To Donate to: fallbrookvfw.org/
Like many of you in Southern California and around the country, the historic fires in Los Angeles this week have been on my mind and in my heart. As many of you know, I’m a very active Realtor® based in North San Diego County who works throughout many counties in Southern California, and these fires have hit way too close to home.
We have been on high alert in our area all week, with threats of our electricity being shut off to prevent the risk of fires starting and then this morning, we had a small fire pop up near our local high school and thankfully, our firefighters knocked it down before it could spread too far. For this reason, I decided to shoot this video.
I have friends, clients, and colleagues who have been affected, displaced, or have tragically lost everything. I haven’t said much about these fires until now because, honestly, I’ve been in a bit of shock and have had my head mostly on a swivel and been preparing for the chance of evacuation.
Not only am I a Realtor®, but I am also the Commander of our local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1924, here in Fallbrook, CA. We have veterans everywhere in these areas and have started accepting monetary and essential donations that we will get to Los Angeles where we are supporting those affected and the first responders. Reach out to me if you need more information or read the information contained with this video.
------ To Donate to: fallbrookvfw.org/
Wildfires don’t usually blaze at this time of year, but specific ingredients have come together to defy the calendar in a fast and deadly manner. Supersized Santa Ana winds are whipping flames and embers at speeds of up to 100 mph - much faster than normal.
Summer fires are usually larger, but they don’t burn nearly as fast. Winter fires, however, “are much more destructive because they happen much more quickly,” according to experts.
Combined with the return of extreme drought, weather whiplash from earlier downpours that grew excess vegetation. With record high temperatures drying it out into easy-to-burn fuel, conditions are perfect for disaster.
Add to this a plunging jet stream, power lines flapping in those powerful gusts, experts say this is a perfect storm for these historic wildfires.
Los Angeles County Wildfires Update As of today, January 10, 2025, multiple wildfires continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with over 35,000 acres affected and minimal containment reported for several major fires.
Major Incident Updates (1/10/2025)
#PalisadesFire
* Pacific Palisades and Topanga (LA County)
* 20,438 acres, 8% contained
* 5,316 structures likely damaged and destroyed
* Likely the 3rd Most Destructive Fire in State History
#EatonFire
* North Pasadena and Altadena (LA County)
* 13,690 acres, 3% contained
* 5,000+ structures likely damaged and destroyed
* Likely the 4th Most Destructive Fire in State History
#KennethFire
* West Hills Area (LA & Ventura County)
* 1,000 acres, 35% contained
* Forward spread stopped
#LidiaFire
* Soledad Canyon (LA County)
* 395 acres, 75% contained
* Forward spread stopped
#HurstFire
* Stetson Ranch Park (LA County)
* 771 acres. 37% contained
* 2 structures likely damaged and destroyed
#SunsetFire
* Runyon Canyon (LA County)
* 43 acres, 100% contained
Impact:
· Evacuations: Over 200,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate, with more than 166,000 under evacuation warnings.
· Damage: The fires have destroyed over 10,000 structures, with the total area burned equivalent to twice the size of Manhattan.
· Casualties: At least 10 fatalities have been reported, with the death toll expected to rise.
Current Conditions:
· Weather: Hazy sun with a high fire threat due to gusty winds and low humidity.
· Air Quality: Smoke from area fires has reduced air quality to hazardous levels.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted during this devastating time. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our first responders and military personnel who put their lives on the line daily to protect us.
Please stay safe and follow official guidance from your local authorities.
It’s also a reminder for all of us to be prepared. Make sure you have an evacuation plan in place, keep essential documents and emergency supplies ready, and stay informed about fire risks in your area. Taking these steps now can save lives if you ever need to evacuate.
God bless!
To Donate to: fallbrookvfw.org/