How to prepare for a possible evacuation from wildfires
If you’ve been told to evacuate, officials advise you do so immediately — don’t wait.
If not, a small amount of preparation can make a huge difference in the event that things change. And, again, don’t wait to be ordered to evacuate if you feel you’re at risk.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also known as Cal Fire, says residents should plan on a place to meet other members of their household, know who to call and how to safely flee in the event that you’re forced to evacuate. Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stress that everyone in your household should be in agreement on a single plan.
Read the full story on how to prepare and what to pack in your "go-bag."
Watch: California neighbors work to stop flames spreading between homes
KNBC reporter Michelle Valles spots a group of neighbors in Altadena, California, working to stop flames spreading between homes as they wait for fire crews to arrive.
Woodley Fire spans 30 acres
The Woodley Fire that erupted in the San Fernando Valley around 6 a.m. stands at 30 acres.
It was initially reported to be 75 acres, but that number was revised after monitoring.
“Firefighters are still working diligently to contain the fire and protect structures in the affected area,” a 9 a.m. local time (12 p.m. ET) Cal Fire update said.
‘Apocalyptic’: Devastating scenes from Malibu amid massive wildfires
NBC News’ Liz Kreutz reports from Malibu on the devastation created by the out-of-control wildfires that are destroying parts of Southern California.
VP Harris says she is ‘praying for the first responders’
In a statement this morning, Vice President Harris said she has been briefed on the fires and is urging residents to listen to local officials.
“Doug and I are praying for our fellow Californians who have evacuated, and we are thinking of the families whose homes, businesses, and schools remain in harm’s way. We are deeply grateful for the heroic first responders who are risking their own safety to fight the flames and help keep communities safe,” she wrote.
Her press secretary, Ernesto Apreza, also confirmed in a statement that Harris’ home has been evacuated and no one was home at the time.
Fire official to Southern California residents: ‘Be prepared’
Public information officer for Cal Fire David Acuña joins José Díaz-Balart to explain the latest on the efforts to fight the wildfires and what residents could do to stay safe.
Gov. Newsom deploys California National Guard to assist in fire response
Gov. Gavin Newsom has deployed the California National Guard to assist in responding to the fires in Palisades, Eaton and Hurst.
The California National Guard and Cal Fire “have a unique partnership unlike any other state — skilled, trained personnel with vast wildfire fighting experience,” Newsom’s press office wrote in a post on X.
Guard members will join the “1,400+ boots already on the ground.”