With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
Better weather helps firefighters contain La Tuna Fire
One of the largest wildfires in Los Angeles history is now 70 percent contained, Los Angeles City Fire spokesman Capt. Erik Scott said at a press conference Tuesday morning.
An increase in hand crews and cooler weather helped firefighters beat back the La Tuna fire yesterday, when containment was only at 30 percent. Fueled by record-breaking heat, the fire has blazed through more than 7,000 acres since it broke out on Sept. 1.
https://twitter.com/LAFD/status/905089974009192450
All evacuations have been lifted in Los Angeles, Glendale and Burbank, and the 210 Freeway remains open, but Scott warned drivers to use caution, as there are still firefighters in the area.
There have been eight injuries reported since the fire began: Five from heat, a minor burn, an allergy-related incident and an eye injury.
Four roads are limited to residents with valid identification: Sunland / Tuxford, La Tuna / Honolulu, Foothill / Kagel Canyon and Foothill / Osborne.
Scott said that the remaining 30 percent may be difficult to stamp out, as windier conditions can kick up embers and start spot fires.
“There are some very challenging areas in rugged remote terrain with vegetation that hasn’t burned in 70 years,” Scott said. “It’s a down and dirty job that’s being done right now.”
On Friday, when the fire broke out, temperatures reached 107. It stayed hot Saturday with temperatures topping 100. Temperatures barely dipped at night over the weekend. But Monday, a high of 86 with an overnight low of 69 was forecasted.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
This story has been updated.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
-
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails.
-
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight.
-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious.
-
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
-
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.