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.
Morning Briefing: Wildfires Break Out Amid Extreme Santa Ana Winds
Orange County fire fighter John Nelson looks for hot spots (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
()
Good morning, L.A.
Two firefighters were critically injured Monday with second- and third-degree burns as dangerously strong Santa Ana winds spread the Silverado Fire quickly through parts of Irvine.
The blaze broke out Monday morning, and promptly resulted in the evacuation of 90,000 residents. It originated near Santiago Canyon Road and Silverado Canyon Road, and had burned 7,000 acres by Monday evening. Officials reported sending 500 firefighters to the area.
A red flag warning had already been issued in the region, meaning that the weather could cause extreme fire behavior. As a preventive measure, Southern California Edison cut power to 21,000 customers in the foothills of San Bernardino County as well as parts of Sylmar, Santa Clarita, Orange County and more.
Support for LAist comes from
Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today, and stay safe out there.
Coming Up Today, October 27
What’s it like to be on the front lines of a wildfire, waiting for the worst? This time last year, Jacob Margolis decided to find out. At Station 89 in Agoura Hills, Strike Team 1103 Alpha was hunkered down, ready to jump into action.
The LAPD Chief, the Inspector General and the Police Commission will discuss the Inspector General's report on racial disparities in local traffic stops. Robert Garrova brings us up to speed.
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors are expected to ask staff to research ways to impeach or otherwise remove Sheriff Alex Villanueva, as well as how to move from an elected to an appointed sheriff. Frank Stoltze will be following the story.
Support for LAist comes from
Never miss an LAist story. Sign up for our daily newsletters.
The Past 24 Hours In LA
Wildfires: The Silverado Fire is being driven by fierce Santa Ana winds and spread to 7,000 acres in just a few hours. The same area of Orange County that’s burning in the Silverado Fire also burned 13 years ago in what was described as one of the county's "most disastrous" wildfires in decades.
Policing The Police: Use-of-force experts have differing opinions about the fatal shooting of Anthony McClain by a Pasadena police officer.
Coronavirus Updates: COVID-19 and hospitalizations are on the increase among 12-to-17 year-olds. A local judge expressed disappointment that L.A.’s economic situation had gotten so bad that landlords and tenants were battling over the question of rent forgiveness in court.
Support for LAist comes from
Election 2020: In a North L.A. County race, Republican Mike Garcia is trying to hold onto the seat he won earlier this year in a special election against Democrat Christy Smith after Katie Hill resigned.
Here’s What To Do: Drive through the Upside Down at the Stranger Things experience, learn about the relocation of L.A.'s original Chinatown, explore how various cultures treat death and mourning, and more in this week’s best online and IRL events. Ofrendas, catrinas, mezcal mummies, and more ways to celebrate and explore the religious and cultural traditions of Day of the Dead.
Photo Of The Day
Firefighters work as the Silverado Fire moves toward a home in Irvine.
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
()
Support for LAist comes from
Help Us Cover Your Community
- Got something you’ve always wanted to know about Southern California and the people who call it home? Is there an issue you want us to cover? Ask us anything.
- Have a tip about news on which we should dig deeper? Let us know.
The news cycle moves fast. Some stories don't pan out. Others get added. Consider this today's first draft, and check LAist.com for updates on these stories and more. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Get our daily newsletters for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
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.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases. -
Distrito Catorce’s Guillermo Piñon says the team no longer reflects his community. A new mural will honor local leaders instead. -
The program is for customers in communities that may not be able to afford turf removal or water-saving upgrades. -
More than half of sales through September have been to corporate developers. Grassroots community efforts continue to work to combat the trend.
Best of LAist