Tragically, 24 people have already lost their lives, making this one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in US history.
She wrote: “We had a great run. She impacted my life in so many ways. This loss is devastating,”
An officer reportedly told her: “I’m sorry your grandmother’s property is gone. It totally burned down,” Kelley recalled seeing firsthand the destruction caused by the fire.
She wrote: “With a heavy heart, I share that our search for Momma D has come to an end, as her remains were found in her home,” and added: “We are devastated, and it’s difficult to comprehend how her life came to this end.”
Reflecting on her grief, she added: “I miss her deeply and am working through the waves of regret—wishing I had called her more, shared more moments. But I know the best way to honor her is to keep her memory alive and cherish the beautiful moments we shared.”
What we know so far about the LA wildfires:
January 2nd
The first warning
The US National Weather Service issued an alert about strong Santa Ana winds and extreme fire conditions five days before the first wildfire started.
As the week went on, a Fire Weather Watch warning followed, and state and local officials began issuing alerts for the Los Angeles area.
January 7th
The first fire ignites
The Palisades Fire broke out, triggering an emergency alert to LA residents, urging those nearby to prepare for a potential evacuation.
Later that day, Santa Monica authorities issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents north of San Vicente: “Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW.”
Two more wildfires begin
Hours after the Palisades Fire started, the Eaton Fire broke out in Altadena, followed by the Hurst Fire in Sylmar. The National Weather Service reported wind gusts reaching 99 mph, worsening the situation.
Evacuation orders were expanded as flames destroyed thousands of acres, homes, and businesses in the affected areas.
January 9th
Prison inmates deployed to help fight fires
Nearly 940 incarcerated individuals, including men and women, joined the firefighting efforts.
Inmates volunteered to assist in battling the wildfires, earning between $5.80 and $10.24 per day.
However, those convicted of crimes like arson and sexual offenses were not eligible to participate.
January 10th
Man arrested for arson
Three days after the wildfires began, the LAPD arrested a man suspected of intentionally starting the Kenneth Fire.
Witnesses reported seeing the man with a blowtorch attempting to ignite bins and Christmas trees.
The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue.
Billion dollar energy company investigated over possible link to wildfires
Southern California Edison, a subsidiary of Edison International, acknowledged a short circuit in its grid on January 7, the same evening the fires broke out.
The company stated in a press release: “On January 10, Southern California Edison (SCE) filed an Electric Safety Incident Report (ESIR) related to the Hurst Fire once SCE learned fire agencies are investigating whether SCE equipment was involved in the ignition, which is a triggering event for reporting,”
A-list celebrities forced out of their homes
Several celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Miles Teller, Anna Faris, Billy Crystal, and Eugene Levy, were forced to evacuate as the fires approached their properties. Many of their homes have been destroyed.
January 13th
40,000 acres of land destroyed
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that over 40,000 acres were burned in the fires, which affected areas like Eaton, Palisades, Kenneth, and Hurst.
More than 12,000 homes and businesses were among the structures destroyed.
The death toll rises
A week after the fires started, the LA County medical examiner confirmed 24 fatalities. Additionally, at least 16 people remain missing as the fires continue to devastate the area.
