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.
Skirball Fire reaches 50 percent containment as residents head home
Firefighters work to save burning houses along Linda Flora Drive during the Skirball Fire in Los Angeles, California, Dec. 6, 2017.
(
KYLE GRILLOT/AFP/Getty Images
)
Updated 6:07 p.m.
Evacuations | School closures | Ask us your questions!
The Skirball Fire in the Bel Air area held at 475 acres burned in a late Friday update, but jumped from 30 to 50 percent containment, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Some evacuations remain in effect, with officials saying that they will be re-evaluated on Saturday.
Sponsored message
Six structures have been destroyed, and 12 have been damaged, according to LAFD. Two firefighters received minor injuries.
The Skirball Fire broke out Wednesday along the 405 Freeway at Mulholland Drive shortly before 5 a.m., threatening homes and prompting evacuation orders for thousands of people in a 3.2 mile area across the freeway from the Getty Center.
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas said that for the first time, the fire department used drones to assess property and to use infrared technology to detect hotspots for firefighters to target.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcav1UGlWQ6/
Many residents who had been evacuated were allowed to return to their homes Thursday night.
https://twitter.com/k8hutton/status/939193075884204032
EVACUATIONS
City officials created an interactive map with evacuation, shelter, and school closure information for the Skirball and Creek fires.
Sponsored message
These streets are still under mandatory evacuation orders:
- Linda Flora Drive north of the 1000 block remains closed
- Linda Flora Drive south of 1894 Linda Flora Dr. remains closed
- Moraga Drive north of the security gate entrance remains closed
This street is open to residents only:
- Casiano Road south of Stephen S. Wise Drive (Stephen S. Wise Temple has NO access restriction)
These streets have been opened with no access restriction:
- Bellagio and Casiano roads from Moraga Drive northbound
KPCC created a map of the fire's perimeter, using information from fire officials:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1mTkCDHJqBbKGBObBeDz6M_JvDeIeioN3
SCHOOL CLOSURES
Los Angeles Unified School District is keeping a list of area schools that have been closed in response to the wildfires.
Sponsored message
The district pointed to a list of recreation centers throughout the city that will have extended hours and activities for students.
https://twitter.com/LASchools/status/938974195467218944
The district will also provide meals for students who need them on Friday and Saturday, between 11:30 and 3 p.m.
Those meals will be available at the following schools, according to LAUSD :
- Byrd Middle School (8501 Arleta Ave., Sun Valley)
- Reseda High School (18230 Kittridge St., Reseda)
- Palms Middle School (10860 Woodbine St., Los Angeles)
UCLA has returned to normal operations, according to a press release.
https://twitter.com/UCLAnewsroom/status/939183335175200768
ASK US YOUR QUESTIONS
KPCC journalists are covering the fires burning across Southern California and are working hard to answer community members' questions. Let us know what you need to know below.
Sponsored message
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.
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.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
