa Ana wins are forecasted to pick up through Tuesday with sustained winds of 50 mph.
Eight of the deaths have been attributed to the Palisades Fire and 16 resulted from the Eaton Fire, according to the LA County Coroner’s office. Officials told the Associated Press they expect the figure will increase as cadaver dogs continue their grid search through the neighborhoods destroyed by the fire.
Cal Fire reports that the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, and Hurst fires have consumed more than 62 square miles. The Palisades Fire is 11% contained, while the Eaton Fire has reached 27% containment as of Sunday night.
Meanwhile, Live Nation has announced a FireAid Benefit concert to be held at the Intuit Dome to benefit communities devastated by these wildfires. “FireAid, an evening of music and solidarity will take place on Thursday, January 30,” the announcement reads. Performers and ticket information announcements will be made in the coming days.
“Proceeds fron the concert will towards a 501(c)(3) created for the event that will focus on rebuilding infrastructure, supporting displaced families, and advancing fire prevention technologies and strategies to ensure LA is better prepared for fire emergencies. This special event is produced by Shelli, Irving, and the Azoff family, in conjunction with Live Nation and AEG Presents.”
The fires have burned more than 12,000 structures, with no cause determined for the largest. A preliminary estimate by AccuWeather puts the damage and economic losses so far between $135 billion and $150 billion. California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order on Sunday night aimed at fast-tracking the rebuilding of destroyed property. The order suspends some environmental regulations and ensures that property tax assessments are not increased. The White House has stated more than 24,000 people have registered for federal assistance after President Biden’s major disaster declaration.