Wildfire Updates

As wildfires continue to impact our communities, LAist, PBS SoCal, KCRW, and CalMatters have come together to deliver free, reliable local news and updates. Daily to start. Less frequent as conditions improve.

Wildfire Updates is a new newsletter from LAist, PBS SoCal, KCRW and CalMatters that helps Southern Californians make sense of our catastrophic wildfires.

LAist’s Wildfire Coverage

Climate & Environment

Get prepared: Red flag warning means Southern California is facing a serious wildfire threat

A red flag warning has been issued for mountainous areas of Southern California, including in L.A., Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.
Civics & Democracy

Ousted LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley files claim saying she was defamed and thrown under the bus by Bass after January fires

Crowley filed the claim Wednesday alleging she was defamed and retaliated against after speaking up about the department's operating budget.
Climate & Environment

Missing deadline to clear fire debris may get pricey for scores of LA property owners

Declaring the lots a public nuisance allows the county to remove ash and rubble while charging owners for the work.
Education

Toxic soil lingers at Pasadena Unified schools — and removal hasn't started at many

The district said it continues to work on a plan with other agencies for safe remediation efforts
Housing & Homelessness

Seven months after LA fires, landlords will be ordered to clean smoke-damaged Altadena homes

After renters sued over alleged lack of enforcement, L.A. County has now clarified tenant rights and landlord responsibilities in smoke-damaged homes.
Housing & Homelessness

Illegal price gouging is rampant after disasters. Can it be stopped?

Rents jumped 20% after this year’s Los Angeles wildfires, forcing displaced residents to scramble for housing in an already-tough market.

Hey, LA listener!

Wildfire Updates