January 11, 2025 • 43 mins
Please listen to the alerts and warnings on your phones.
Here is the fire map: https://lafd.org/fire-prevention/brush/fire-zone/fire-zone-map
https://protect.genasys.com/
Here is the fire map: https://lafd.org/fire-prevention/brush/fire-zone/fire-zone-map
https://protect.genasys.com/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey, it's Nil Sevadre.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
You're listening to kfi EM six forty the four Report
on demand on the iHeartRadio app.
Speaker 3 (00:07):
Join the press conference. County Supervisor Katherine Barker is starting
things off.
Speaker 4 (00:12):
If not better, but there are state and county requirements
that can sometimes add an additional cost to the building process.
Speaker 5 (00:22):
My ask is that the state and the.
Speaker 4 (00:25):
County work to ensure that we rebuild safely, but we
must remove any new costly requirements not related to health
and safety, that would otherwise make it cost prohibitive for
residents to rebuild. Government mandates cannot mean the difference between
whether a community can afford to rebuild or not. We
(00:48):
need to be extremely responsive to the individual needs of thousands,
thousands of residents who are going to have to navigate
this incredibly difficult process. Our community's resilience has always been inspirational,
and it will be our guiding light as we move
forward together. I understand that many of our residents are
(01:12):
looking and thinking rebuilding is not just a priority, it
is an urgent need. I've talked to people who know
their home is gone and they want to begin today.
I will make sure that the county works quickly to
eliminate unnecessary red tape, ensuring permits are approved safely and
(01:32):
swiftly so that reconstruction can.
Speaker 5 (01:34):
Begin as soon as possible.
Speaker 4 (01:38):
Again, my priority is to ensure that government becomes a facilitator,
not an obstacle as we move toward recovery. I will
also prioritize creating one stop service centers where all relevant
departments are available in one place in real time to
answer your questions, provide god guidance, and support your rebuilding efforts.
Speaker 5 (02:03):
This will be designed with one goal to.
Speaker 4 (02:06):
Make the recovery process as seamless and supportive as possible,
and to make sure those resources are right there in
the community where you are rebuilding. We're here to help,
and we will continue to be here during every part.
Speaker 5 (02:22):
Of the process.
Speaker 4 (02:24):
With that, i'd like to bring up Los Angles County
Fire Chief Anthony Moroni.
Speaker 5 (02:29):
Thank you, Thank you, cher Barger, So good afternoon.
Speaker 6 (02:39):
The Eton fire is now estimated to be fourteen thousand,
one hundred and seventeen acres with fifteen percent containment. Over
seven thousand structures are damaged or destroyed, and two thousand,
eight hundred and thirty two firefighting personnel are assigned to
(03:00):
eaten fire. Elevated critical fire weather conditions are predicted to
begin this evening and continue through Wednesday. Moderate to locally
strong Santa Ana winds will affect Los Angeles County today
and tomorrow, and again Monday through Wednesday. The Los Angeles
(03:23):
County Fire Department will be prepared. These winds, combined with
low humidities and low fuel moistures, will keep the fire
threat in Los Angeles County high. Please understand that the
inevitable public safety power shutoffs that will be implemented prior
(03:47):
to this life threatening Santa Ana wind event are are
crucial to preventing new fire starts and that they help
save lives. Yes, they're a challenge to deal with, but
it's certainly better than having another fire start. I would
(04:09):
like to express my gratitude to the Los Angeles County
Board of Supervisors for their leadership and unwavering support of
our residents, my Fire Department personnel, and me as Fire Chief.
To our first responders battling these wildfires in the air
(04:30):
and on the ground.
Speaker 5 (04:32):
We commend you for your relentless.
Speaker 6 (04:35):
And fearless dedication in protecting residents throughout this great county
and Finally, to our Los Angeles County residents, please be
assured that we will continue to battle these wildfires until
they are fully contained. We stand alongside all of you
as we begin to plan for repopulation of evacuated areas,
(04:59):
disaster recovery, and the rebuilding of your homes and your lives.
I would now like to introduce California Inner Agency Incident
Management Team five Operations Section, Chief Don Freguglia.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
All right, and thank you, Chief.
Speaker 7 (05:20):
Okay, so quick operational update here for the eating fire
over here. As we start on the right flank in
Santa Anita Canyon, things are looking really good across the
front country here until we get to about here, and
then we're starting to still see quite a bit of heat,
quite a bit of work through here in this area.
As we come across over here into the Alta Dina area,
(05:42):
this is I want to just highlight this square box
right here is a square mile. So it's a massive,
massive area that we're talking about here. That's residential community.
It's not wildlands. It's a residence and these are people's houses.
So huge herculean task to get through all this down here.
We have a ton of work it's many days, many
weeks of work. Just wanted to highlight that a little bit.
(06:04):
As we come through by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, this
is looking good again. Cruise engaged boots on the ground
mopping up all through the National forest up here. We
continue to make really good progress up there. The weather's
in our favor. We're using air tankers, we're using helicopters,
all the tools in our toolbox to go get and
put this fire out right where you see it, right here.
Speaker 5 (06:24):
So that'll be our goals in the coming days.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
So thank you very much, thank you.
Speaker 4 (06:31):
Good talk. Now we're going to have Los Angeles County
Sheriff Commander Tanya E. Plunkett, Good afternoon.
Speaker 8 (06:43):
I'd like to take this time to update you on
the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's effort in dealing with
the Eaton Canyon fire. Currently, in response to the fire,
our staffing has increased to approximately five hundred personnel. With
then the personnel, we have active missions which include controlling
(07:03):
traffic points of approximately forty six hard closures and traffic control.
We also have roving security to deal with looting and
address those issues and when necessary, respond to welfare requests
and at the direction of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
(07:26):
As you may sorry, as you may be well aware
that last night we instituted a curfew order which went
into effect from six pm to six am and currently
excuse me, within the evacuation zones. It's important to know
(07:46):
that these zones are going to be strictly enforced, and
the reasons behind them is to enhance UH public security
and address securities I enhance public safety and address public
security concerns.
Speaker 7 (08:02):
UH.
Speaker 8 (08:02):
Within the curfew we're at we're asking everyone to stay
clear of the affected zones unless they are authorized personnel
or emergency responders. Any f one found in violation of
the curfew order will be subject to a misdemeanor crime
and subject to one thousand dollars fine. We understand that
(08:22):
this is an extremely stressful and challenging time, but we
appreciate the public's cooperation as we work together during the crisis.
Since the Eaton Canyon fire commenced, we have a total
of excuse me, nineteen arrest and of those nineteen arrests
(08:42):
for were for curfew violations.
Speaker 5 (08:45):
Last night.
Speaker 8 (08:47):
We also had a search and rescue task force that
commenced this morning and that will be until the completion
and will begin daily at six am and in at
six pm. That search and rescue team we are working
jointly with our partners from Los Angeles County Fire, Urban Rescue,
(09:08):
the Corner's Office, FEMA OEES and the use of cadaver
dogs to search for remains and reunite families. Most importantly,
these conduct excuse me, these searches will be a part
of a grid search like I mentioned, between the hours
of six a m. And six pm, due to safety
(09:30):
concerns and our inability to operate during nighttime hours. Unfortunately,
we report that we have eight deaths within the Eaton
Canyon of fire area that was affected by the fire,
and in an effort to deal with the death and
the tragedies as a result of this fire, we do have,
(09:52):
working with our partners, family assistant centers that are open
to provide information to people looking for missing family members.
In that location is the Path Pasadena Civic Center. It
will be comprised of OEM Sheriff's Deputies, LAPD, red Cross,
the Medical Examiner, and the Department of Mental Health on scene.
(10:16):
It's important to remember that if you have uh missing
family members. We have to UH personnel on scene to
take those missing persons report for UH the family members
and or friends. In closing, I'd like to mention that
we all know so many people have been impacted by
the disaster and need help. If you are in a
(10:38):
position to help and support the counties, we would appreciate that,
and please contact Emergency Network Los Angeles by visiting www
dot n LA e n LA dorg. At this time,
I'd like to introduce Los Angeles County Public Health doctor
(11:01):
Amish Mahagen.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Listening to the LA County press conference.
Speaker 9 (11:06):
Good afternoon, and my name is aniche, chief Deputy Director
of LA County Public Health. They'd like to start by
thanking the first responders for their heroic efforts and extending
our thoughts and prayers. Though all of all who have
experienced such profound loss with these fires, we in public
Health are committed to supporting those in need in the
months ahead. I'd also like to thank the county supervisors,
(11:29):
especially Ely Supervisor Barger, for their extraordinary and thoughtful support
of public Health and all our county and city partner departments. Yesterday,
a local health emergency for LA County was declared by
both Secretary Misera at the federal level and by the
county Health Officer. Recognizing the substantial risks to public health
due to the impacts of the critical fire events and
(11:51):
windstorm conditions, The South Coast Air Quality Management is issued
a smoke advisory through Saturday, January eleventh at five pm.
This advice, as you will, surely be extended. We are
all experiencing this wildfire smoke, which is a mix of
small particles, gases, and water vapors. It's those small particles
that get into our noses and throats and cause those
(12:11):
sore throats and headaches. But we must also be very
careful for those who are at higher risk for bad
health effects from wildfire's smoke, and those include children, the elderly,
those with respiratory and heart conditions, and people with immunocompromised states.
They may have worse symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, cough,
and chest pain. Everyone in the area is where there's
(12:34):
visible smoke or the smell of smoke, and even where
you don't see that, we know that the air quality
is poor, so you should limit outdoor exposure as much
as possible. Do not engage in outdoor physical activity. If
you must be outside, wear an N ninety five or
a P one hundred mask. These are high filtration masks
(12:54):
that take out those small particles that get into your body.
Keeping indoor eric as clean as possible is also important.
Keep your windows shut. If you have an air conditioning
that can pull air from the outside that can recirculate air,
you can use that. If you have a Hepa air
filter or Hepa air purifier, that will help too. All
(13:14):
of us are at risk with the poor air quality
right now, but some of us in La County are
at even greater risk. For example, if it's part of
your job to work outside, it's important that you are
an N ninety five or P one hundred masks. In
these situations, you may ask your employer for an N
ninety five, and they're required to provide it to you
free of charge. The La County Department of Public Health
(13:34):
is offering N ninety five masks through the Interim Housing Sites,
shelters and street teams to LA residents who are experiencing
homelessness and living outdoors, and to those persons who are
evacuated from where they usually live and staying in temporary shelters.
Family Assistant centers will also offer respiratory mass to residents
who are returning to fire zone areas as they clean
(13:55):
up the fire damage. The County of Los Angeles and
our partners are all working to distribute over five thousand
HAPA air purifiers to senior centers, nursing homes, and other
facilities where individuals are at the highest risk of residing
in the worst air quality. Finally, if you experience severe
symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, palpitations, nausea,
(14:18):
please contact your doctor or medical provider or go to
an urgent care. For life threatening symptoms, please call nine
one one. I want to finish by noting that we
understand this is a very difficult time for those who
are evacuated, and we have a lot of folks who
want to get back to their homes and to their neighborhoods,
but we want to ask folks not to return home
(14:40):
until you're told that it's safe to do so. There
is a lot of toxins left over after the fire,
There's a lot of smoke there, and once you are
going back, the key is to remain covered up. Make
sure you're wearing gloves. Household dishwashing gloves are okay, long sleeves,
long pants, and you should be using a nine masks.
(15:00):
The La County Department of Public Health is also offering
n ninety five masks to LA residents who are returning
to the fire zone areas as the cleanup of the
fire damage begins. Those masks are also available at the
county evacuation centers and other sites. I'm going to finish
there and happy to answer questions. Next, I'll invite City
of Pasadena Victor Gordo.
Speaker 5 (15:26):
Good afternoon, everyone.
Speaker 10 (15:28):
I just returned from visiting the devastated areas of Pasadena
and Altadena, and devastation really is the only word. I
visited with the Southern California Congressional Delegation, and I'd like
to thank them for taking the time to see firsthand
exactly what's happening in our community. While it's devastation up there,
(15:53):
I know that our community, our people in Altadena and Pasadena,
and we really are one community, is a resilient and
strong community. And I'm here to tell all of you
that the County of Los Angeles Supervisor Barger the state
of California and our congressional delegation is committed to supporting
(16:17):
as we bounce back, and we will bounce back in
Pasadena and Altadena. The resilience that we've shown in the
past disasters is proof of that. I'd also like to
thank the first responders for all of their hard work
and courage in assisting our residents. And finally, I'd like
(16:41):
to say this, if you are coming thinking of coming
to Pasadena and or Altadena for the purpose of looting,
know this, the passing Police Department and the La County
Sheriffs will be there to meet you. If you're even
thinking about it, think twice because the passing this I'm
passing a police department and the Pasadena and then the
(17:04):
La County Sheriffs will not only be there to greet you,
but you will be arrested. And so I would discourage
anyone from even thinking about coming and victimizing our residents.
Speaker 4 (17:17):
Thank you very much, thank you, And now I'd like
to introduce the CEO of Southern California Edison, Stephen D.
Speaker 1 (17:26):
Powell.
Speaker 5 (17:27):
Thank you, good afternoon.
Speaker 11 (17:31):
I'm Steve Powell, President, CEO of Southern California. Edison as
a long time entire life resident of southern California, it
has been Words can't describe how horrific it is to
see the impact on our communities. Friends, my colleagues at Edison,
even through these fires, just been terrible to see. As
(17:52):
we look forward, I first want to say thank you
to the first responders, the fire agencies that are out
there protecting the community and partnering with us.
Speaker 5 (17:59):
I'm keeping people safe.
Speaker 11 (18:01):
I want to say thank you to our crews, our
contractors as well as those that provide mutual assistance from
PGE that are out there working twenty four to seven
to bring power back on in our communities. As of
this morning, Edison still had about fifty thousand customers without power.
That's down from a peak of over half a million
just a couple of days ago. So we're making significant
(18:21):
progress on the power restoration. We've got over one hundred
and twenty crews supported by other field personnel. That's more
than thousands of people out working twenty four to seven
to bring power back on once it's safe to do so.
At the same time, there's a lot of places where
we don't have access, where there's a lot of damage
that could lead to really extended outages. As Chief Maroni mentioned,
(18:44):
we're also not through all the weather issues. We see
a big wind event coming in next week and that
could lead to more public safety power shut offs. Again,
as an electric utility, we never want to shut people's
power off, but to protect our communities when the conditions
are our merit it, we need to use it as
a tools of last resort and we will be doing that.
(19:07):
So just want to let everybody know that's been out
there without power for five days now, we've got our
crews working twenty four to seven to bring power back
on as it's safe to do, so thank you.
Speaker 5 (19:19):
Next up is a state senator.
Speaker 12 (19:20):
So you've been listening to the update of the Eaton
Canyon fire, and we are going to continue to monitor
all of the representatives that continue to come up and speak.
We'll also monitor the Q and A and we'll bring
you any new information from the fire that is in
Altadena Pasadena area, so.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
It will allow that to do its think what we've
been listening to as Supervisor Katherine Berger kind of at
the helm of the La County officials kind of giving
an update on the fire, some of the key things
we're talking about rebuilding, of course, as she said that
she wants you to be essentially a resource and not
(19:58):
an obstacle. The red tape needs to be cut and
the focus needs to be rebuilding. She pointed out that
there are those that are like, yes, I lost my house.
I want to rebuild now, and you can't blame them.
You want to get back to some normalcy as soon
as possible. We heard from the Sheriff's department and more
(20:23):
saying talking about the looting in regards to those that
would take advantage of a situation like this is just horrific.
Speaker 5 (20:33):
You know what.
Speaker 2 (20:33):
The thing that we haven't heard much amy is, and
even with this press conference or any press conference really
is we haven't heard about what may have started it.
We have the single arsonist who in regards to the Kenneth.
Speaker 1 (20:51):
Fire, who was not charged with arson by the way,
so he was not so because he didn't light anything
and was just riding around with the to.
Speaker 3 (21:01):
So what they said was that they didn't have the
evidence that they needed to charge him with arson. They
arrested him instead on a felony parole violation. So they
have them in custody or at least they did, but
that doesn't mean their investigation has stopped. Sure, as we
(21:22):
see with a lot of things, like you get charged
with something initially and then as the investigation continues, then
they may charge something later. So we'll have to wait
and see on that one. But yeah, the guy was
riding around on some sort of motorized bicycle or motorbike
with a blowtorch.
Speaker 1 (21:38):
Yeah, that was the only time we heard anybody talk
about it.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
Some have talked about the faults that were found that
were seen in the three basic big fires original fires,
and what that means is there were surges or some
sort of electrical effect that could be seen and seen
and mapped which would imp lie the possibility of something
hitting a power line in the area or the power
(22:05):
lines themselves hitting each other each other, except in.
Speaker 3 (22:08):
The Palisades area, most of the lines are underground.
Speaker 2 (22:11):
Yeah, so we heard that there were well not everywhere,
not everywhere, but not everywhere, that's true, but they're they're.
Speaker 3 (22:19):
Probably a lot less likely in the Altadena area because
that's the older neighborhood.
Speaker 2 (22:23):
Oh sure, so, and that that leads to the argument
that everybody's talking about is spending the money, getting the
money and putting the lines underground, the power lines underground.
So we haven't heard much about that. We do know
investigations are are ongoing. I feel like in other cases,
(22:43):
maybe it's the intensity and the massive amounts of fires,
meaning in multiple fires and the like, that puts information
at a you know, pretty scarce about those things, and
maybe they're just not sharing. But I feel like some
times in fires that's like one of the first thing
(23:04):
that we hear about or that they are investigating, is
what caused this. With multiple fires and the like, it
may be a little while, but the fact that there
is any possibility of human involvement there would be ridiculous,
you know. As that was the Kenneth fire, of course,
which is in the West Valley area, I believe, so.
Speaker 1 (23:24):
That one.
Speaker 2 (23:26):
Is where this guy was riding, as Amy said, a
motorized bike of some kind and had a torch. I
don't know if it's like a butane torch or something
like that.
Speaker 3 (23:36):
It was a butane style torch, little yellow canister, and
that guy was actually caught in Woodland Hills. The fire
again was in a different location, but not not very far.
If you're on at on a motorized pike, so.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
We you know, we heard about those types of things.
I will tell you that in my neighborhood. A day
before that, we got texts from friends in our neighborhood
that was saying that they had seen somebody with something
on fire that was trying to light.
Speaker 1 (24:15):
Trees or trash.
Speaker 2 (24:19):
On our street. And I'm like, that's bizarre. And then
the next day it came out that, you know, that
there was this other guy was arrested. So if we
find out that that is just somebody after the fact
when there's fires getting some kick out of lighting more
(24:39):
or something like that, it may be different. But if
it turns out that they that any of these have
been set purposely, is is going to change a lot
the attitude. Or if we find out that the electrical
companies are a part of this in some way, that'll problematic.
Speaker 1 (25:01):
There's so much that we still don't know yet.
Speaker 2 (25:04):
We do know that right now the fire is moving
north and east towards Encino. We've heard of shutdowns of
the roads there near the Getty Center, Skurball Center Drive
and the like off of the four or five freeway.
The also concern is bel Air and Brentwood as the
(25:26):
fire continues to move and grow unfortunately, no matter how
slowly it does out of the Pacific Palisades area.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
We'll be back with.
Speaker 2 (25:36):
More special fire coverage. Normally we'd be doing the Forkport.
We've switched programming today on Neil Savedra. I'll be with
you still until five.
Speaker 13 (25:44):
You're listening to the fork Report with Neil Savedra on
demand from KFI AM six forty.
Speaker 2 (25:50):
Neil Savadra in with special fire coverage today as we
preempt the fork Report and what we normally do here
on a Saturday from two to five.
Speaker 1 (25:59):
Amy King is with me as we're giving you what
you need to know.
Speaker 2 (26:02):
Most recently, Supervisor Catherine Barger was at the lead of
the La County officials press conference that we just listened
to talking a lot about the rebuilding and that red
tape should not get in the way. Of course we
all agree with that, and some talking to the Sheriff's
(26:23):
department and so on about curfews that of course will
be from six pm to six am. Looting will be
not tolerated, of course, and they're making that very very
clear this time around that things are different, thank god,
and not to mess around with that, all right, So
(26:47):
many people that we want to talk to stories that
are surrounding as well as we update you on all
the information right now. Another big concern is the fire
moving Palisades fire. Each his homes in Brentwood, San Fernando
Fernando Valley is now threatened as.
Speaker 1 (27:05):
Well, and we will keep you abreast of all of that.
Speaker 2 (27:08):
Right now, I want to speak with Clint Carlton, the
director of disaster relief for Dream Center LA. Clint, how
are you this afternoon?
Speaker 10 (27:19):
Sir?
Speaker 14 (27:20):
Hey, Neil, how are you doing this afternoon? I know
you've been doing some great coverage and we all appreciate
that in LA. And you know we're out here in
Echo Park down here at two three zero on Bellevue Avenue,
and let me paint a scene for you here where
we have volunteers, over five hundred volunteers here today. We
have a drop off location here at the Dream Center
(27:41):
where people that want to get supplies to those that
have been affected by fires can drop them off. Then
we have a place here at the Dream Center where
you can receive donations. If you need dog food, or
if you need towels, or you need just basic necessities,
we have that for you here at the Dream Center.
We have over five hundred volunteers here, we have music playing.
(28:03):
iHeartRadio has been here all day long, and we're just
providing hope and joy to people today. I think that's
what's most most important. We hope and joy and show
people there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
I think that's important today, you know.
Speaker 1 (28:18):
And that's that's my attitude to Clint.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
That's one of the reasons why I enjoy doing the
Folk Report so much is that it's something we can
all kind of take a deep breath from the heaviness
of the news people here on the station all week
and normally that's that is where I like to live.
It's hard to look at all of the destruction that's
going on, but there is, as you say, like the
(28:42):
work that you're doing there disaster relief there at the
Dream Center here in Los Angeles, and I know the
area very well where you guys are and the stuff
that you folks are doing, and being a resource center
and focusing on those in need right now giving a
little bit of joy or at least a respite from
the heaviness of what's going on. Are you concerned about
(29:05):
the air quality and things like that for people coming.
Speaker 14 (29:10):
Yeah, there's been a number of people of wearing masks around.
And the air quality, I mean, you know, it's it's awful.
I mean all on Los Angeles on a day to
day base, all about here in Los Angeles, but you
add the fires to it surrounding you know, four different
five different fires however there are now going on and
and you know, I think it's important too where we
(29:32):
you know, we show people that there's different stages of disaster,
you know, and the next week, week and a half,
we're going to be looking to go in and and
start ash outs on on individuals' houses. And that's where
we go in with the homeowner. We go in and
assess the situation of the home, make sure that they
have if they had a chimney that's been there for
(29:52):
thirty years, that it's not going to fall over. When
when we take the homeowner over to their house and
and we we begin to to help them rebuild, and
you talked about air quality, that's when the air quality
is going to be bad, and that's when you know
we're going to go in with some big mask on
and and really help these homeowners out. So you know,
we're down here just just looking to be a service
(30:15):
to these individuals, these families that need help. And a
lot of these people they're not used to this. They've
never had anything happen like this before, and so they
don't know where to start, Neil, they don't know where
to start, and so when they come in, they say,
I've lost everything, I don't know what to do now,
and so we kind of guided through that process. Obviously,
I've been in hundreds and hundred disasters all across the
(30:37):
world and we just help them rebuild.
Speaker 2 (30:41):
Now, you know you're listening to the voice of Clint
Carl Tenney's the director of disaster relief for Dream Center.
Speaker 1 (30:48):
La Clint, I mean you're doing the Lord's work, man.
Speaker 2 (30:51):
I mean being out there and taking this It's one
thing people that are put into disasters.
Speaker 1 (30:58):
They're not choosing it. It falls on them.
Speaker 2 (31:01):
You kind of like firefighters or first responders, choose to
be a part of disasters as a way to help others.
Speaker 1 (31:10):
One, what are you doing today?
Speaker 2 (31:12):
If people need help too, how can we help the
Dream Center to continue to do the work.
Speaker 5 (31:21):
That you do well?
Speaker 14 (31:22):
If you do need a place to stay, and obviously
you know it's a dire situation today of different people
that are being evacuated and those were evacuated in the
middle of the night last night, up up to nine
o'clock at night, and they need a place to stay.
We are still taking individuals and families that have been
evacuated from their homes. We are taking pets, dogs, cats,
(31:45):
so you're not going to be separated with your animals,
So we have space for you if you've been evacuated. Also,
if you want to come down here and drop off donations,
you can come down and drop off donations. We need towels,
we need non parish food items, you know, we need
things that are going to help these families rebuild their
lives and diapers, different things that clothes we're kind of
(32:06):
overinnodated with. And then if you want to financially support,
you can either go to KFI A M six forty
dot com backslash donate, or you can text Relief to
three three one zero zero. That texts really to three
three one zero zero. And obviously, Neil, I mean, we're
in this with with the KFI Radio, We're in this
(32:27):
with iHeartRadio. We couldn't do it without everyone involved in
I think I think we're going to be better after today.
Speaker 2 (32:34):
Well, we're proud to be partners with you and what
you're doing there, and uh, it's it's unfortunate that the
hand in hand reality is we see the best in
people when we see the worst in life, and that
is unfortunate, but it is. It would be more unfortunate
unfortunate if the Dream Center in places like that didn't
(32:55):
exist in times like this. Clint Carlton, the director of
disaster Relief for Dream Center LA. We may talk to
you again before the end of the program at five,
and we thank you for taking the time to come
on and everything that you're doing there at the Dream Center.
Speaker 14 (33:09):
Thanks Neil, keep up great work.
Speaker 5 (33:11):
I appreciate it all.
Speaker 1 (33:12):
Right, brother, thank you very very much. Again.
Speaker 2 (33:14):
That is Clint Carlton there at the Dream Center LA.
Dream Center, LA. But they serve as a resource center
and they just provide support to those affected by homelessness, hunger,
lack of education through a residential community a residential community
(33:35):
outreach programs that they have there helping with education, with
all of those things. And we're proud to be partnering
with them throughout this horrible disaster. These fires that are
going on. All right, we will continue with more fire
coverage as Amy King and I look through all that
you need to know, making sure you know road closures,
(33:57):
making sure you know the acreage that's burning, the changes,
the direction obviously is moving right now, the Palisades fire
reaching homes in Brentwood, so there are still more evacuation
areas that are growing as well.
Speaker 1 (34:13):
San Fernando Valley is threatened. It really shows you.
Speaker 2 (34:17):
One we think, wow, we are so separated in LA
but man, do you see how close we are once
it becomes a need of fire and how that fire travels.
You've been listening to the fork Report, you can always
hear us live on KFI AM six forty two to
(34:38):
five pm on Saturday and anytime on demand on the
iHeartRadio app. Hey everybody, it's Neil Savedra. Normally we'd be
doing the Forkport today, but we've switched to fire coverage.
Of course, there's just too much going on. And as
much as I'd love to bring some frivolity and food
and the like to you right now, it is just
(35:00):
that we need to focus right now. As a matter
of fact, we want to go to Supervisor Catherine Barger,
who just got done with a press conference. Welcome to
KFI supervisor.
Speaker 15 (35:16):
Thank you, thanks for having me on so my pleasure.
Speaker 1 (35:20):
I know there's a lot going on. We only have
you for a few minutes.
Speaker 2 (35:22):
One of the things that caught me during your press
conference is we are now days into this starting on
Tuesday at about ten thirty is when the winds and
the fires started there in the Palisades. The Palisades, obviously
the eat and fire is a massive over fourteen thousand acres.
(35:43):
And your mind was set as you started your press
conference about rebuilding, saying that you don't want the county,
you don't want the powers that be and the laws
therein to be an obstacle.
Speaker 1 (35:58):
What are your plans? What do you want to do
to help people rebuild?
Speaker 15 (36:05):
I want to make it. I want to streamline the process.
I recognize that there are there are areas where you know,
we've created requirements for sustainability and all for new building,
and it has added.
Speaker 5 (36:20):
A cost onto.
Speaker 3 (36:24):
The houses.
Speaker 15 (36:24):
And so I want to make sure that we put
together a plan to be part of the solution, not part.
Speaker 14 (36:32):
Of the problem.
Speaker 15 (36:33):
And that is why I brought up the departments now
but understand this. I mean, I know we're still fighting
the fires. But the one common theme I get in
the common question I get from residents who have lost
everything is when will we be able to build? When
can we begin the process. So I'm making sure that
we are doing this in parallel while we're still fighting
the fires. It's important for me to put departments on,
(36:57):
all the departments on notice that I'm not going to
tolerate any bureaucracy getting in the way.
Speaker 1 (37:04):
I think that's absolutely the right attitude.
Speaker 2 (37:05):
I think the massive nature of this and human nature
to want to get back on and to rebuild is
where you're going to find the most comfort. The headaches
go with that, the insurance, I get at that, but
there's something in us that wants to rebuild as quickly
as possible. I talked earlier when giving the numbers that
(37:27):
you're looking at the Eton fire is the same acreage
as Manhattan. So the thought of Manhattan, all of Manhattan
burning down like this, what are the next steps with
the firefight and people being able to even go see
whether their house is still standing or not.
Speaker 15 (37:50):
So so two things. Number One, Chief Roni has told
us that they're expecting wire or the wind to pick up,
so on Monday and Tuesday. So I know what I'm
being told by Chief Rone. I said, give me a
day when you think we're going to be able to
allow people to go back in and repopulate, because I
(38:11):
don't want to each day say we're going to reevaluate,
because people want to know. I'd rather have to be
Matt when they hear it than Matt each stage that
they're told they can't go back in. So he's saying
the earliest that people are going to be able to
repopulate is on Thursday. But if the winds don't don't
impact the way he's concerned they might, it could be sooner.
(38:33):
But but Thursday is what we are telling people. So
again that's that is not going to make people happy,
but that is when our fire chief lead is going
to be safe for people to go back in. And
then I don't want to say on the rebuild, you know,
I send a letter to President Trump inviting him to
come out and see the destruction and see what's going
(38:53):
on out here. When we talk about people rebuilding, you know,
I know there's an individual that paid off her home,
has no insurance and now has no home, and I
want to work with HUD to see about low interest loans.
I want to work with the VA to make sure
that those veterans that qualify get access. And so these
(39:15):
are these are things that I think that this new
administration has to be engaged.
Speaker 2 (39:19):
With us on.
Speaker 15 (39:21):
And these are there are loans that can be made available.
And then we're going to work with the banking industry
quite frankly, because the banks are going to need to
be an important, important partner for many of these individuals
who are going to need to get to get loans
to rebuild as well. So you know, I'm doing an
all hands on deck and it's and it's important for
us to work together. And so you know, I'm hoping
(39:43):
uh that the President elect will come out and and
take a look because what I tell people is especially
Altadena Pasadena area, those are the socioeconomic mix of that
community is exactly who he was talking to when he
was running for president.
Speaker 1 (39:59):
Oh, without a doubt.
Speaker 14 (40:00):
And you know this is.
Speaker 2 (40:03):
It's a gem of Los Angeles as well, because of
the age of the homes, the style of the homes,
the history of the homes, you know, the the history
of you know, the beloved Disney imagineers that would move
to Altadena because it was close and it's you can't
(40:24):
believe when you start doing history about Altadena, the beauty
and the importance of that place in the city, along
with all the places that are under siege right now
with fire.
Speaker 1 (40:36):
But it just is gonna be. And lastly, before we let.
Speaker 2 (40:41):
You go, are we're speaking with Supervisor Catherine Berger representing
the fifth super Supervisoral District the looting, which is frustrating
that we even have to think about that.
Speaker 1 (40:56):
What is being put in place to make sure that
that does not take place.
Speaker 15 (41:02):
We've got a da by the name of Nathan Hoffman
who is going to prosecute those that are arrested and convicted,
and they're going to be prosecuted at the fullest.
Speaker 10 (41:10):
Extent of law.
Speaker 15 (41:12):
So I'm putting you know, I know Luna said it.
You're not going to get site and release. You are
going to get booked and then the DA's are going
to make sure you're held accountable. These are predators. It's
despicable and that's why I sign the executive order for
the curfew between six and six am and six am,
because you don't if you don't need to be up there.
(41:32):
You shouldn't be up there, And unfortunately people that are
trying to get up there are not people from the community,
but are people that in fact want to take advantage
of the these poor people that some who have lost everything,
others who you know, who still have their home standing,
but yet they can't get in there. So it's the
(41:53):
most frustrating part of my job. But I say this
to say that finally a district attorney that recognizes the
victim is and the victims are going to be the
ones that come back to a home that's been looted.
Speaker 2 (42:05):
Well, I appreciate the tone and tenor of your press
conference today and the glimmer of hope that went with
it about rebuilding. I pray that we continue to go
down that path of focusing on to make it as
easy as possible, because we have massive scars on the
County of Los Angeles and of course southern California that
(42:27):
I think we could use some hope for. So thank
you for what you're doing, Supervisor Catherine Barger, taking some
time to come out and give some information.
Speaker 1 (42:35):
We appreciate it.
Speaker 15 (42:37):
Thank you all.
Speaker 2 (42:39):
Right, now back to fire coverage as we hear about
everything that's going on. There's press conferences throughout the day
that we will take you to of course as they happen.
Updates as fire relief efforts are of course everywhere as well.
Where you can go to get relief resource is That's
(43:00):
what we're here for today, preempting what we normally do
on the Fork Report, and we'll be back to normal
hopefully next weekend, as we may even be broadcasting live
from Marongo Casino Resort and SPA a week from today,
contingent upon the fires.
Speaker 1 (43:17):
And the like as well.
Speaker 13 (43:18):
You're listening to The Fork Report with Nil Savedra on
demand from KFI AM six forty
Hey, it's Nil Sevadre.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
You're listening to kfi EM six forty the four Report
on demand on the iHeartRadio app.
Speaker 3 (00:07):
Join the press conference. County Supervisor Katherine Barker is starting
things off.
Speaker 4 (00:12):
If not better, but there are state and county requirements
that can sometimes add an additional cost to the building process.
Speaker 5 (00:22):
My ask is that the state and the.
Speaker 4 (00:25):
County work to ensure that we rebuild safely, but we
must remove any new costly requirements not related to health
and safety, that would otherwise make it cost prohibitive for
residents to rebuild. Government mandates cannot mean the difference between
whether a community can afford to rebuild or not. We
(00:48):
need to be extremely responsive to the individual needs of thousands,
thousands of residents who are going to have to navigate
this incredibly difficult process. Our community's resilience has always been inspirational,
and it will be our guiding light as we move
forward together. I understand that many of our residents are
(01:12):
looking and thinking rebuilding is not just a priority, it
is an urgent need. I've talked to people who know
their home is gone and they want to begin today.
I will make sure that the county works quickly to
eliminate unnecessary red tape, ensuring permits are approved safely and
(01:32):
swiftly so that reconstruction can.
Speaker 5 (01:34):
Begin as soon as possible.
Speaker 4 (01:38):
Again, my priority is to ensure that government becomes a facilitator,
not an obstacle as we move toward recovery. I will
also prioritize creating one stop service centers where all relevant
departments are available in one place in real time to
answer your questions, provide god guidance, and support your rebuilding efforts.
Speaker 5 (02:03):
This will be designed with one goal to.
Speaker 4 (02:06):
Make the recovery process as seamless and supportive as possible,
and to make sure those resources are right there in
the community where you are rebuilding. We're here to help,
and we will continue to be here during every part.
Speaker 5 (02:22):
Of the process.
Speaker 4 (02:24):
With that, i'd like to bring up Los Angles County
Fire Chief Anthony Moroni.
Speaker 5 (02:29):
Thank you, Thank you, cher Barger, So good afternoon.
Speaker 6 (02:39):
The Eton fire is now estimated to be fourteen thousand,
one hundred and seventeen acres with fifteen percent containment. Over
seven thousand structures are damaged or destroyed, and two thousand,
eight hundred and thirty two firefighting personnel are assigned to
(03:00):
eaten fire. Elevated critical fire weather conditions are predicted to
begin this evening and continue through Wednesday. Moderate to locally
strong Santa Ana winds will affect Los Angeles County today
and tomorrow, and again Monday through Wednesday. The Los Angeles
(03:23):
County Fire Department will be prepared. These winds, combined with
low humidities and low fuel moistures, will keep the fire
threat in Los Angeles County high. Please understand that the
inevitable public safety power shutoffs that will be implemented prior
(03:47):
to this life threatening Santa Ana wind event are are
crucial to preventing new fire starts and that they help
save lives. Yes, they're a challenge to deal with, but
it's certainly better than having another fire start. I would
(04:09):
like to express my gratitude to the Los Angeles County
Board of Supervisors for their leadership and unwavering support of
our residents, my Fire Department personnel, and me as Fire Chief.
To our first responders battling these wildfires in the air
(04:30):
and on the ground.
Speaker 5 (04:32):
We commend you for your relentless.
Speaker 6 (04:35):
And fearless dedication in protecting residents throughout this great county
and Finally, to our Los Angeles County residents, please be
assured that we will continue to battle these wildfires until
they are fully contained. We stand alongside all of you
as we begin to plan for repopulation of evacuated areas,
(04:59):
disaster recovery, and the rebuilding of your homes and your lives.
I would now like to introduce California Inner Agency Incident
Management Team five Operations Section, Chief Don Freguglia.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
All right, and thank you, Chief.
Speaker 7 (05:20):
Okay, so quick operational update here for the eating fire
over here. As we start on the right flank in
Santa Anita Canyon, things are looking really good across the
front country here until we get to about here, and
then we're starting to still see quite a bit of heat,
quite a bit of work through here in this area.
As we come across over here into the Alta Dina area,
(05:42):
this is I want to just highlight this square box
right here is a square mile. So it's a massive,
massive area that we're talking about here. That's residential community.
It's not wildlands. It's a residence and these are people's houses.
So huge herculean task to get through all this down here.
We have a ton of work it's many days, many
weeks of work. Just wanted to highlight that a little bit.
(06:04):
As we come through by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, this
is looking good again. Cruise engaged boots on the ground
mopping up all through the National forest up here. We
continue to make really good progress up there. The weather's
in our favor. We're using air tankers, we're using helicopters,
all the tools in our toolbox to go get and
put this fire out right where you see it, right here.
Speaker 5 (06:24):
So that'll be our goals in the coming days.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
So thank you very much, thank you.
Speaker 4 (06:31):
Good talk. Now we're going to have Los Angeles County
Sheriff Commander Tanya E. Plunkett, Good afternoon.
Speaker 8 (06:43):
I'd like to take this time to update you on
the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's effort in dealing with
the Eaton Canyon fire. Currently, in response to the fire,
our staffing has increased to approximately five hundred personnel. With
then the personnel, we have active missions which include controlling
(07:03):
traffic points of approximately forty six hard closures and traffic control.
We also have roving security to deal with looting and
address those issues and when necessary, respond to welfare requests
and at the direction of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
(07:26):
As you may sorry, as you may be well aware
that last night we instituted a curfew order which went
into effect from six pm to six am and currently
excuse me, within the evacuation zones. It's important to know
(07:46):
that these zones are going to be strictly enforced, and
the reasons behind them is to enhance UH public security
and address securities I enhance public safety and address public
security concerns.
Speaker 7 (08:02):
UH.
Speaker 8 (08:02):
Within the curfew we're at we're asking everyone to stay
clear of the affected zones unless they are authorized personnel
or emergency responders. Any f one found in violation of
the curfew order will be subject to a misdemeanor crime
and subject to one thousand dollars fine. We understand that
(08:22):
this is an extremely stressful and challenging time, but we
appreciate the public's cooperation as we work together during the crisis.
Since the Eaton Canyon fire commenced, we have a total
of excuse me, nineteen arrest and of those nineteen arrests
(08:42):
for were for curfew violations.
Speaker 5 (08:45):
Last night.
Speaker 8 (08:47):
We also had a search and rescue task force that
commenced this morning and that will be until the completion
and will begin daily at six am and in at
six pm. That search and rescue team we are working
jointly with our partners from Los Angeles County Fire, Urban Rescue,
(09:08):
the Corner's Office, FEMA OEES and the use of cadaver
dogs to search for remains and reunite families. Most importantly,
these conduct excuse me, these searches will be a part
of a grid search like I mentioned, between the hours
of six a m. And six pm, due to safety
(09:30):
concerns and our inability to operate during nighttime hours. Unfortunately,
we report that we have eight deaths within the Eaton
Canyon of fire area that was affected by the fire,
and in an effort to deal with the death and
the tragedies as a result of this fire, we do have,
(09:52):
working with our partners, family assistant centers that are open
to provide information to people looking for missing family members.
In that location is the Path Pasadena Civic Center. It
will be comprised of OEM Sheriff's Deputies, LAPD, red Cross,
the Medical Examiner, and the Department of Mental Health on scene.
(10:16):
It's important to remember that if you have uh missing
family members. We have to UH personnel on scene to
take those missing persons report for UH the family members
and or friends. In closing, I'd like to mention that
we all know so many people have been impacted by
the disaster and need help. If you are in a
(10:38):
position to help and support the counties, we would appreciate that,
and please contact Emergency Network Los Angeles by visiting www
dot n LA e n LA dorg. At this time,
I'd like to introduce Los Angeles County Public Health doctor
(11:01):
Amish Mahagen.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Listening to the LA County press conference.
Speaker 9 (11:06):
Good afternoon, and my name is aniche, chief Deputy Director
of LA County Public Health. They'd like to start by
thanking the first responders for their heroic efforts and extending
our thoughts and prayers. Though all of all who have
experienced such profound loss with these fires, we in public
Health are committed to supporting those in need in the
months ahead. I'd also like to thank the county supervisors,
(11:29):
especially Ely Supervisor Barger, for their extraordinary and thoughtful support
of public Health and all our county and city partner departments. Yesterday,
a local health emergency for LA County was declared by
both Secretary Misera at the federal level and by the
county Health Officer. Recognizing the substantial risks to public health
due to the impacts of the critical fire events and
(11:51):
windstorm conditions, The South Coast Air Quality Management is issued
a smoke advisory through Saturday, January eleventh at five pm.
This advice, as you will, surely be extended. We are
all experiencing this wildfire smoke, which is a mix of
small particles, gases, and water vapors. It's those small particles
that get into our noses and throats and cause those
(12:11):
sore throats and headaches. But we must also be very
careful for those who are at higher risk for bad
health effects from wildfire's smoke, and those include children, the elderly,
those with respiratory and heart conditions, and people with immunocompromised states.
They may have worse symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, cough,
and chest pain. Everyone in the area is where there's
(12:34):
visible smoke or the smell of smoke, and even where
you don't see that, we know that the air quality
is poor, so you should limit outdoor exposure as much
as possible. Do not engage in outdoor physical activity. If
you must be outside, wear an N ninety five or
a P one hundred mask. These are high filtration masks
(12:54):
that take out those small particles that get into your body.
Keeping indoor eric as clean as possible is also important.
Keep your windows shut. If you have an air conditioning
that can pull air from the outside that can recirculate air,
you can use that. If you have a Hepa air
filter or Hepa air purifier, that will help too. All
(13:14):
of us are at risk with the poor air quality
right now, but some of us in La County are
at even greater risk. For example, if it's part of
your job to work outside, it's important that you are
an N ninety five or P one hundred masks. In
these situations, you may ask your employer for an N
ninety five, and they're required to provide it to you
free of charge. The La County Department of Public Health
(13:34):
is offering N ninety five masks through the Interim Housing Sites,
shelters and street teams to LA residents who are experiencing
homelessness and living outdoors, and to those persons who are
evacuated from where they usually live and staying in temporary shelters.
Family Assistant centers will also offer respiratory mass to residents
who are returning to fire zone areas as they clean
(13:55):
up the fire damage. The County of Los Angeles and
our partners are all working to distribute over five thousand
HAPA air purifiers to senior centers, nursing homes, and other
facilities where individuals are at the highest risk of residing
in the worst air quality. Finally, if you experience severe
symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, palpitations, nausea,
(14:18):
please contact your doctor or medical provider or go to
an urgent care. For life threatening symptoms, please call nine
one one. I want to finish by noting that we
understand this is a very difficult time for those who
are evacuated, and we have a lot of folks who
want to get back to their homes and to their neighborhoods,
but we want to ask folks not to return home
(14:40):
until you're told that it's safe to do so. There
is a lot of toxins left over after the fire,
There's a lot of smoke there, and once you are
going back, the key is to remain covered up. Make
sure you're wearing gloves. Household dishwashing gloves are okay, long sleeves,
long pants, and you should be using a nine masks.
(15:00):
The La County Department of Public Health is also offering
n ninety five masks to LA residents who are returning
to the fire zone areas as the cleanup of the
fire damage begins. Those masks are also available at the
county evacuation centers and other sites. I'm going to finish
there and happy to answer questions. Next, I'll invite City
of Pasadena Victor Gordo.
Speaker 5 (15:26):
Good afternoon, everyone.
Speaker 10 (15:28):
I just returned from visiting the devastated areas of Pasadena
and Altadena, and devastation really is the only word. I
visited with the Southern California Congressional Delegation, and I'd like
to thank them for taking the time to see firsthand
exactly what's happening in our community. While it's devastation up there,
(15:53):
I know that our community, our people in Altadena and Pasadena,
and we really are one community, is a resilient and
strong community. And I'm here to tell all of you
that the County of Los Angeles Supervisor Barger the state
of California and our congressional delegation is committed to supporting
(16:17):
as we bounce back, and we will bounce back in
Pasadena and Altadena. The resilience that we've shown in the
past disasters is proof of that. I'd also like to
thank the first responders for all of their hard work
and courage in assisting our residents. And finally, I'd like
(16:41):
to say this, if you are coming thinking of coming
to Pasadena and or Altadena for the purpose of looting,
know this, the passing Police Department and the La County
Sheriffs will be there to meet you. If you're even
thinking about it, think twice because the passing this I'm
passing a police department and the Pasadena and then the
(17:04):
La County Sheriffs will not only be there to greet you,
but you will be arrested. And so I would discourage
anyone from even thinking about coming and victimizing our residents.
Speaker 4 (17:17):
Thank you very much, thank you, And now I'd like
to introduce the CEO of Southern California Edison, Stephen D.
Speaker 1 (17:26):
Powell.
Speaker 5 (17:27):
Thank you, good afternoon.
Speaker 11 (17:31):
I'm Steve Powell, President, CEO of Southern California. Edison as
a long time entire life resident of southern California, it
has been Words can't describe how horrific it is to
see the impact on our communities. Friends, my colleagues at Edison,
even through these fires, just been terrible to see. As
(17:52):
we look forward, I first want to say thank you
to the first responders, the fire agencies that are out
there protecting the community and partnering with us.
Speaker 5 (17:59):
I'm keeping people safe.
Speaker 11 (18:01):
I want to say thank you to our crews, our
contractors as well as those that provide mutual assistance from
PGE that are out there working twenty four to seven
to bring power back on in our communities. As of
this morning, Edison still had about fifty thousand customers without power.
That's down from a peak of over half a million
just a couple of days ago. So we're making significant
(18:21):
progress on the power restoration. We've got over one hundred
and twenty crews supported by other field personnel. That's more
than thousands of people out working twenty four to seven
to bring power back on once it's safe to do so.
At the same time, there's a lot of places where
we don't have access, where there's a lot of damage
that could lead to really extended outages. As Chief Maroni mentioned,
(18:44):
we're also not through all the weather issues. We see
a big wind event coming in next week and that
could lead to more public safety power shut offs. Again,
as an electric utility, we never want to shut people's
power off, but to protect our communities when the conditions
are our merit it, we need to use it as
a tools of last resort and we will be doing that.
(19:07):
So just want to let everybody know that's been out
there without power for five days now, we've got our
crews working twenty four to seven to bring power back
on as it's safe to do, so thank you.
Speaker 5 (19:19):
Next up is a state senator.
Speaker 12 (19:20):
So you've been listening to the update of the Eaton
Canyon fire, and we are going to continue to monitor
all of the representatives that continue to come up and speak.
We'll also monitor the Q and A and we'll bring
you any new information from the fire that is in
Altadena Pasadena area, so.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
It will allow that to do its think what we've
been listening to as Supervisor Katherine Berger kind of at
the helm of the La County officials kind of giving
an update on the fire, some of the key things
we're talking about rebuilding, of course, as she said that
she wants you to be essentially a resource and not
(19:58):
an obstacle. The red tape needs to be cut and
the focus needs to be rebuilding. She pointed out that
there are those that are like, yes, I lost my house.
I want to rebuild now, and you can't blame them.
You want to get back to some normalcy as soon
as possible. We heard from the Sheriff's department and more
(20:23):
saying talking about the looting in regards to those that
would take advantage of a situation like this is just horrific.
Speaker 5 (20:33):
You know what.
Speaker 2 (20:33):
The thing that we haven't heard much amy is, and
even with this press conference or any press conference really
is we haven't heard about what may have started it.
We have the single arsonist who in regards to the Kenneth.
Speaker 1 (20:51):
Fire, who was not charged with arson by the way,
so he was not so because he didn't light anything
and was just riding around with the to.
Speaker 3 (21:01):
So what they said was that they didn't have the
evidence that they needed to charge him with arson. They
arrested him instead on a felony parole violation. So they
have them in custody or at least they did, but
that doesn't mean their investigation has stopped. Sure, as we
(21:22):
see with a lot of things, like you get charged
with something initially and then as the investigation continues, then
they may charge something later. So we'll have to wait
and see on that one. But yeah, the guy was
riding around on some sort of motorized bicycle or motorbike
with a blowtorch.
Speaker 1 (21:38):
Yeah, that was the only time we heard anybody talk
about it.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
Some have talked about the faults that were found that
were seen in the three basic big fires original fires,
and what that means is there were surges or some
sort of electrical effect that could be seen and seen
and mapped which would imp lie the possibility of something
hitting a power line in the area or the power
(22:05):
lines themselves hitting each other each other, except in.
Speaker 3 (22:08):
The Palisades area, most of the lines are underground.
Speaker 2 (22:11):
Yeah, so we heard that there were well not everywhere,
not everywhere, but not everywhere, that's true, but they're they're.
Speaker 3 (22:19):
Probably a lot less likely in the Altadena area because
that's the older neighborhood.
Speaker 2 (22:23):
Oh sure, so, and that that leads to the argument
that everybody's talking about is spending the money, getting the
money and putting the lines underground, the power lines underground.
So we haven't heard much about that. We do know
investigations are are ongoing. I feel like in other cases,
(22:43):
maybe it's the intensity and the massive amounts of fires,
meaning in multiple fires and the like, that puts information
at a you know, pretty scarce about those things, and
maybe they're just not sharing. But I feel like some
times in fires that's like one of the first thing
(23:04):
that we hear about or that they are investigating, is
what caused this. With multiple fires and the like, it
may be a little while, but the fact that there
is any possibility of human involvement there would be ridiculous,
you know. As that was the Kenneth fire, of course,
which is in the West Valley area, I believe, so.
Speaker 1 (23:24):
That one.
Speaker 2 (23:26):
Is where this guy was riding, as Amy said, a
motorized bike of some kind and had a torch. I
don't know if it's like a butane torch or something
like that.
Speaker 3 (23:36):
It was a butane style torch, little yellow canister, and
that guy was actually caught in Woodland Hills. The fire
again was in a different location, but not not very far.
If you're on at on a motorized pike, so.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
We you know, we heard about those types of things.
I will tell you that in my neighborhood. A day
before that, we got texts from friends in our neighborhood
that was saying that they had seen somebody with something
on fire that was trying to light.
Speaker 1 (24:15):
Trees or trash.
Speaker 2 (24:19):
On our street. And I'm like, that's bizarre. And then
the next day it came out that, you know, that
there was this other guy was arrested. So if we
find out that that is just somebody after the fact
when there's fires getting some kick out of lighting more
(24:39):
or something like that, it may be different. But if
it turns out that they that any of these have
been set purposely, is is going to change a lot
the attitude. Or if we find out that the electrical
companies are a part of this in some way, that'll problematic.
Speaker 1 (25:01):
There's so much that we still don't know yet.
Speaker 2 (25:04):
We do know that right now the fire is moving
north and east towards Encino. We've heard of shutdowns of
the roads there near the Getty Center, Skurball Center Drive
and the like off of the four or five freeway.
The also concern is bel Air and Brentwood as the
(25:26):
fire continues to move and grow unfortunately, no matter how
slowly it does out of the Pacific Palisades area.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
We'll be back with.
Speaker 2 (25:36):
More special fire coverage. Normally we'd be doing the Forkport.
We've switched programming today on Neil Savedra. I'll be with
you still until five.
Speaker 13 (25:44):
You're listening to the fork Report with Neil Savedra on
demand from KFI AM six forty.
Speaker 2 (25:50):
Neil Savadra in with special fire coverage today as we
preempt the fork Report and what we normally do here
on a Saturday from two to five.
Speaker 1 (25:59):
Amy King is with me as we're giving you what
you need to know.
Speaker 2 (26:02):
Most recently, Supervisor Catherine Barger was at the lead of
the La County officials press conference that we just listened
to talking a lot about the rebuilding and that red
tape should not get in the way. Of course we
all agree with that, and some talking to the Sheriff's
(26:23):
department and so on about curfews that of course will
be from six pm to six am. Looting will be
not tolerated, of course, and they're making that very very
clear this time around that things are different, thank god,
and not to mess around with that, all right, So
(26:47):
many people that we want to talk to stories that
are surrounding as well as we update you on all
the information right now. Another big concern is the fire
moving Palisades fire. Each his homes in Brentwood, San Fernando
Fernando Valley is now threatened as.
Speaker 1 (27:05):
Well, and we will keep you abreast of all of that.
Speaker 2 (27:08):
Right now, I want to speak with Clint Carlton, the
director of disaster relief for Dream Center LA. Clint, how
are you this afternoon?
Speaker 10 (27:19):
Sir?
Speaker 14 (27:20):
Hey, Neil, how are you doing this afternoon? I know
you've been doing some great coverage and we all appreciate
that in LA. And you know we're out here in
Echo Park down here at two three zero on Bellevue Avenue,
and let me paint a scene for you here where
we have volunteers, over five hundred volunteers here today. We
have a drop off location here at the Dream Center
(27:41):
where people that want to get supplies to those that
have been affected by fires can drop them off. Then
we have a place here at the Dream Center where
you can receive donations. If you need dog food, or
if you need towels, or you need just basic necessities,
we have that for you here at the Dream Center.
We have over five hundred volunteers here, we have music playing.
(28:03):
iHeartRadio has been here all day long, and we're just
providing hope and joy to people today. I think that's
what's most most important. We hope and joy and show
people there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
I think that's important today, you know.
Speaker 1 (28:18):
And that's that's my attitude to Clint.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
That's one of the reasons why I enjoy doing the
Folk Report so much is that it's something we can
all kind of take a deep breath from the heaviness
of the news people here on the station all week
and normally that's that is where I like to live.
It's hard to look at all of the destruction that's
going on, but there is, as you say, like the
(28:42):
work that you're doing there disaster relief there at the
Dream Center here in Los Angeles, and I know the
area very well where you guys are and the stuff
that you folks are doing, and being a resource center
and focusing on those in need right now giving a
little bit of joy or at least a respite from
the heaviness of what's going on. Are you concerned about
(29:05):
the air quality and things like that for people coming.
Speaker 14 (29:10):
Yeah, there's been a number of people of wearing masks around.
And the air quality, I mean, you know, it's it's awful.
I mean all on Los Angeles on a day to
day base, all about here in Los Angeles, but you
add the fires to it surrounding you know, four different
five different fires however there are now going on and
and you know, I think it's important too where we
(29:32):
you know, we show people that there's different stages of disaster,
you know, and the next week, week and a half,
we're going to be looking to go in and and
start ash outs on on individuals' houses. And that's where
we go in with the homeowner. We go in and
assess the situation of the home, make sure that they
have if they had a chimney that's been there for
(29:52):
thirty years, that it's not going to fall over. When
when we take the homeowner over to their house and
and we we begin to to help them rebuild, and
you talked about air quality, that's when the air quality
is going to be bad, and that's when you know
we're going to go in with some big mask on
and and really help these homeowners out. So you know,
we're down here just just looking to be a service
(30:15):
to these individuals, these families that need help. And a
lot of these people they're not used to this. They've
never had anything happen like this before, and so they
don't know where to start, Neil, they don't know where
to start, and so when they come in, they say,
I've lost everything, I don't know what to do now,
and so we kind of guided through that process. Obviously,
I've been in hundreds and hundred disasters all across the
(30:37):
world and we just help them rebuild.
Speaker 2 (30:41):
Now, you know you're listening to the voice of Clint
Carl Tenney's the director of disaster relief for Dream Center.
Speaker 1 (30:48):
La Clint, I mean you're doing the Lord's work, man.
Speaker 2 (30:51):
I mean being out there and taking this It's one
thing people that are put into disasters.
Speaker 1 (30:58):
They're not choosing it. It falls on them.
Speaker 2 (31:01):
You kind of like firefighters or first responders, choose to
be a part of disasters as a way to help others.
Speaker 1 (31:10):
One, what are you doing today?
Speaker 2 (31:12):
If people need help too, how can we help the
Dream Center to continue to do the work.
Speaker 5 (31:21):
That you do well?
Speaker 14 (31:22):
If you do need a place to stay, and obviously
you know it's a dire situation today of different people
that are being evacuated and those were evacuated in the
middle of the night last night, up up to nine
o'clock at night, and they need a place to stay.
We are still taking individuals and families that have been
evacuated from their homes. We are taking pets, dogs, cats,
(31:45):
so you're not going to be separated with your animals,
So we have space for you if you've been evacuated. Also,
if you want to come down here and drop off donations,
you can come down and drop off donations. We need towels,
we need non parish food items, you know, we need
things that are going to help these families rebuild their
lives and diapers, different things that clothes we're kind of
(32:06):
overinnodated with. And then if you want to financially support,
you can either go to KFI A M six forty
dot com backslash donate, or you can text Relief to
three three one zero zero. That texts really to three
three one zero zero. And obviously, Neil, I mean, we're
in this with with the KFI Radio, We're in this
(32:27):
with iHeartRadio. We couldn't do it without everyone involved in
I think I think we're going to be better after today.
Speaker 2 (32:34):
Well, we're proud to be partners with you and what
you're doing there, and uh, it's it's unfortunate that the
hand in hand reality is we see the best in
people when we see the worst in life, and that
is unfortunate, but it is. It would be more unfortunate
unfortunate if the Dream Center in places like that didn't
(32:55):
exist in times like this. Clint Carlton, the director of
disaster Relief for Dream Center LA. We may talk to
you again before the end of the program at five,
and we thank you for taking the time to come
on and everything that you're doing there at the Dream Center.
Speaker 14 (33:09):
Thanks Neil, keep up great work.
Speaker 5 (33:11):
I appreciate it all.
Speaker 1 (33:12):
Right, brother, thank you very very much. Again.
Speaker 2 (33:14):
That is Clint Carlton there at the Dream Center LA.
Dream Center, LA. But they serve as a resource center
and they just provide support to those affected by homelessness, hunger,
lack of education through a residential community a residential community
(33:35):
outreach programs that they have there helping with education, with
all of those things. And we're proud to be partnering
with them throughout this horrible disaster. These fires that are
going on. All right, we will continue with more fire
coverage as Amy King and I look through all that
you need to know, making sure you know road closures,
(33:57):
making sure you know the acreage that's burning, the changes,
the direction obviously is moving right now, the Palisades fire
reaching homes in Brentwood, so there are still more evacuation
areas that are growing as well.
Speaker 1 (34:13):
San Fernando Valley is threatened. It really shows you.
Speaker 2 (34:17):
One we think, wow, we are so separated in LA
but man, do you see how close we are once
it becomes a need of fire and how that fire travels.
You've been listening to the fork Report, you can always
hear us live on KFI AM six forty two to
(34:38):
five pm on Saturday and anytime on demand on the
iHeartRadio app. Hey everybody, it's Neil Savedra. Normally we'd be
doing the Forkport today, but we've switched to fire coverage.
Of course, there's just too much going on. And as
much as I'd love to bring some frivolity and food
and the like to you right now, it is just
(35:00):
that we need to focus right now. As a matter
of fact, we want to go to Supervisor Catherine Barger,
who just got done with a press conference. Welcome to
KFI supervisor.
Speaker 15 (35:16):
Thank you, thanks for having me on so my pleasure.
Speaker 1 (35:20):
I know there's a lot going on. We only have
you for a few minutes.
Speaker 2 (35:22):
One of the things that caught me during your press
conference is we are now days into this starting on
Tuesday at about ten thirty is when the winds and
the fires started there in the Palisades. The Palisades, obviously
the eat and fire is a massive over fourteen thousand acres.
(35:43):
And your mind was set as you started your press
conference about rebuilding, saying that you don't want the county,
you don't want the powers that be and the laws
therein to be an obstacle.
Speaker 1 (35:58):
What are your plans? What do you want to do
to help people rebuild?
Speaker 15 (36:05):
I want to make it. I want to streamline the process.
I recognize that there are there are areas where you know,
we've created requirements for sustainability and all for new building,
and it has added.
Speaker 5 (36:20):
A cost onto.
Speaker 3 (36:24):
The houses.
Speaker 15 (36:24):
And so I want to make sure that we put
together a plan to be part of the solution, not part.
Speaker 14 (36:32):
Of the problem.
Speaker 15 (36:33):
And that is why I brought up the departments now
but understand this. I mean, I know we're still fighting
the fires. But the one common theme I get in
the common question I get from residents who have lost
everything is when will we be able to build? When
can we begin the process. So I'm making sure that
we are doing this in parallel while we're still fighting
the fires. It's important for me to put departments on,
(36:57):
all the departments on notice that I'm not going to
tolerate any bureaucracy getting in the way.
Speaker 1 (37:04):
I think that's absolutely the right attitude.
Speaker 2 (37:05):
I think the massive nature of this and human nature
to want to get back on and to rebuild is
where you're going to find the most comfort. The headaches
go with that, the insurance, I get at that, but
there's something in us that wants to rebuild as quickly
as possible. I talked earlier when giving the numbers that
(37:27):
you're looking at the Eton fire is the same acreage
as Manhattan. So the thought of Manhattan, all of Manhattan
burning down like this, what are the next steps with
the firefight and people being able to even go see
whether their house is still standing or not.
Speaker 15 (37:50):
So so two things. Number One, Chief Roni has told
us that they're expecting wire or the wind to pick up,
so on Monday and Tuesday. So I know what I'm
being told by Chief Rone. I said, give me a
day when you think we're going to be able to
allow people to go back in and repopulate, because I
(38:11):
don't want to each day say we're going to reevaluate,
because people want to know. I'd rather have to be
Matt when they hear it than Matt each stage that
they're told they can't go back in. So he's saying
the earliest that people are going to be able to
repopulate is on Thursday. But if the winds don't don't
impact the way he's concerned they might, it could be sooner.
(38:33):
But but Thursday is what we are telling people. So
again that's that is not going to make people happy,
but that is when our fire chief lead is going
to be safe for people to go back in. And
then I don't want to say on the rebuild, you know,
I send a letter to President Trump inviting him to
come out and see the destruction and see what's going
(38:53):
on out here. When we talk about people rebuilding, you know,
I know there's an individual that paid off her home,
has no insurance and now has no home, and I
want to work with HUD to see about low interest loans.
I want to work with the VA to make sure
that those veterans that qualify get access. And so these
(39:15):
are these are things that I think that this new
administration has to be engaged.
Speaker 2 (39:19):
With us on.
Speaker 15 (39:21):
And these are there are loans that can be made available.
And then we're going to work with the banking industry
quite frankly, because the banks are going to need to
be an important, important partner for many of these individuals
who are going to need to get to get loans
to rebuild as well. So you know, I'm doing an
all hands on deck and it's and it's important for
us to work together. And so you know, I'm hoping
(39:43):
uh that the President elect will come out and and
take a look because what I tell people is especially
Altadena Pasadena area, those are the socioeconomic mix of that
community is exactly who he was talking to when he
was running for president.
Speaker 1 (39:59):
Oh, without a doubt.
Speaker 14 (40:00):
And you know this is.
Speaker 2 (40:03):
It's a gem of Los Angeles as well, because of
the age of the homes, the style of the homes,
the history of the homes, you know, the the history
of you know, the beloved Disney imagineers that would move
to Altadena because it was close and it's you can't
(40:24):
believe when you start doing history about Altadena, the beauty
and the importance of that place in the city, along
with all the places that are under siege right now
with fire.
Speaker 1 (40:36):
But it just is gonna be. And lastly, before we let.
Speaker 2 (40:41):
You go, are we're speaking with Supervisor Catherine Berger representing
the fifth super Supervisoral District the looting, which is frustrating
that we even have to think about that.
Speaker 1 (40:56):
What is being put in place to make sure that
that does not take place.
Speaker 15 (41:02):
We've got a da by the name of Nathan Hoffman
who is going to prosecute those that are arrested and convicted,
and they're going to be prosecuted at the fullest.
Speaker 10 (41:10):
Extent of law.
Speaker 15 (41:12):
So I'm putting you know, I know Luna said it.
You're not going to get site and release. You are
going to get booked and then the DA's are going
to make sure you're held accountable. These are predators. It's
despicable and that's why I sign the executive order for
the curfew between six and six am and six am,
because you don't if you don't need to be up there.
(41:32):
You shouldn't be up there, And unfortunately people that are
trying to get up there are not people from the community,
but are people that in fact want to take advantage
of the these poor people that some who have lost everything,
others who you know, who still have their home standing,
but yet they can't get in there. So it's the
(41:53):
most frustrating part of my job. But I say this
to say that finally a district attorney that recognizes the
victim is and the victims are going to be the
ones that come back to a home that's been looted.
Speaker 2 (42:05):
Well, I appreciate the tone and tenor of your press
conference today and the glimmer of hope that went with
it about rebuilding. I pray that we continue to go
down that path of focusing on to make it as
easy as possible, because we have massive scars on the
County of Los Angeles and of course southern California that
(42:27):
I think we could use some hope for. So thank
you for what you're doing, Supervisor Catherine Barger, taking some
time to come out and give some information.
Speaker 1 (42:35):
We appreciate it.
Speaker 15 (42:37):
Thank you all.
Speaker 2 (42:39):
Right, now back to fire coverage as we hear about
everything that's going on. There's press conferences throughout the day
that we will take you to of course as they happen.
Updates as fire relief efforts are of course everywhere as well.
Where you can go to get relief resource is That's
(43:00):
what we're here for today, preempting what we normally do
on the Fork Report, and we'll be back to normal
hopefully next weekend, as we may even be broadcasting live
from Marongo Casino Resort and SPA a week from today,
contingent upon the fires.
Speaker 1 (43:17):
And the like as well.
Speaker 13 (43:18):
You're listening to The Fork Report with Nil Savedra on
demand from KFI AM six forty
The Fork Report w Neil Saavedra News
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